Almost 200 delegates were in attendance to see presentations on a wide range of subjects relevant to racecourse operators everywhere, in an event organised by Mr John Ridley, Director of Racing Operations at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

“I was delighted with the turnout today, which says much for the quality of our team here and for our international reputation,” said Mr Ridley, adding: “It has been a fascinating afternoon with colleagues from around the world, and the feedback has been terrific.”

The seminar was split into six parts, with five presenters from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and one from the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The subjects covered included: floodlight design, installation & maintenance and integration with broadcasting systems; benchmarks and performance parameters for racetracks; planning and renewal for sustainable tracks; and the HKJC racing talent management programme.

Mr Takaki Nagashima, Chief Starter of the JRA, presented on the philosophy of starts and starting gates, with the final session covering rail systems in the racing industry.

The Asian Racing Conference takes place every 18 months or so, and is widely considered to be the most important and influential event of its type. Hong Kong has hosted the Asian Racing Conference twice previously, in 1978 and 1991 and the 35th ARC is being organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in association with the Asian Racing Federation.