“The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” was bestowed upon the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) chair, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, by the Government of Japan at a Conferment Ceremony hosted by Ambassador Okada Kenichi, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong on Tuesday, July 2.
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges is the second-ever non-Japanese racing figure to be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, following Mr Louis Romanet, IFHA chair emeritus, who received the same award in 2010.
The Conferment published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on April 29 highlighted that the decoration is in recognition of his contribution to promoting the international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding.
Engelbrecht-Bresges said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this honour as a recognition of my contributions to the Japanese racing and breeding industry.
“The strength and continued development of the Japanese industry has been extremely rewarding not only for Japan, but also for the global equine sport and breeding industry.”
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