The 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) opened last evening (Tuesday, 27 August) in its inaugural host country, with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in conjunction with the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), staging the event from 27 August to 1 September in Sapporo.
Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, ARF Chair and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, warmly welcomed approximately 800 delegates from around 40 countries at the official Opening Ceremony, held at the Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park.
“At the outset, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to our host the JRA, especially President Yoshida-san, and Executive Advisor Goto-san, who is Chair of the ARC Organising Committee, as well as our ARF team under the leadership of our Secretary-General Andrew Harding for organising this Conference,” Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges pointed to several challenges facing racing, including economic obstacles, increased competition from rival entertainment, growth of illegal wagering, rapidly changing customer behaviours, and revenue declines.
“While we witness some positive developments with a significant growth of racing activities in the Gulf region, at the other end of the spectrum some of our members face major financial difficulties, and worse, the extinction of racing in some jurisdictions. Our industry is at a critical juncture and I firmly believe it is necessary that we critically review our current situation and how we reposition ourselves to secure our future.
“In this context, as leaders in our industry, we need to prepare for these challenges, but more importantly we have to advocate change, explore new ways of collaboration, and embrace new technology like AI (artificial intelligence) to help us to be more relevant to our customers. The way racing has been able to manage COVID has demonstrated how resilient and agile we can be, which makes me feel confident we can master these challenges,” Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
The first ARC was staged in Tokyo in 1960, led by Count Todamasa Sakai, then President of the JRA, and Mr U Chit Khine of the Rangoon Turf Club. Japan has since hosted three renewals of the ARC, all in Tokyo, and most recently in 2008.
“The ARF should be immensely proud of the singular contribution that this Conference has historically made, and continues to make, to thoroughbred racing.
“Not only does the Conference promote meaningful change, it symbolises the willingness and ability of many diverse groups and individuals to come together with shared ambitions for the betterment of the sport. This Conference is truly a unique, global meeting place for racing,” Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the JRA, Mr. Masayoshi Yoshida, said: “On behalf of the Japan Racing Association and the Japanese racing and breeding industry, I extend a warmest welcome to you all to the 40th Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo. Since the first Asian Racing Conference was established in 1960, 64 years have passed. During this time, this forum has grown into a premier platform for the development of global horse racing. We are truly delighted to host this memorable 40th ARC here in Japan and to welcome you all.”
The 40th ARC’s business programme, which embraces the theme “Be Connected, Stride Together”, commenced on Wednesday (28 August) at the Sapporo Convention Center, and will conclude on Friday (30 August).
The dynamic gathering comprises a host of guest speakers and forums which will examine critical issues, including key post-pandemic trends in horse racing, developments in the wagering space, extending the sport’s global reach, and equine welfare, among others.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for Japan, Mr. Tetsushi Sakamoto, said: “I hope this Conference serves as (a) more valuable platform to strengthen cooperation among participating countries and contributes to the advancement of the global racing industry.”
In addition to the Conference, the JRA will host guests at Saturday’s (31 August) race meeting at Sapporo Racecourse and will conduct a regional tour on Sunday (1 September).
The island of Hokkaido is home to Shadai Stallion Station and Northern Farm, two of the nation’s leading studs. It is the epicentre of Japan’s breeding industry, with 2023 Longines World’s Best Racehorse, Equinox, hailing from the region.
“Hokkaido produces nearly 98% of thoroughbreds born in Japan, 7,800 foals annually. Many world class horses have been bred and raised here. The passion and dedication of those involved in the breeding industry over the years have laid the groundwork for the recent international successes. We believe that gathering for the future of racing in this core breeding region, the homeland of Japanese thoroughbreds, holds great significance,” Mr. Yoshida said.
Guests at the Opening Ceremony enjoyed performances from entertainers Hideki Togi and Ikuko Kawai.
