The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities held the 59th International Conference of Horse Racing on October 6 in Paris at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe.
This year’s conference saw a particular focus on racing betting, both in the legal and illegal markets, along with marketing and customer experience. Over the course of the day, 165 delegates from approximately 40 countries heard from leaders around the world on these pressing topics.
“For many years, the International Conference has provided a platform for all of us, the stewards of racing in our respective jurisdictions, to come together and discuss the key issues affecting our sport today and to chart the course for the future,” said IFHA chairman Winfried Engelbrecht broods during his welcome address. “Racing’s long-term success depends on our ability to not only tackle the threats we face today, but to embrace the opportunities they present.”
Sports television host Rishi Persad served as moderator for the conference, with two main sessions.
The conference’s first session, “Racing Waging & Marketing, What Today’s Customers Want and What the Future Holds,” explored the dynamic landscape of horse racing betting and marketing, while also exploring how technological advances and changing consumer behavior are reshaping the industry.
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Tony Allevato, Chief Revenue Officer and President, Nyra Bets; Felicity Barnard, CEO, Ascot Racecourse; Drew Fleming, president and CEO, Breeders’ Cup Ltd; Pablo Kavulakian, president, American Racing Channel; and Atsushi Kikuta, Director of International Affairs, Japan Racing Association, all participated.
“I can assure you that I have absolute belief and optimism in the growth of this sport, and I think there is enormous potential internationally,” Barnard said. “I think we do a lot of things well, but I think we can do a lot of things better, together.”
Allevato echoed those thoughts, saying, “Sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit. If we can all take a step back, look at what we’re doing, trust ourselves and know that we’re creative. We can get horse racing to get to the next level. I really believe that.”
“Growth of the Illegal Gambling Market and Addressing Challenges in Gambling Regulation” served as the second session. Panellists discussed the immense growth of illegal gambling on racing (and other sports) and also examined the effects of stricter government controls on gambling.
Speakers included Tom Chignell, Consultant on Integrity Projects, Hong Kong Jockey Club; Brant Dunshea, Acting CEO, British Horseracing Authority; Luca Esposito, Executive Director, World Lottery Association; Martin Purbrick, Chairman of the IFHA Council on Anti-Illegal Gambling and Related Crime; and Vincent Ven, head of anti-match-fixing, Union of European Football Associations.
Ven discussed how different sports share similar challenges and the importance of educating participants about potential integrity threats and working with all the different stakeholders.
Ben Cleminson, CEO of Square in the Air, also presented on growth and innovation in sports and horse racing, while Salem Binmahfooz, Chairman Advisor and Member of the Technical Committee of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, provided an overview of the 41st Asian Racing Conference. The arch is scheduled to take place in Riyadh in February 2026.
A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the coming days.
This press release has been edited for content and style by Bloodhorse staff.
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