IFHA Announces Key Racing Integrity Developments

Over 150 delegates from 40 different countries heard from key integrity leaders in racing and other major sports at the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

Held in France at Saint-Cloud Racecourse, the 2024 conference was focused on upholding racing integrity, a key strategic point of the IFHA, and the overall programme examined items of key integrity threats and lessons from previous cases to determine how racing can utilise the most current approaches and techniques to protect the sport.

Among keynote speakers was Justice Frank Clarke, the director of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and former Chief Justice of Ireland, who spoke on the need for robust systems that protect against legal challenges. He also highlighted the vital importance of his “three pillars” of racing integrity–up-to-date rules, sound processes, and independent decision-makers.

Other noteworthy developments announced during the conference included the transition of the ARF Council to the IFHA as well as the official release of the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook. Brian Kavanagh, the IFHA's Vice-Chair, was also honoured upon the announcement of his retirement from the organisation.

A replay of the live stream and presentations will be available in the coming days.

“Integrity is the foundation on which our sport is built and therefore protecting integrity is essential for the credibility and popularity of our sport,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who delivered the Conference's opening and closing remarks.

“We have to provide a level-playing field so that our participants feel comfortable to compete. Without the highest standards of integrity, our sport loses the trust and confidence of our customers and other key stakeholders, which then places the existence of our industry at stake. With recent events showing how pervasive integrity threats are nowadays, racing must continue to lead the way in protecting sports integrity.”