By Daithi Harvey
A report on the renovation of two of Europe's most iconic racecourses will form a major part of the agenda for the 51st International Conference of Horseracing Authorities which takes place in Paris Oct. 2. Presentations on redeveloping Longchamp and The Curragh will be the main features of this year's conference and Brian Kavanagh, the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland and a vice-chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, along with Derek McGrath, the CEO of The Curragh Racecourse, will update attendees on the Irish redesign. Olivier Delloye, the chief executive of France Galop and Fabrice Favetto Bon, the marketing director of France Galop, will present on Longchamp where renovations are at an advanced stage with racing set to resume there next April.
The conference will also feature a progress report on relations between the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC)—which is comprised of the IFHA and FEI—and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); a presentation on the Asian Racing Conference in Soul next May; an update on the progression and implementation of the Reference Labs Strategy and an update on the International Forum for the Aftercare of Horses as well as a panel discussion on racehorse aftercare, which will be led by IFHA Vice-Chairman Jim Gagliano.
Conference attendees will certainly be kept on their toes as there will also be sessions led by the IFHA's other two vice-chairmen. Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges will lead panels on “International Strategy: Transitioning from a local to a global market,” while Brian Kavanagh will oversee discussions on “Challenges facing the European Breeding and Racing Industry.”
IFHA Chairman Louis Romanet will lead the conference and he commented, “Every year, it is a privilege to host so many horseracing executives from around the world, with nearly 50 countries scheduled to be represented. The sport as a whole benefits when ideas, successes and issues can be shared and discussed.”
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