The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) will hold its 59th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA) in Paris, France at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe on 6 October.
This year’s Conference will spotlight the work undertaken by the IFHA over the past 12 months before turning to examine what lies ahead. Sports television presenter Rishi Persad will serve as the moderator for the Conference, and there will be a particular focus on racing betting, both in the legal and illegal markets, along with marketing and customer experience.
“I am looking forward to welcoming IFHA members and key stakeholders to our annual Conference,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who will deliver the welcoming address. “Racing is facing a number of both challenges and opportunities in regards to engaging with current and future customers, the evolution of betting markets and the regulation of them, and of course, the welfare of our equine athletes. It is important that we stay on the forefront of such key topics.”
To complement the racing industry voices included throughout the day, the Conference will feature a keynote address from a prominent executive involved in the growth and innovation of sport/wagering companies. Ben Cleminson is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Square in the Air, an award-winning creative marketing consulting agency for racing and other sports across Europe and Asia. The company provides services in relation to performance marketing; video and content production; media relations and public relations; social media and influencers; sponsorship and ambassadors; and design and branding.
The first session of the Conference will be Racing Wagering & Marketing – What Today’s Customers Want and What the Future Holds. Comprised of short presentations followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session, this session will explore the dynamic landscape of horse racing wagering and marketing while examining how technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours are reshaping the industry.
Speakers scheduled to take part include 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 (JRA).
The afternoon session of the Conference will be Growth of the Illegal Betting Market and Tackling Challenges in Betting Regulation. Speakers on this panel will discuss the immense growth of illegal betting on racing (and other sports) and also examine the impacts of tighter government controls on gambling.
Speakers scheduled to take part include Tom Chignell, consultant on Integrity Projects, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Brant Dunshea, acting CEO, British Horseracing Authority; Luca Esposito, executive director, World Lottery Association; Martin Purbrick, chair of the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime; and Vincent Ven, head of Anti-Match-Fixing, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
During the Conference, a representative from the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia will also present an overview of the 41st Asian Racing Conference, which is set to take place in Riyadh in February 2026. The presentation will cover the planned week of events, including key sessions in the business programme, social activities, and racing hospitality.
A live video stream of the 59th ICHA will be available on the IFHA’s website. A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the days following the event.
The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organised and hosted by the Société d'Encouragement in Paris, France, on October 9, 1967. Since 1994, the annual Conference has been organised by the IFHA. In 2024, the Conference convened delegates from about 40 different countries, with a number of other racing executives and media members in attendance.
|
