The stage is set for the declaration of the newly formed equine body, the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) with its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, it was announced here on Friday.
"The second of January is a memorable day in the history of horse racing. All arrangements have been completed to register the federation with the authorities pursuant to the decree issued under law No. 7 of 1980,” said Lara Sawaya, elected president of the IFHRA.
"The federation has been established pursuant to the directives of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, under the umbrella of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.
"We are targeting the future by creating a strong base for horse racing including both Arabians and Thoroughbreds to serve the new generations in the process.
"Our immediate objective is to ensure the establishment of racing academies in all the 18 member countries and beyond and to support the countries which are looking forward to join the federation. So far, we have received calls from ten countries which are interested in joining the federation,” she added.
The meeting has approved the bylaws and other issues on the agenda. It includes the issuance of the international horseracing industry skills passport to facilitate easy conveyance between the member countries, the IFHRA digital media, the new year's priorities-action steps, setup of new ideas forum, proposed student mentorship program, a few to mention,” she added.
In the meantime, the executive committee of the federation was elected under the presidency of Sawaya, UAE; vice-president Susanna Santesson, Germany; secretary Remi Belloca, USA, and the members Pat Buckley, UAE; Melissa Weatherley, Australia; Chris Watson, Turkey; Gary Watson, South Africa, alongside observers Alhan Ahmed, treasury secretary, Saeed Al Shamsi and Jiryr Habibian from the Abu Dhabi International Sports Court and Mohammed Yahya, digital media officer.
Eighteen countries were admitted as founding members of the federation. They are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom (represented by two academies; The British Racing School having voting right and Northern Racing School).
"The federation is looking forward to serve all the persons involved in the industry by providing training to jockeys whether apprentice or professionals as well as trainers and other connections of the stables,” Sawaya confirmed.
Yousuf Saeed Al Abri, undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department said: "Under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representatives from 18 countries came to Abu Dhabi to attend the first general meeting of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies. The meeting was also attended by Saeed Al Shamsi, representing the Judiciary Department in the executive committee of the new body to review and implement the laws and legislations as part of the contributions of this department to support the sports activities in all fields and to ensure that the governing rules and regulations are keeping pace with the international laws and standards and to implement the vision, role and message of the Sports Court in this respect.”
Source: Khaleej Times