International Federation of Horseracing Authorities

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology took place at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada June 12-14. The Summit was attended by approximately 90 international research scientists, clinicians, veterinarians and racing regulators from at least 13 countries. "The Summit has been a major achievement for the Federation and our ongoing commitment to improving equine safety and welfare," said IFHA Executive Council Member Jim Lawson, who delivered the Summit's closing remarks. "Scientific research and technology are cornerstones of the IFHA's efforts to protect our...

Following his impressive victory in the G1 Derby, City Of Troy (Justify) now sits alongside Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in joint-second position after the fourth edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2024 were released on Thursday. City Of Troy earned his rating of 123 when defeating Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) by two and three-quarter lengths at Epsom, fully confirming the promise he showed when unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old. G1 Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (Into Mischief) still tops the rankings with...

The International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF) has concluded its biennial Conference, this year hosted by the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association (JBBA) over five days. The 70 ITBF delegates from 21 of the 27 member countries first attended the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) in Tokyo, before being flown to Hokkaido for a two-day tour. An array of world-class stallions were shown at Shadai Stallion Station, Darley Japan and JBBA Shizunai Stallion Station, as well as the exceptional facilities at the JRA's Hikada Training and Research Centre. The attendees later returned...

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...

Godolphin's undefeated G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) has joined the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings in a joint-third at a mark of 121 after his Newmarket score, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities announced on Thursday. Juddmonte's G1 Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (Into Mischief) leads the table at 128, with fellow Godolphin colourbearer and G1 Dubai Sheema Classic hero Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) second at 123. Sharing third with the Guineas winner are National Treasure (Quality Road) and Senor Buscador (Mineshaft). Nine...

The government of Japan conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, gold rays with neck ribbon, on the Hong Kong Jockey Club's CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges on Apr. 29, the HKJC announced on Tuesday. He received the award in recognition for his contributions in promoting the international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding. The Order of the Rising Sun dates back to 1875 and is awarded to people who have rendered meritorious service to Japan. Engelbrecht-Bresges said, "I would like to dedicate this decoration to the International Federation of...

International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' advisor Dr. Roland Devolz has died at the age of 83, France Galop announced on Wednesday. A veterinarian, he joined the Societe d'Encouragement pour l'Amelioration des Races de Chevaux de Courses in the early 1970s when recruited by Jean Romanet. Besides working for the Societe d'Encouragement, he was invaluable in the implementation of a modernized anti-doping control through the creation of the horse racing laboratory, based on the approach initiated by Dr. Yves Bonnaire. Also one of the greatest experts of the Stud Book, Devolz...

A new equine anti-doping and medication control initiative was announced by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Thursday. The initiative underpins their commitment to the regulation of medicine use and zero tolerance of doping in horse racing on both sides of the Irish Sea. The IHRB and BHA are now formally conducting joint out-of-competition-testing operations across both jurisdictions. These inspections started this week with almost 250 samples taken from more than 120 horses that are entered for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in an...

A memorandum of agreement, with an eye toward improving the Thoroughbred industry through collaboration, has been signed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF), the two organisations announced on Thursday. The global leaders for Thoroughbred racing and breeding will work together on matters of mutual interest which impact the breeding industry. Through a dedicated working party of senior officials that represents members' interests from around the world, the two federations will meet regularly to discuss ideas, share information, provide expert advice, and...

The first edition of the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) since the Covid-19 pandemic began was held at Auteuil Racecourse in Paris on Thursday, Sept. 28. Topics of the conference featured presentations and panels on concussions, spinal injuries, and mental health and psychological fitness before concluding with recently retired third-generation jockey Tom Scudamore providing his reflections on the conference. Tom Stanley served as moderator. The conference began with a presentation on management of concussion by Dr. Jerry Hill, Chief Medical Adviser, British Horseracing Authority...

The in-person 2022 Longines World Racing Awards will be held at Banqueting House in London, England on Jan. 17, 2023, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) announced on Friday. The 10th edition of the ceremony will honour the highest-rated horses in the 2022 Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings as well as the Longines World's Best Horse Race. Connections of the winners will receive Longines timepieces. The Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings are established by international handicappers according to the performance of the horses in top races. The highest-rated race...

The 56th International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Conference was held Monday in Paris and the focus was on key challenges and opportunities, including the issues of integrity and fan engagement, facing the industry around the globe. "Integrity lies at the foundation of our sport and must inform every decision that we make," said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. "The pandemic has inherently changed the way that fans and punters enjoy and participate in horse racing. A good digital customer experience is key, and the general trend of digital evolution further...