Part 2, The Racing Integrity Handbook and Anti-Illegal Betting

In this Part 2, it’s Martin Purbrick as Chair of the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime who continues with a Q&A on the release of the Racing Integrity Handbook.

With the Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime being created by the IFHA Council, the scene was set at the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities on 7 October in Paris.

Q: How significant is it that the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook has been published? 

A: The Racing Integrity Handbook demonstrates how horse racing has the most developed integrity management systems, and strongest global bench of experts involved in integrity of any sport.

It demonstrates the strength of integrity in racing despite the diversity of structures and rules in racing around the world, and although racing is run slightly differently in every jurisdiction the principles and practices outlined in the Racing Integrity Handbook can be applied to anywhere.

Q: How long have you been working on the Racing Integrity Handbook and who was involved? 

A: Work on the Handbook started in 2022, and involved 25 experts from the world of racing who are an extraordinary bench of talent who illustrate why horse racing leads integrity management.

Q: What do you hope the racing industry will take away from the Racing Integrity Handbook? 

A: Those involved in the regulation and operation of horse racing should be proud that it is an integrity leader, and that horse racing is a leading sport, and we should be proud to say this openly.

They should all be confident to talk about why horse racing has strong governance structures and rules, with world leading approaches to complex issues as prohibited substances, has a progressive approach to athlete welfare, and the highly effective anti-corruption measures.

Q: How important is integrity to the future of horse racing? 

A: The integrity of horse racing is essential to customer confidence in both the sport as well as betting on the outcome, while Integrity relates to both fair as well as safe competitions and in modern definitions includes a wide range of issues.

The Racing Integrity Handbook demonstrates how horse racing effectively delivers integrity in the sport, and hence how we can maintain the confidence of fans of horse racing in the future, as Integrity is essential for the future of the sport of horse racing.

Today the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities is the global leader for the international sport of thoroughbred racing, and promotes all facets of thoroughbred racing world-wide.

In doing so, it protects the welfare of the equine and human athlete and protects and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.

The International Federation identifies, develops and promotes best practices as stated in the Articles contained in the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering.

It protects the welfare of horses and riders through promotion and co-ordination of standards and to promote and develop horse racing and thoroughbred breeding worldwide.

Influenced at national and international government level it promotes the integrity of horse racing, breeding, and aftercare standards, and fights against prohibited substances and practices.

In developing and setting to promote global standards in thoroughbred racing and assist developing countries to develop better practices, it promotes the integrity of Grading and Pattern systems.

Through the establishment and review of quality control means of black type grading it pursues and promotes the marketing and commercial opportunities of horse racing worldwide in also promoting international competition, as it acts as an information exchange for distributing data and statistics related to racing and breeding.