_{Asian Racing Conference}

The 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC) will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026 with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), to stage the international conference in Riyadh.

Leading South African racing operator Ms. Fundi Sithebe has called for more inclusivity and diversity in the sport, encouraging the dismantlement of stereotypes.

During a keynote speech at the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan, Mr. Masayuki Goto, Vice-Chair of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and Executive Advisor of the Japan Racing Association (JRA), identified aspects vital to horse racing’s success – particularly in Japan – and outlined several safeguarding initiatives for the sport.

A panel of key players in the breeding sector has raised several major issues vital to the sustainability of thoroughbred breeding, including rising costs, staff shortages and the loss of racecourses.

Leading welfare and integrity expert Mr. Jamie Stier has called for greater collaboration between racing authorities, scientists and researchers to overcome equine welfare concerns, which he describes as “the single biggest challenge facing the global horse racing industry.”

The growth of racing in the Gulf region was a key feature of a session titled Developments: Big Changes Across The ARF Footprint, on day 2 of the 40th Asian Racing Conference at Sapporo, Japan.