The Hong Kong Jockey Club is pleased to announce that Chief Executive Officer, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges was re-elected today as Chairman of The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), with effect from October 2024.

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges, who is also Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), was first elected to the IFHA Chair position in September, 2021 and is the first IFHA Chairman from Asia.

He was unanimously re-elected during the Executive Council meeting of the IFHA in Paris on Tuesday (8 October) following the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA) on Monday (7 October).

“I look forward to continue working with my valued colleagues and members of the IFHA to further enhance our sport at an international level. I would like to thank the Executive Council which has entrusted me to continue to lead the Federation into what is an exciting, but challenging, time for racing globally,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

Only the second Chairman in IFHA history after Mr Louis Romanet, who led the IFHA with distinction following its establishment in 1994 to his retirement in 2021, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges was re-elected along with Vice-Chairs Mr Jim Gagliano, Mr Masayuki Goto and Mr Horacio Esposito.

Following the retirement of Mr Brian Kavanagh after a long and distinguished period of office, the Executive Council also elected Mr Henri Pouret as Vice-Chair.

“Brian’s tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the Federation and international racing have been vital to its sustained success. We are most grateful for his many years of leadership, wise counsel and friendship,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

The terms for the Chair and Vice-Chairs will run until October, 2027.

The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions and is the global leader for the international sport of thoroughbred racing. It seeks to promote all facets of the worldwide sport of thoroughbred racing, including the welfare of equine and human athletes, and to protect and grow racing’s global social and economic significance.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations.  The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.