The International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF) biennial Conference will begin next weekend in Tokyo, Japan, the ITBF announced on Friday.
Lasting from May 18-23 and hosted by the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association (JBBA), the Conference will welcome roughly 70 delegates from 20 countries, plus organisations EFTBA and OSAF, as well as representatives from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Significant breeding and racing industry issues will be raised during the general meeting, and reports given on ITBF's proactivity within both breeding and the wider Thoroughbred industries. There is also a veterinary conference, with one of the themes 'Biological Integrity of Thoroughbred Racehorses and Its Regulatory Challenges', presented by Dr. Teruaki Tozaki of the Japanese Racing Association (JRA).
Delegates will be taken on a trip to Hokkaido to visit top stud farms, including Shadai Stallion Station, the Darley Japan Stallion Complex, and Shizunai Stallion Station. There will also be tours of the JRA Hidaka Training Farm and the Bloodhorse Training Centre. In addition, Tokyo's premier race meetings, the Japanese Oaks to begin the week, and the Japanese Derby after the meetings have ended, are also available to attend.
ITBF chairman, Kirsten Rausing said, “The ITBF much looks forward to its Conference in Japan. The location of our meeting is topical and relevant, as it highlights Japan's pivotal role in the contemporary Thoroughbred industry. The success of Japanese breeding and racing is a marvellous example to us all.”
For more information on the conference, please visit the ITBF website.
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