About ARF

The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is a regional federation comprising 29 national racing authorities and racing-related organisations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.

The ARF is formally linked with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Australia, Hong Kong and Japan have permanent seats representing the ARF on the Executive Council of the IFHA, and the ARF also nominates one of two rotational positions on the IFHA Executive Council.

29

Members

1960

First Asian Racing Conference

40

Asian Racing Conferences Organised To Date

Objectives

The objectives of the Federation are to:

  1. Promote and advance horse racing and breeding within the Federation footprint.
  2. Drive ongoing improvements to racing integrity standards, including through dedicated efforts to combat illegal betting and control the use of prohibited substances and practices.
  3. Promote measures to protect the welfare of horses and participants.
  4. Encourage the sustainable development of racing and breeding operations, including through promoting social contributions and addressing climate change.
  5. Regularly and effectively engage with members and other stakeholders.
  6. Exchange ideas and information, develop relationships and foster goodwill, amongst members.
  7. Encourage and promote education and talent development, and the diversification of pathways for future generations.
  8. Contribute to international discussions on key racing issues.
  9. Ensure that high standards of race ratings and quality control processes are in place.
  10. Promote the internationalisation of horse racing, including by striving for harmonisation of racing rules and regulations amongst members.
  11. Maintain and facilitate the international movement of horses.
  12. Develop and strengthen the global brand of horse racing as sports entertainment.

‍Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges is currently the ARF Chair and together with the Executive Council and its Members, the ARF works to continuously advance thoroughbred racing globally.

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History of ARF

The beginnings of the ARF can be traced back to 1960 when the first Asian Racing Conference (ARC) was convened in Tokyo on the initiative of Count Todamasa Sakai, President of the Japan Racing Association, and Mr U Chit Khine of the Rangoon Turf Club.

In 2001, the Asian Racing Federation was formally established as a permanent organisation at the 28th ARC in Thailand. Today, the ARC has evolved to be a major racing event in the international racing calendar and regularly attracts more than 500 industry leaders and key stakeholders in racing and sports.

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