IFAR conference

SAPPORO, Japan -- "Wherever you are, the important thing is that aftercare is recognised as a shared responsibility for owners, breeders, participants and the authorities." So said Michael Owen, the keynote speaker at the eighth annual conference of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR). The words of the former England footballer underlined the message that has been at the forefront of IFAR since its inception in 2016 under the drive of the charitable wing of Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum's Godolphin operation. Its formation has brought about a...

The third session of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses' (IFAR) virtual conference series concluded Tuesday following speeches on the various paths for Thoroughbreds in different countries at the conclusion of their racing careers. This session was the third in a series of four webinars that compose the 2021 IFAR Conference. The webinar, "Global Insights on Aftercare (Aftercare Providers, Equine Charities)," was moderated by Donna Brothers, who is part of the horse racing coverage team for NBC Sports in the United States. The list of speakers consisted of...

The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) continued its 2021 virtual series Tuesday with presentations on aftercare perspectives from racing administrators and regulators representing Australia, New Zealand, the U.K.. and the U.S. This session is the second in a series of four webinars that comprise the 2021 IFAR Conference. Tuesday's session was moderated by Australia-based broadcaster Caroline Searcy, and the panelist group consisted of Aidan Butler, chief operating officer, 1/ST Racing and president, 1/ST Content (U.S.); Martin Burns, general manager, Welfare & Sustainability, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing; Simon...