41st Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh Urges Global Cooperation, Fan Engagement

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges warned delegates that racing faces an urgent crossroads, saying, "We are in a critical phase for racing and breeding, and yet fragmentation within our sport is preventing us from tackling the challenges that confront us." His comments came as roughly 650 guests from 45 countries convened at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention Centre for the 41st Asian Racing Conference, whose three-day business programme wrapped up on Thursday, Feb 12. The re-election of Engelbrecht‑Bresges as Chair, Asian Racing Federation, was announced at the conference opening on Feb 9 and secures his term through the 42nd ARC in New Zealand in 2028.

Organised by the Asian Racing Federation and hosted by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, the ARC ran within a larger 9–14 February programme window on the official schedule while the core business stream operated over three days. The venue in Riyadh's Digital City sat about 35–45 minutes from King Khalid International Airport and King Abdulaziz Racecourse. HKJC social posts described the three-day programme as interactive and dynamic, with the ARC containing either nine or 10 sessions depending on the account, and key bureau meetings including the ARF Executive Council, ARF General Assembly, International Stewards’ Conference, Asian Pattern Committee and the Asian and Oceania Stud Book Committee.

Speakers and panels homed in on cross-border solutions, technology adoption and youth recruitment as immediate priorities. Andrew Harding, ARF secretary general and executive director for racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, put the workforce at the centre of his call: "Our sport goes back more than centuries, but in terms of its future, this will depend on its relevance to youth. Beyond their participation as fans, there is the question then of their participation in the workforce." Delegates also heard warnings about declining foal crops and threats to genetic diversity, while sessions organised under the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses addressed welfare and long-term sustainability.

Commercial innovation and wagering collaboration were presented as practical tools to bind jurisdictions together. Engelbrecht‑Bresges highlighted the Hong Kong Jockey Club's World Pool, saying it "has successfully joined many jurisdictions through pooled wagering, creating marketing and simulcasting opportunities." Saudi hosts emphasised improved regional coordination; Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, reported tangible progress: "It's been going very well. In the past two years, we have made much progress on issues like horse movement and coordination of fixtures (race meetings)."

The conference closed with a cultural flourish - a laser display that created the effect of horses riding around delegates - a moment organisers described as celebrating Saudi Arabia's equine heritage ahead of the G1 Saudi Cup, billed on conference material as the world's most valuable race. The ARC's return to the Arabian Peninsula marked the first such visit since 2007, and organisers framed the event under the theme "Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future."

Which ARC priority will matter most to your track, stable or jurisdiction - global collaboration, new technology, pooled wagering, youth recruitment or aftercare? Share this story or leave a comment to join the debate.