At the 2023 Asian Racing Conference, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges Masayuki Goto of the Japan Racing Association with the RCAF flag as Japan hosts the 2024 conference.
When racing leaders from throughout the world gather in Sapporo, Japan, this summer for the Asian Racing Conference, as usual they’ll discuss the important issues common to the industry throughout the world, but the host country also is looking forward to providing an inside look at its breeding operations.
This additional focus on a Japanese breeding program that in recent years has produced recent winners on major foreign racing days in the United States and Dubai, as well as the name of Longines’ World’s Best Racehorse on the equinox, becomes a popular additional attraction for an ever-important event. International Meeting.
The ARC and the Japan Racing Association announced on Feb. 9 that the 2024 Asian Racing Conference will take place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 27 in Sapporo. In addition to planned presentations on Japan’s breeding program, the Sapporo site on the island of Hokkaido will offer the opportunity to elite farms such as Northern Farm and Shadai Stallion Station.
“Hokkaido, the host site of this year’s ARC, is a place where the connection between people and horses is deeply felt, with horses having played a significant role in its pioneering history,” said Japan Racing Association president Masayoshi Yoshida in the announcement of the conference that carries the theme Be Connected, Stride Together. “Presently, approximately 98% of Japan’s world-class Thoroughbreds are born in Hokkaido, making it a hub for breeding excellence.”
The Asian Racing Federation is a regional organization comprising 28 national racing governments and race-related organizations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East. The Asian Racing Conference welcomes attendees from those racing governments and beyond as it addresses issues of importance to the entire racing world.
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In announcing the 2024 conference, ARF chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges also noted the opportunity to visit Japan at a time in which the country’s racing and breeding are thriving.
“Japan’s achievements on the global stage, from breeding to racing, are truly remarkable,” Engelbrecht-Bresges said. “Together with the Japan Racing Association, we have organized an exciting 40th ARC program that will provide a wonderful opportunity to see “For You the dedication, care and professionalism that go into generating and operating global class racehorses. “
Photo: Scott Barbour/Racing PhotosWinfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
The conference will begin Aug. 27 with bureau meetings as well as the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses at the Sapporo Convention Center and opening ceremonies at the Royton Sapporo (Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park). The IFAR, which has grown into an important event of its own, is an independent forum established to advocate for the lifetime care of retired racehorses, to increase awareness within the international racing community of this important responsibility, and to increase awareness in the sport horse world regarding the versatility of the Thoroughbred.
The ARC’s business program will run Aug. 28-30 at the convention center with special events planned each evening, including a gathering at the Sapporo Dome. Tom Hashimoto, technical adviser for the Japan Racing Association’s international department, said the first day (Aug. 28) of the business program will focus on fan engagement and culture. The second day (Aug. 29) will offer presentations on wagering and wagering integrity as well as equine welfare issues; and the third day will concentrate on breeding—taking advantage of the conference’s location.
“(Japan’s) main focus will be the session on breeding,” Tom said. “It’s pretty lucky for us to be awarded the ARC this summer in the same year Equinox is honored.”
While official business wraps up on Friday, August 30, there will be a day of racing on Saturday, August 31 at Sapporo Racetrack and Sunday, September 1 at Shadai Stallion Station, Northern Farm and Northern Horse Park. The Northern Horse Park will highlight a post-race program for thoroughbreds in education for new careers.