The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) will hold its 60th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA) at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, on 5 October.

This year’s milestone Conference will reflect on the major achievements of the IFHA across six decades before focusing on the future of racing around the globe. The keynote address will be delivered by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and sports television presenter Rishi Persad will serve as the moderator for the Conference.

“For 60 years, delegates with a passion for racing have gathered to share ideas and promote international cooperation with a view to advancing the sport,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

“It is important that we look back on the key successes of the IFHA while also examining the state of racing as it is today. By combining a look at the past and the future, we hope to engage and inspire our members as we strive to improve international racing for many more decades to come.”

Following a presentation on the IFHA’s past 60 years by its Executive Director, Andrew Harding, a panel discussion will trace the evolution of the IFHA and examine its current agenda.

The other panelists will be: Jim Gagliano, President and COO, The Jockey Club (US) and IFHA Vice-Chair; Brian Kavanagh, CEO, The Curragh and former IFHA Vice-Chair; Simon Cooper, former Vice Chair, International Stud Book Committee; and Frances Nelson, former Chair, Racing Australia. Murray Acklin, former Chair, Asian Racing Federation, will also provide pre-recorded video remarks.

Engelbrecht-Bresges will lead the second session of the Conference with an address exploring the current challenges facing the sport. He will then take part in a panel discussion focused on leading racing toward a strong and sustainable future.

The other panelists will be: Masayuki Goto, Executive Advisor, Japan Racing Association and IFHA Vice-Chair; Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President, France Galop; Everett Dobson, Chair, The Jockey Club (US); Suzanne Eade, CEO, Horse Racing Ireland; Felicity Barnard, CEO, Ascot; Teddy Grimthorpe, Chair, International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation; and Vee Moodley, Chief Executive, National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa.

A live video stream of the 60th ICHA will be available on the IFHA’s website. A replay of the live stream and the Conference presentations will be available in the days following the event.

The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organised and hosted by the Société d'Encouragement in Paris, France, on 9 October 1967. Since 1994, the annual Conference has been organised by the IFHA. In 2025, the Conference convened delegates from approximately 40 countries, with other racing executives and members of the media also in attendance.