The inaugural international conference co-organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation (the Foundation) and three overseas partners concluded successfully in Hong Kong yesterday (17 December). Attracting 220 speakers and delegates from 25 countries, the event underscored a unified global effort to enhance the safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses through scientific innovation and collaboration.
Themed “Applying Science to the Care of the Thoroughbred Racehorse”, the three-day translational conference was aimed at bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application in the racing industry. This is to ensure that industry practitioners are equipped with the latest scientific insights to inform policies and practices that benefit our equine athletes. Participants explored the pivotal role of science in safeguarding racehorse welfare, sharing groundbreaking findings with real-world potential, and discussed actionable strategies to bring about positive change. The conference was co-organised with The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, The Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Japan Racing Association.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and a Board Member of the Foundation, said: “The safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses has always been at the heart of what the Club does. The Club has established a comprehensive equine welfare programme encompassing every stage of a racehorse’s life, from importation, training and racing through to post-retirement. The Club is also committed to the global advancement of equine welfare through continuous scientific research. Since the establishment of the Foundation in 2020 with a HK$600 million donation from the Club, it has allocated more than HK$60 million to support 46 equine-related scientific studies worldwide.”
He added: “The three-day international conference, organised by the Foundation and our three distinguished overseas partners, represents a landmark step forward in global collaboration to advance equine welfare. Held against a backdrop of evolving societal expectations and a changing operating environment for horse racing, the event has deepened mutual understanding of the issues we must address. I am confident that racing industry practitioners and scientific researchers will work hand-in-hand to translate the latest scientific findings into actionable policies and solutions that can tackle issues common to the whole of the racing industry.”
During the conference, the outstanding line-up of speakers inspired and challenged delegates with thought-provoking insights into how science can meaningfully enhance the quality of life of the thoroughbred racehorse.
The Club’s Executive Director, Racing, Andrew Harding, also a Board Member of the Foundation, said: “Horse racing is a truly global sport and many of the welfare challenges facing racehorses are shared across all jurisdictions. I am delighted by the positive feedback I have received from industry delegates, who explored some of the most pressing issues in our industry. Together, they explored evidence-based solutions that ranged from the prevention and early diagnosis of common health issues and injuries affecting the thoroughbred – such as musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and gastric ailments, to the application of data in injury tracking and rulemaking, and how to nurture global cross-disciplinary collaborative relationships.”
Harding added that the conference was truly meaningful to researchers – particularly those in the early stages of their careers – who had the opportunity to share their work, connect with mentors and like-minded peers, and join a global community dedicated to advancing the welfare of the racehorse. Some of these researchers are recipients of grants awarded by the Foundation.
To further deepen their understanding of horse racing, racing officials, senior racing administrators, regulators, veterinarians and research scientists were also invited to experience the on-course thrill of the Club’s flagship LONGINES Hong Kong International Races 2025 as part of the pre-conference programme. Participants were able to witness the birth of new international champions on one of the most exhilarating days on the global racing calendar.
