The 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC) opened with a vibrant session on the evolving landscape of global horse racing on Tuesday, 10 February, at Riyadh’s Crowne Plaza RDC Hotel and Convention Centre. Industry leaders from across Asia and beyond gathered to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future trajectory of the sport.
In a keynote address, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chair of the Asian Racing Federation and CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), highlighted the critical hurdles facing horse racing today. He emphasised the importance of creating a global, digitalised brand that appeals to younger audiences, while also addressing pressing issues such as illegal operators, emerging competition from online gaming, and the need to expand the sport’s fan base.
“We don’t see a positive trend among breeding, and as an industry, it is concerning,” Engelbrecht-Bresges said. “If we want to create global events and champions, the best horses must compete against each other. While the number of foals worldwide has declined by 35% since 2005, the number of Group 1 races has risen by 6%, meaning fewer champions face each other on the track.”
Engelbrecht-Bresges also discussed the role of World Pool in strengthening collaboration, maximising industry reach, and broadening appeal for global audiences. “This initiative shows what we can achieve when we work together, with some of the best racing in the world reaching 54% of Group 1 races across 380 events,” he said.
A panel discussion followed, featuring leaders including Masayuki Goto of the Japan Racing Association, His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi of the Emirates Racing Authority, Felicity Barnard of Ascot Racecourse, and Kylie Rogers of Victoria Racing Club. The conversation centred on collaborative approaches to propel horse racing forward on a global scale.
In a separate session on racing carnivals, Andrew Harding, Secretary General of the Asian Racing Federation, explored fan engagement strategies and the storytelling potential of elite racing events. “High-quality horses are just the start,” he noted. “Successful racing carnivals create stars, memorable stories, and cultivate a global fan base.”
Leaders from Dubai Racing Club, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Churchill Downs, and other premier racing institutions joined Harding to highlight innovations in racecourse experiences, tourism opportunities, and audience engagement.
The conference also examined global broadcasting and viewership trends. Casper Stylsvig of HKJC explained how engaging younger audiences requires storytelling beyond the track—showcasing the lives and training routines of athletes. He was joined by Rawan Albutairi of the Saudi Esports Federation and Justin McDonald of Breeders’ Cup Limited to discuss the role of streaming media rights in expanding reach.
With these sessions, the ARC 2026 set a clear agenda for the future: fostering collaboration, embracing digital innovation, and building the next generation of horse racing fans worldwide.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.