Following its successful conference held in Sapporo, Japan, the Steering Committee of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) is pleased to provide further details on its recent leadership changes.
During the conference, it was announced Di Arbuthnot is stepping down from the committee following the conclusion of two terms in the role of chair. She has led the organisation since its inception in 2016. Dr Eliot Forbes, who previously served as chair of IFAR’s Conference Organising Committee, has been named her successor.
“It has been an honour and privilege to help build IFAR into what it is today,” said Arbuthnot. “The aftercare of racehorses is something that is incredibly important to me personally, and it is vitally important for the future of the industry. I am confident in Eliot’s abilities to lead and grow IFAR in the coming years.”
IFAR is an independent forum that recognises geographical and industry differences among racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. IFAR works to raise awareness of the importance of welfare for Thoroughbreds, improve education on lifetime care, and help increase demand for former racehorses in other equestrian sports.
It is led by the Steering Committee, which unanimously elected Forbes to serve as the new chair. Forbes, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Racing Integrity Board in New Zealand, has been an integral part of IFAR for years.
“I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Chair at IFAR as we embark on this exciting new chapter of growth,” said Forbes. “Di has been an outstanding leader, and IFAR would not be where it is today without her vision and dedication. She has been a true pioneer, guiding the organisation with both passion and poise. The overwhelming response to our recent membership launch has been truly humbling, and our committee is fully committed to expanding our international network and amplifying our positive impact for the benefit of horses around the world.”
Forbes has over 30 years of veterinary, racing, and wagering experience, across Australasia, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Following a decade in clinical equine practice, he served as the Veterinary Steward for the Emirates Racing Authority between 2004 – 2010. Upon his return to Australia, he held a variety of racing administration and commercial leadership roles, including appointments as the CEO of Racing Queensland and the CEO of Tasracing. More recently, he was CEO of RACELAB Pty. Ltd., which specialises in the provision of data and software services to wagering operators.
Additionally, Forbes chaired Racing Australia’s Retirement of Racehorses Committee (2013 – 2016) and was a member of the Veterinary and Analyst Committees (VAC) for each of the three codes of Australian racing.
For more information on IFAR, visit https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com.
International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses