The 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) will take place between August 27th and September 1st in Sapporo, Japan, and will feature an extensive program centered on Japanese racing breeding, business leaders and key stakeholders.
The conference kicks off on August 27th at the Sapporo Convention Center, with speeches from Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Asia Racing Federation (ARF) Chairman, and Masayoshi Yoshida, President & CEO of the Japan Racing Association (JRA).
“The 40th ARC in Sapporo marks a pivotal moment for the international racing community. It’s not only a celebration of our shared achievements but also an opportunity to chart the course for future growth and sustainability,” emphasized Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chairman of the ARF.
The ARF is a regional federation comprising 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organizations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.
In 2023, total horse racing wagering amounts reached JPY4.35 trillion ($27.3 billion), marking the third consecutive year that this sector has surpassed the JPY4 trillion ($25.1 billion) threshold.
Attendance at JRA racecourses also witnessed a significant 66 percent increase, with 4.6 million enthusiasts flocking to the tracks.
“This year, JRA celebrates its 70th anniversary, with the Japanese horse racing industry undoubtedly continuing to make great strides forward. However, as we cast our eyes on the global racing industry, we are confronted with the difficult reality of decline and near extinction across some jurisdictions,” the Vice-Chairman of the ARC Organising Committee, Masayuki Goto, says in the conference website.
Goto also noted the thematic focus of the conference was integral to guiding discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening international partnerships and advancing the sport’s global footprint.
Masayoshi Yoshida, President and CEO of the JRA, highlighted that, presently, approximately 98 percent of Japan’s world-class thoroughbreds are born in Hokkaido, where Sapporo is located, making it a hub for “breeding excellence”.
Senior administrators and influential figures from prominent organizations including the Japan Racing Association, National Association of Racing in Japan, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., Shadai Farm, Northern Farm, and Big Red Farm will offer their insights across various sessions of the Business Program.
On August 28th, JRA star jockeys Yutaka Take and Christophe Lemaire will discuss critical issues such as participant safety and the importance of international competition. The next day, panelists Kenichiro Mishima of Mishima Stud and Yoshito Yahagi, a distinguished JRA Trainer, will address pivotal challenges facing Japanese racing and breeding.
On August 30th, Masayuki Goto, ARF Vice-Chairman and former President & CEO of the JRA, will deliver keynote speeches focusing on future opportunities and challenges for the global racing industry.
The conference will conclude on September 1st with an optional Regional Tour, offering participants a a chance to visit stud farms that have significantly contributed to the global success of Japanese racehorses.
Highlights include visits to Shadai Stallion Station, known for champions like Kitasan Black and Equinox, Northern Farm, and the unique Northern Horse Park.
