The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations (EFTBA) held its 2024 AGM in Chantilly, France over the weekend of the G1 Prix de Diane Longines, which celebrated the 175th running of the prestigious race and was hosted by the Fédération des Eleveurs du Galop (French TBA).
Over the weekend of the AGM, the French TBA, together with France Galop, hosted a series of visits for delegates which included the training gallops and the training yards of Gavin Hernon and Henri-François Devin, as well as Château de Chantilly and the Musée Condé (Condé Museum).
The Delegation Dinner took place on Saturday, June 15, on the eve of the AGM. Both Eric Hoyeau, Arqana senior advisor, and Henri Pouret, France Galop's CEO, addressed the delegation. Hoyeau spoke about the success of Arqana and the role it plays in Europe's thoroughbred sales, while Henri Pouret gave an update on the importance of French racing and the work and future plans for France Galop.
The AGM saw European thoroughbred breeding nations and key industry stakeholders coming together to discuss the current status of the European thoroughbred industry. A series of issues which have the potential to seriously threaten European thoroughbred breeding were discussed, including EVA Control Measures, Rotavirus B and the EU's proposed Animal Welfare in Transport Regulations.
Commenting on the AGM, chairman Joe Hernon said, “The EFTBA will continue to combat against the serious threats facing Europe's thoroughbred breeding industry, our fellow breeders and their livelihoods, while ensuring equine welfare is at the centre of all our actions and decisions.
“In light of the ever-impinging SLO [Social License to Operate], it is essential we have worldwide industry collaboration and communication to further enhance equine welfare initiatives. Despite such challenges we can rightly take pride in our industry, which for us all is a wonderful and rewarding way of life. It is in this vein we will continue to be the guardian of the thoroughbred and strive to make it current and acceptable in today's world.”
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