Media Release by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) on June 19, 2024:
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology took place from 12-14 June in Toronto, Canada, at Woodbine Racetrack. The Summit was attended by approximately 90 world-leading research scientists, clinicians, veterinarians and racing regulators from at least 13 countries.
“The Summit has been a major achievement for the Federation and our ongoing commitment to improving equine safety and welfare,” said IFHA Executive Council Member Jim Lawson, who delivered the Summit’s closing remarks.
“Scientific research and technology are cornerstones of the IFHA’s efforts to protect our equine athletes, and this Summit has provided the industry the opportunity to discuss and build upon the significant body of research that has been carried out around the world.”
Leading scientists, veterinarians and regulators participated in dedicated workshops throughout the three-day event to investigate critical issues relating to, and recent technological advances in, fracture prevention and exercise associated sudden death (EASD).
“This is an important first step in enabling us to go even further in detecting horses that are at risk of injury,” said Dr Christopher Riggs, Director of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation, who chaired the Summit’s fracture prevention workstream. “We are appreciative of the IFHA’s support in encouraging collaboration between scientists, scholars, veterinarians and administrators in the global racing industry.”
Dr Celia Marr, Associate Veterinary Specialist at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre and Chair of the Summit’s EASD workstream, was similarly cognizant of the event’s significance. “The Summit has generated and refreshed collaborative efforts to address the most critical horse welfare issues,” said Marr. “We are energised by the innovative research that has been presented, and optimistic of its potential to positively impact equine welfare going forward.”
The outcomes from the Summit will be analysed by the IFHA Executive Council, with a view toward developing recommendations for the IFHA membership on addressing the risk of fractures and EASD in the future.
The IFHA is grateful for the support of Cornell University’s Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for Equine Research, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation, and Woodbine Entertainment Group, for the successful staging of the Summit.
About IFHA
The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International race planning and grading (“black type”)
- World rankings
- The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Email: achesser@jockeyclub.com
