Riyadh brought down the curtain on a landmark edition of the Asian Racing Conference this week, as New Zealand was officially declared the next host nation following three days of insight, collaboration and forward-thinking debate about the sport’s global future.
Staged in the Saudi capital and organised by the Asian Racing Federation, with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia as hosts, the Asian Racing Conference gathered leading administrators, executives and industry figures from across the world. The business programme wrapped up on Thursday evening with a closing ceremony that reflected both tradition and ambition.
The finale was marked by the customary waving of national flags by dignitaries on stage, symbolising unity across racing jurisdictions. Delegates were then treated to a striking laser display that created the illusion of galloping horses encircling the venue — a vivid tribute to Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted love of the horse.
HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, had formally opened the Asian Racing Conference on Monday alongside Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation.
In his closing address, Engelbrecht-Bresges praised the hosts for delivering an event of global significance.
“Staging such a wonderful event would not have been possible without the work done by our host, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, and the ARC Organising Committee,” he said. “Thank you, Prince Bandar — your team has done a wonderful job.
“Having talked to many of you over the course of the week, it is clear that this global Conference is widely seen as a success of the Asian Racing Federation. To you, I say thank you for your enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment to racing. It is your energy that has brought the Conference to life.”
Asian Racing Conference Focuses on Welfare and Sustainability
Beyond the ceremony and spectacle, the substance of the Asian Racing Conference lay in its detailed discussions around the future direction of the sport. Thursday’s final sessions centred on horse welfare, integrity, and the long-term sustainability of racing — both economically and socially.
Industry leaders examined how jurisdictions can collaborate more effectively, share innovation, and safeguard public trust in an era of increasing scrutiny. Panels explored funding models, community engagement and the responsibility of racing to adapt while preserving its heritage.
The decision to award New Zealand the next edition ensures the dialogue will continue on another continent, reinforcing the conference’s truly international character. It also signals the growing influence of emerging and established racing nations working collectively through the Asian Racing Federation.
As delegates departed Riyadh, the prevailing mood was one of cautious optimism — a recognition that challenges remain, but also a shared determination to shape a resilient and progressive future for the sport.
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