The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) will take place on Tuesday, 27 August and will offer a full day programme incorporating a conference and a local facility visit, showcasing off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Both events are being hosted by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) and supported by the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), and this will be the fourth time IFAR is held in conjunction with the Asian Racing Conference (ARC).
The day will begin with a trip to Sapporo Racecourse, where there is a JRA equestrian facility that works with retired racehorses. This multi-faceted excursion will showcase how the JRA supports and transitions off-the-track Thoroughbreds across a range of second careers. Delegates will experience first-hand how the JRA-supported programmes fulfill an important community role and help prepare the next generation of Japanese equestrians.
The formal programme will commence in the afternoon at the Sapporo Convention Center and will feature a lineup of international speakers addressing a wide range of topics as well as an update on aftercare in Japan. Key themes of the conference will be traceability, safety net initiatives, Thoroughbreds in equestrian sport, contemporary thinking in social engagement and the role of aftercare in building community trust. Confirmed speakers include representatives from the JRA, World Horse Welfare, the Horse Welfare Board (UK) and the Kentucky Horse Council.
“We are looking forward to taking everyone to Sapporo Racecourse for a tour of the equestrian facility,” said IFAR Chair Di Arbuthnot. “Thoroughbreds are capable of so many second careers, and seeing this firsthand is a memorable and educational experience. The IFAR conference will also allow for the exchange of ideas and success stories on a global scale, which will benefit everyone involved with the aftercare of racehorses.”
Transportation will be provided from official hotels to the racecourse and convention center, and back to official hotels following the conclusion of the conference. Morning and afternoon coffees will be provided, and lunch will be served at the Sapporo Convention Center.
The 2024 IFAR conference is proudly supported by the JRA, which has also entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement to support IFAR’s activities around the world.
Attendance at the IFAR event is complimentary for ARC delegates, and interested parties will be requested to indicate their participation as part of the ARC registration. For those interested in attending IFAR only, please email ifar@arcsapporo2024.com to inquire about registration. Register early, as space will be limited.
IFAR is an independent forum that recognises geographical and industry differences among racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. Working with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), 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.
For more information on IFAR, visit https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com. For more information about the Asian Racing Conference and how to register, visit https://arcsapporo2024.com.
International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses