Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys and his newly appointed Victorian counterpart Aaron Morrison will lead an Australian-based delegation involved in the Asian Racing Conference in Japan.
V’landys and Racing Victoria boss Morrison will be part of a discussion panel chaired by Hong Kong Jockey Club boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges to open the three-day conference in Sapporo on Wednesday.
They will be joined by racing’s global leaders in setting the scene for the 40th edition of a symposium first held in Tokyo in 1960.
V’landys will also join a separate discussion group on the first day to examine the evolving nature of fan engagement in racing.
That panel will be chaired by former Racing Australia chief executive Andrew Harding, the secretary general of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and a member of the HKJC executive team.
The Australian delegation will also include Widden Stud owner Antony Thompson and Janine Hosking, the director and producer of “A Horse Named Winx”.
Thompson will offer an Australian perspective that focuses on the challenges and opportunities for the global breeding industry.
As well as exploring major issues such as sustainability, stud farm management, talent development and emerging bloodstock trends, an insight into the machinations of Japan’s breeding program will be a major topic.
Representatives from Northern Farm, Shadai Farm and Big Red Farm will be among the speakers as the conference delves into Japan’s rise as a global racing and breeding powerhouse.
Australian-based Vicky Leonard, founder of Kick Collective and Kick Up For Racing, will also speak on the third day about enhancing equine safety and industry sustainability.
Other perspectives canvassed across the three days including those of elite jockeys and the importance of ‘fans’, ‘pop culture’, betting innovation, welfare, participant welfare and integrity.
Appropriately, the conference, themed “Be Connected, Stride Together”, will be staged at the doorstep of the Japanese breeding industry on the nation’s northernmost island.
Hokkaido is recognised as Japan's horse capital, with more than 98 per cent of the country’s thoroughbreds foaled on 700 farms in the region.
Engelbrecht-Bresges said it was also fitting that Japan is hosting the conference as the Japan Racing Association celebrates its 70th anniversary and the thoroughbred-mad nation basks in the glory of retired champion Equinox being named the world’s best racehorse in 2023.
Equinox captured last year’s Japan Cup to propel the race above all others on the world stage last year.
“Internationally, Japan has developed into one of the leading nations in breeding, with Japanese runners climbing to new heights around the world,” Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
"Working together with the Japan Racing Association, we have curated an exciting 40th ARC program that will provide an excellent opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication, care, and professionalism that go into producing and running world-class racehorses."
The ARF is a regional group comprising 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organisations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.
The conference attracts delegates from those racing jurisdictions, complemented by prominent UK, Ireland and US administrators.
