IFHA And ITBF Sign Memorandum To Collaborate On Breeding Issues

A memorandum of agreement, with an eye toward improving the Thoroughbred industry through collaboration, has been signed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF), the two organisations announced on Thursday.

The global leaders for Thoroughbred racing and breeding will work together on matters of mutual interest which impact the breeding industry. Through a dedicated working party of senior officials that represents members' interests from around the world, the two federations will meet regularly to discuss ideas, share information, provide expert advice, and develop policy on breeding matters.

“This will prove to be a positive development for the future of Thoroughbred breeding and racing globally,” said IFHA chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “Breeding and racing are intertwined in every aspect of the equine value chain, and with the importance of welfare at every stage of a Thoroughbred's life, it is important that we work together in harmony. I look forward to everything that we can achieve together in the years ahead.”

ITBF chair Kirsten Rausing said, “ITBF warmly welcomes this collaborative foundation stone between our two organisations, upon which we can build further. A fully functioning working relationship between our inextricably connected industries is the basis for ensuring a secure and successful future for the Thoroughbred breed and the sport of horse racing.”

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Full Complement Of Irish Racecourses Agree To Media Rights Deal

All 26 Irish racecourses have approved the Racecourse Media Group (RMB)/SIS Media Rights deal and have authorised the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) to sign the contracts on their behalf, AIR announced on Friday. The deal will begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

In May, 21 of the racecourses agreed to the deal, with Kilbeggan, Roscommon, Sligo, Limerick and Thurles Racecourses rejecting it. This week, discussions were held with AIR and the HRI Media Rights Committee, which resulted in the quintet of outliers agreeing to the proposal.

Chairman of AIR, Conor O'Neill said, “Firstly, I would like to commend and compliment the executive of AIR and HRI who have supported the Media Rights Committee to ensure that the very best deal in the marketplace has been obtained for Irish Racecourses and indeed the wider industry. I can confirm that Kilbeggan, Roscommon, Sligo, Limerick and Thurles have decided to join the other 21 racecourses today and sign that deal. Furthermore, I look forward to working SIS and RMG now and seeing it come to fruition.”

Horse Racing Ireland, CEO, Suzanne Eade added, “This process has been exceptionally thorough and has delivered a superb deal for all 26 Irish racecourses. Horse Racing Ireland will be working closely with all racecourses and our media rights partners SIS and RMG to maximise the future revenue streams under the new deal.”

On behalf of the five racecourses who signed today, Pierce Molony said, “Having satisfied our principal objectives, UIR has agreed to sign-up to the current media rights deal negotiated between HRI and RMG/SIS. In particular, the membership of UIR is pleased by HRI's willingness to implement a proposed memorandum of understanding for racecourses during future media deal negotiations, and a review of media rights, as referenced by the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, on 1st June last.”

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Thoroughbreds To Be Recognised In Olympics

Thoroughbreds will now be recognised in the starting lists and results beginning with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, in an agreement announced on Tuesday.

Previously, retired Thoroughbred racehorses were listed as 'breeding unknown'. The agreement–which applies to dressage, show jumping, and eventing–follows discussions between the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF), the World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses (WBFSH), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Stud Book Committee (ISBC) and will extend also to all FEI competitions. Historically, under a Memorandum of Understanding between the FEI and the WBFSH, only member stud books of the WBFSH have been credited, as that organisation's members specifically breed horses for the Olympic disciplines.

Dr. Paull Khan, Secretary-General of the EMHF and a member of the Steering Group of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR), said, “Much effort is made around the world to encourage the owners of retired racehorses to explore second careers for them. This recognition will both further the message that Thoroughbreds do go on to compete with distinction in other equestrian disciples and prompt more Thoroughbred owners to consider this retirement option for their racehorses.”

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