The Asian Racing Federation is a regional association for horse racing, comprising horse racing-related authorities and relevant organisations from twenty-eight countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.
The main objective of the establishment of such organisations is to have an international forum to facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge about horse racing and breeding and not restrict the activity to smaller groups as was done in the past.
Continue reading this article about the Asian Racing Federation to learn its history, structure, roles, and responsibilities.
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The Asian Racing Federation History
In 1960, the President of the Japan Racing Association, Count Todamasa, and U Chit Khine, head of the Rangoon Turf Club, took the initiative to organise the first Asian Racing Conference in Tokyo. The countries that attended the first conference included Burma, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaya, Thailand, and Singapore.
The Asian Racing Conference is a significant part of the international racing calendar that engages and attracts prominent figures in the racing industry and receives participation from important stakeholders. It contributes to shaping the regional and global agendas for the development of the horse racing industry.
The second edition of the conference was held the next year, and New Zealand, India, and Australia became official members of the Asian Racing Conference, while Pakistan, Turkey, and Korea followed suit. With every passing year, the list of members continued to grow.
While Hong Kong was one of the founding members, it did not attend the Asian Racing Conference for eight years after the first two meetings.
Today the Asian Racing Conference has evolved to become a major event in the international racing calendar. It is attended by over five hundred individuals in leading and key stakeholder positions in the racing industry.
Until 2001, the organisation was referred to as the Asian Racing Conference. However, the 28th edition of the Asian Racing Conference was held in Thailand, and at that time, the Asian Racing Federation was formally established as a permanent federation.
The 39th Asian Racing Conference was held in Melbourne, Australia, in February 2023. The event was hosted by Racing Victoria, while Racing Australia provided the requisite support. The conference’s next edition is scheduled to be held in Japan in 2024.
Asian Racing Federation Structure and Membership
The Asian Racing Federation structure comprises an executive council with five members, including Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, India, and New Zealand. The executive council is headed by a chairman with a vice chairman who is elected by the executive council members and holds office for the duration between two conferences. The members of the executive council also appoint the secretary general.
The Asian Racing Federation is formally associated with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities. Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia have permanent seats in the executive council of the IFHA as representatives of the Asian Racing Federation. The federation also nominates one of the two rotational posts on the executive council of the IFHA.
The executive council of the Asian Racing Federation holds a meeting every year in October in Paris. The council also meets in Dubai or Hong Kong, or in between. While the chairman and vice chairmen are a part of the executive council of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, the secretary general of the federation serves as a technical advisor. The federation meets every twelve to eighteen months.
The Asian Racing Federation has full members, associate members, and affiliate members. Full membership is granted to countries with a recognised racing authority within the general geographic area. The full members of the federation are also required to undertake to host a racing conference in the future.
The associate membership status is granted to countries with racing authorities that have been formed recently and are unable to organise a conference on their own. The full members include Australia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, and Vietnam.
The associate members are China, Mauritius, and Mongolia, while Indonesia, Kuwait, and the Philippines are affiliate members.
Asian Racing Federation Objectives
The Asian Racing Federation strives to foster goodwill and understanding between the member countries and administrative regions through organising annual conferences and conducting racing events.
The federation is also committed to promoting horse breeding and racing and ensuring compliance with the relevant rules and regulations. There is also an emphasis on developing objectives and strategies for the mutual benefit of the racing authorities so as to facilitate the development of horse racing in the region. The federation also supports and promotes international contests for horses and jockeys as the conditions allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Asian Racing Federation?
The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is a regional federation that includes 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organisations from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. The federation focuses on advancing the horse racing industry through international cooperation, addressing illegal betting and related financial crimes, and fostering the well-being and integrity of horse racing globally.
Can you tell me more about the Asian Racing Conference?
The Asian Racing Conference (ARC) is a paramount event in the international racing calendar, attracting leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the racing and sports world. The conference aims to shape global and regional agendas to continuously advance the racing industry. It has evolved into a major racing event since the first conference convened in Tokyo in 1960, with the 40th edition scheduled to be held in Sapporo, Japan, in 2024.
What topics are discussed at the Asian Racing Conference?
While the specific agenda can vary from year to year, topics often include advancements in racing technology, horse welfare, anti-illegal betting measures, and strategies for engaging younger audiences. The conference also addresses issues such as the impact of global events on horse racing, the evolution of betting practices, and the overall promotion of the sport’s integrity and sustainability.
How does the Asian Racing Conference contribute to the development of Asian horse racing?
The ARC serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and recent innovations among racing authorities, experts, and stakeholders. By discussing challenges and opportunities within the industry, the conference plays a crucial role in formulating strategies that promote growth, welfare, and integrity in Asian horse racing and beyond.
What are the key benefits of attending the Asian Racing Conference for stakeholders in the horse racing industry?
Attendees can benefit from networking opportunities, gaining insights into the latest trends and innovations in horse racing, and learning from the experiences of international counterparts. The conference offers a comprehensive overview of the state of the industry, including advancements in horse care, betting technologies, and strategies to attract new fans to the sport.
