The 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA), organised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), took place on 7 October in Paris, France at Saint-Cloud Racecourse. The focus of this year’s Conference was on upholding racing integrity, a key strategic priority of the IFHA.

“Integrity is the foundation on which our sport is built and therefore protecting integrity is essential for the credibility and popularity of our sport,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who delivered the Conference’s opening and closing remarks.

“We have to provide a level-playing field so that our participants feel comfortable to compete. Without the highest standards of integrity, our sport loses the trust and confidence of our customers and other key stakeholders, which then places the existence of our industry at stake. With recent events showing how pervasive integrity threats are nowadays, racing must continue to lead the way in protecting sports integrity.” 

Over 150 delegates from about 40 different countries heard from key integrity leaders from racing and other major sports in a number of presentations and panel discussions. The overall programme examined key integrity threats and learnings from previous cases in order to demonstrate how racing can utilise cutting-edge approaches and techniques to protect the sport.

Justice Frank Clarke, Director of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and former Chief Justice of Ireland, delivered the keynote speech and discussed the need for robust systems that protect against legal challenges. Clarke highlighted the vital importance of what he believes are the “three pillars” of racing integrity – up-to-date rules of racing, sound processes, and independent decision-makers.

Other speakers from outside of racing included Susan Ahern, Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and former Head of Legal and Legislative Affairs at World Rugby; Brett Clothier, Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit; Jenni Kennedy, Senior Director of Investigations at the International Tennis Integrity Agency; and Andrew Adams, Partner at international law firm Steptoe.

Integrity leaders from within racing who presented included Andrew Harding, Executive Director of the IFHA; Marc Van Gestel, Chief Stipendiary Steward at The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Jamie Stier, Executive General Manager Integrity Services at Racing Victoria; Cliodhna Guy, Head of Governance and Legal of the IHRB; Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer at the British Horseracing Authority; and Martin Purbrick, Chair of the Asian Racing Federation Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime (ARF Council).

Key integrity-related developments in racing were also announced during the Conference, notably the transition of the ARF Council to the IFHA, as well as the official release of the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook.

Additionally, during the IFHA General Assembly, Brian Kavanagh, the IFHA’s Vice-Chair, Europe, was honoured upon the announcement of his retirement from the IFHA.

The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organised and hosted by the Société d’Encouragement in Paris, France, on October 9, 1967. Since 1994, the annual conference has been organised by the IFHA. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has been the official partner of the Conference since 2021.

A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the coming days.

About IFHA

The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world.  It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.

Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:

• Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering

• Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders

• International race planning and grading (“black type”)

• World rankings

• The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices

• Harmonisation of racing rules

• Certification of IFHA reference laboratories

• Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally

The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).