The inaugural international conference co-organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation and three overseas partners concluded successfully in Hong Kong yesterday (17 December), highlighting a global commitment to improving the welfare and safety of thoroughbred racehorses through scientific collaboration. The event attracted 220 speakers and delegates from 25 countries, emphasizing the shared effort to support the care of equine athletes.
The three-day conference, themed “Applying Science to the Care of the Thoroughbred Racehorse”, aimed to connect cutting-edge research with practical applications in the racing industry. Participants examined the vital role of science in protecting racehorse welfare, exchanging pioneering findings with real-world relevance, and discussing strategies to implement positive change. The conference was co-organised with The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, The Horserace Betting Levy Board, and the Japan Racing Association.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Board Member of the Foundation, stated: “The safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses has always been central to the Club’s mission. We have developed a comprehensive equine welfare programme covering every stage of a racehorse’s life—from importation, training, and racing to post-retirement. The Club is committed to advancing equine welfare globally through ongoing scientific research. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 2020, supported by a HK$600 million donation from the Club, more than HK$60 million has been allocated to 46 equine-related scientific studies worldwide.”
He added: “This three-day international conference, organised with our three esteemed overseas partners, marks a significant step forward in global collaboration for equine welfare. Against a backdrop of evolving societal expectations and changes in the racing environment, the event has strengthened mutual understanding of key issues. I am confident that industry practitioners and researchers will work together to translate the latest scientific insights into actionable policies and solutions addressing challenges across the racing industry.”
The conference featured an outstanding roster of speakers who provided thought-provoking insights into how science can enhance the life quality of thoroughbred racehorses.
Andrew Harding, the Club’s Executive Director, Racing, and also a Board Member of the Foundation, said: “Horse racing is a global sport, and many welfare challenges are common across jurisdictions. I am pleased by the positive feedback from industry delegates, who discussed pressing issues and evidence-based solutions, ranging from prevention and early diagnosis of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and gastric ailments, to the use of data in injury tracking and rulemaking, and building international collaborative networks.”
Harding also noted the conference’s significance for researchers, particularly those early in their careers, who had opportunities to present their work, engage with mentors and peers, and join a global community devoted to improving racehorse welfare. Several of these researchers are recipients of grants awarded by the Foundation.
To deepen understanding of horse racing, officials, senior administrators, regulators, veterinarians, and research scientists were invited to experience the excitement of the Club’s flagship LONGINES Hong Kong International Races 2025 as part of the pre-conference programme, witnessing the emergence of new international champions.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.