8th International Forum for Aftercare of Racehorses

Again, it’s the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses, and again the ‘House Full’ sign was up, this time being the 8th IFAR Conference on Wednesday in Sapporo, Japan.

Offering a full-day programme of Conference and a local Facility Visit, it’s showcasing the off-the-track Thoroughbred hosted by the Japan Racing Association in support of Asian Racing Federation.

“It’s become increasingly important for the racing industry to properly address issues of horse welfare,” said JRA President and CEO Masayoshi Yoshida, in officially opening the Conference.

“Horse racing is an exciting and enjoyable sport with a very long history, and addressing the issue of welfare and the aftercare of racehorses is an unavoidable challenge that must be met.”

Conducted in conjunction with the 40th Asian Racing Conference which is organised by the ARF, scheduled for 27 August – 1 September “in sustaining the sport and sports betting worldwide.”

Commencing with a visit to Sapporo Racecourse delegates experienced the JRA-support programmes fulfilling an important role to help prepare the next generation of Japanese equestrians.

This multi-faceted excursion showcased how the JRA supports and transitions off-track Thoroughbreds to a range of second careers, with delegates including jockey Christophe Lemaire.

Moving onto the Sapporo Convention Center for the afternoon session, followed by the official welcome by Mr Yoshida and IFAR Chair Di Arbuthnot ‘expressing the IFHA’s sincere gratitude.’

“I want to thank the JRA for their commitments to IFAR,” said Dr Arbuthnot, “as we would not be here without them, moving forward, the equestrian world and racing must work together.”

“I am talking both in terms of bodies working together within individual jurisdictions and of the overarching international authorities coming together to listen and learn from one another.”

In also announcing she was stepping down following the conclusion of two terms as Chair, Dr Eliot Forbes, of the IFAR’s Conference Organising Committee being named as her successor.

English football legend and Thoroughbred enthusiast Michael Owen followed via a video address stated “Any athlete has got, at some point, retire,” moderated by broadcaster David Eades.

“There will always be many different needs and approaches to aftercare, and as the phrase goes, it’s horses for courses, and it will often depend on where you are across the racing world.”

“But the important thing is that wherever you are, aftercare is recognised as a shared responsibly that owners, breeders, participants, and the authorities take seriously.”

In following, Dr Atsushi Kikuta, JRA Director of Equine and Stewards Department presented on the second careers of Thoroughbreds in Japan, with JRA using retired horses in various ways.

Especially used as lead horses and as ambassadors to help educate people interested in working in the horse racing industry, it also continues to expand its programs for retired racehorses.

“The JRA recognises the importance of retired racehorses,” said Dr Kikuta, “as supporting various equine activities helps create homes for horses and for retired racehorses to be active.

“The Thoroughbred Aftercare and Welfare was established in April 2024 based on policies decided by the ‘Japanese Consultative Committee on Aftercare of Racehorses,’ and Its to promote

second careers for retired racehorses, find solutions for life after aging/retirement, and facilitate diverse utilization of horses/retired racehorses.”