The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) announced today that it has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to support the activities of IFAR. The partnership is kicking off with the JRA’s support of the upcoming virtual IFAR conference through the Japanese Consultative Committee on Aftercare of Racehorses.
“The JRA has already demonstrated its commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare in Japan, and we are so appreciative of their generosity in furthering the work of IFAR and that they recognize the importance of our group’s work on an international scale,” said Di Arbuthnot, chair of IFAR. “With the assistance of the JRA, IFAR will be able to enhance its efforts to promote formal and effective aftercare programs in racing jurisdictions around the world.”
In addition to hosting the upcoming IFAR conference, the sponsorship funding will enable IFAR to expand its communication and marketing efforts.
“The IFAR committees have devised a range of new promotional strategies to showcase the tremendous work that is being undertaken across many countries and hopes the materials under development will help inspire other jurisdictions to enhance and expand their aftercare initiatives,” said Arbuthnot.
“The JRA, along with others in the Japanese racing community, has supported IFAR’s work on the aftercare for retired racehorses since it began and have worked together to address this welfare issue,” said Masayuki Goto, president and chief executive officer of the JRA.
“Year after year, IFAR shares its activities with horse racing professionals around the world, fostering an understanding of our racing industry and demonstrating the great potential of Thoroughbreds, so we have decided to sponsor IFAR in the hope that its activities will continue to be stable and be able to support the global horse racing industry. Here’s hoping that our retired Thoroughbreds will be found well in all sorts of places!”
The 2022 IFAR conference will be held as a series of two virtual webinars on 5 and 19 April at 12 p.m. BST (11 a.m. GMT). Topics to be covered include equine traceability, equine therapy, and veterinary science. The full lineup of speakers and registration information can be found at internationalracehorseaftercare.com/virtual-ifar/. IFAR is an independent forum that recognizes geographical and industry differences among racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. Working with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, IFAR will 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 internationalracehorseaftercare.com.