The International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) is preparing to host its highly anticipated Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology in Toronto, Canada, from 12-14 June at the prestigious Woodbine Racetrack.
The Summit is a significant aspect of the IFHA’s steadfast dedication to enhancing equine safety and welfare, a pivotal strategic focus area for the organization. This event follows the IFHA’s 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in October 2023, which placed strong emphasis on the protection of equine welfare and the evolving societal expectations within the industry.
The three-day, invitation-only Summit will bring together world-leading research scientists, clinicians, veterinarians, and racing regulators from across the globe to delve into the most pressing horse welfare issues and the latest technological advancements.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Chair of IFHA, emphasized, “Equine welfare is racing’s single most important priority, and it is at the center of all decisions we make. That is why the IFHA has invested significantly in delivering an event that will bring about meaningful enhancements to horse safety and further incorporate cutting-edge technological advances into our systems. We recognize the integral role of science and innovation in safeguarding the well-being of our equine athletes, and I am excited that we will bring together world-leading experts at this IFHA Summit to explore how we can continue to protect our horses now and into the future.”
One of the key focus areas at the Summit will be the investigation of fracture prevention and exercise-associated sudden death (EASD), with experts in these fields set to deliver scientific and regulatory workshops throughout the event. The outcomes from the Summit will be carefully analyzed by the IFHA leadership, with the aim of developing a roadmap for the racing industry to further minimize the risk of fractures and EASD in the future.
Jim Lawson, the Executive Chair of Woodbine Entertainment Group, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event, stating, “Woodbine Entertainment is proud to host the IFHA Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology, which promises to be a momentous event in the racing industry’s efforts to improve equine welfare outcomes. We are fully supportive of this great initiative, and Woodbine looks forward to welcoming experts and racing administrators from around the globe who are similarly committed to this cause.”
The IFHA is deeply appreciative of the support from the Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for Equine Research (a program at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine), The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation, and Woodbine Entertainment Group, whose contributions have been instrumental in making the staging of the Summit a possibility.
As the excitement builds for the IFHA Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology, anticipation is high for the valuable insights and progressive strategies that will emerge from this groundbreaking event. With a shared commitment to ensuring the well-being of equine athletes, the Summit is poised to leave an indelible mark on the racing industry and pave the way for a safer and more technologically advanced future.