International Federation of Horseracing Authorities

Henri Pouret has been named as the next chairman of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) and he will begin his duties on June 1, 2025. An election was held at the EMHF's executive council meeting in Morocco last week to determine Brian Kavanagh's successor. Kavanagh has served in the role since the inception of the EMHF in 2010. Pouret is currently the chief operating officer and deputy chief executive officer of France Galop. He is also the vice-chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Pouret said,...

The presentations and video replay from the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, which took place at Saint-Cloud Racecourse on Monday, October 7, can now be found here on the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) website. The 2024 conference 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. Over 150 delegates from 40 different countries...

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges was re-elected as chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) by the IFHA Executive Council during the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris, France. Jim Gagliano, Masayuki Goto and Horacio Esposito were also re-elected as vice-chairs, with Henri Pouret a new vice-chair. He fills a vacancy created when Brian Kavanagh stepped down. Engelbrecht-Bresges, who has served as chair of the IFHA since 2021, said, "I look forward to continue working with my valued colleagues and members of the IFHA to further enhance our sport at...

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) have formalised their longstanding collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). ILAC administers a global multilateral mutual recognition arrangement among accreditation bodies responsible for accreditation of conformity assessment bodies, including testing laboratories. The IFHA aims to promote all facets of thoroughbred racing at the international level; protect the welfare of the equine and human athletes involved in the sport; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations. Great...

"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...

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...