The 41st Asian Racing Conference officially opened in Riyadh on Monday, marking the event’s return to the Arabian Peninsula for the first time in nearly two decades and setting a reflective yet forward-looking tone for the sport’s global community.
Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel and Convention Centre, the opening ceremony welcomed around 650 delegates from 45 countries. The gathering underlined the scale and significance of the 41st Asian Racing Conference, first staged in 1960 and now firmly established as one of the sport’s most influential international forums.
Chair of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, formally opened proceedings, thanking the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal for hosting the event.
He reminded delegates that, over 65 years, each Asian Racing Conference has helped shape the direction of thoroughbred racing, but suggested this edition carries particular weight. In a world facing division and uncertainty, he noted, the sport is also navigating its own complex challenges, making the discussions in Riyadh especially timely.
Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted equine heritage formed a natural backdrop to the conference. Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges highlighted the horse’s historic role across the Arabian Peninsula, describing it as a symbol of partnership, endurance and honour that continues to unite racing nations today.
41st Asian Racing Conference Focuses on Tradition and the Road Ahead
Held under the theme “Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future,” the 41st Asian Racing Conference features a packed three-day programme of nine sessions. Speakers from across Asia, Oceania, Europe and the Americas are addressing strategic insights, emerging trends, technological innovation, breeding, international competition, and both equine and human welfare.
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasised that while racing remains a major global sport followed by millions, it is defined by a unique distinction: the horse sits at its centre. That shared respect for the thoroughbred, he said, drives the Asian Racing Federation’s priorities and provides a unifying purpose across borders.
Looking ahead, he acknowledged the importance of remaining relevant in an increasingly competitive leisure landscape, particularly for younger audiences. Enhancing the race-going experience and developing new engagement platforms, he suggested, will be key themes as the sport adapts without losing sight of its core values.
Beyond the main sessions, the conference programme includes a series of important bureau meetings, such as the ARF Executive Council, ARF General Assembly, International Stewards’ Conference, Asian Pattern Committee, Asian and Oceania Stud Book Committee, and the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses.
In a strong endorsement of his leadership, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges was unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Asian Racing Federation, a role he has held since 2014 following an earlier term from 2007 to 2009.
He is set to open the first business session on Tuesday with a presentation titled “The Evolving Global Racing and Sporting Landscape,” examining how the sport can address integrity, competition, and long-term growth within a rapidly changing global environment.
Senior officials from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and international racing bodies are playing prominent roles across the programme, contributing expertise in governance, welfare, integrity and research as the conference moves into its working sessions.
As the 41st Asian Racing Conference unfolds in Riyadh, the emphasis remains firmly on collaboration, shared responsibility and a collective vision for the future of thoroughbred racing.
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