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Bred 4 Sports Magazine
40th Asian Racing Conference: IFAR (International Forum for Aftercare of Racehorses) and TAW (Thoroughbred Aftercare and Welfare- Japan).
The 8th International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) brought together industry leaders and enthusiasts in Sapporo, Japan, for a full day dedicated to the well-being of retired racehorses. Held in conjunction with the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC), the event highlighted the importance of aftercare as a shared responsibility and showcased innovative approaches from around the world.
JRA President Masayoshi Yoshida opened the conference emphasising the vital role of aftercare in ensuring the sustainability of horse racing. He highlighted the need for a joint effort from owners, breeders, participants, and authorities to provide a smooth transition for retired horses. Participants kicked off the day with a visit to a JRA facility, witnessing first hand how retired racehorses are given new life. This included lead horses, educational programs, and other initiatives showcasing the versatility of Thoroughbreds. Following the tour, the afternoon session at the Sapporo Convention Centre featured presentations from leading figures in aftercare. Di Arbuthnot, outgoing IFAR Chair, called for continued collaboration between the racing and equestrian worlds to learn and share best practices.
The conference showcased a diverse range of perspectives and real-world examples. Presentations included:
English football legend Michael Owen, a passionate supporter of Thoroughbreds, delivered the keynote address via video. He stressed the importance of a global focus on aftercare, ensuring it's recognised as a shared responsibility across the racing industry.
Dr Atsushi Kikuta, JRA, presented on Japan's initiatives, including using retired racehorses as lead horses and ambassadors for the industry.
Dr Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare, discussed the importance of public trust and treating horses as the primary stakeholder.
Multiple Olympian Boyd Martin highlighted the unique spirit of Thoroughbreds through a retraining clinic video.
Helena Flynn and Dr Jane Williams discussed the British census efforts to improve Thoroughbred traceability.
Sarah Coleman, Kentucky Horse Council, emphasised the need for safety net programs to assist retiring racehorses.
Natasha Rose, Hong Kong Jockey Club, underscored the importance of understanding equestrian industry needs to promote Thoroughbred aftercare.
Centre for Racehorse Retraining (CRR) showcased their approach to retraining Thoroughbreds for diverse second careers, highlighting their adaptability.
The final portion of the conference included a lively panel discussion with all the speakers, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Eliot Forbes, the new IFAR Chair. He emphasised the critical role of IFAR in sharing best practices, advocating for aftercare, and facilitating collaboration within this important field.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting IFAR's mission of promoting Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. The JRA's multi-year sponsorship ensures continued assistance for this vital organisation.
Full Story here:
40th Asian Racing Conference: https://arcsapporo2024.com
TAW: https://taw.or.jp/#1
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