Asian Racing Conference sets the stage ahead of The Saudi Cup

Industryleaders meet in Riyadh for week of discussion and insight

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Friday 7 February, 2026 - Around 600 leading dignitaries,  decision makers and leaders from the world of horseracing will be assembling  in Riyadh next week for the 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC).  

Guided by the theme: “Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future”  the event runs from February 9-14 and consists of a three-day business  programme designed to provoke meaningful dialogue, strategic insights and key  learnings to address the challenges and opportunities facing the horseracing  industry.

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The week’s activities get under way on Monday with a gathering  of the International Forum for the After Care of Racehorses (IFAR) when HRH  Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, the chairman of hosts, Jockey Club of  Saudi Arabia will formally open proceedings.

Delegates will be welcomed later that evening to the ARC  Opening Ceremony by both HRH Prince Bandar and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges,  CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation,  the conference organisers.

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A busy three days of discussion, thought leadership and  insight at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Convention Centre follows, covering  topics ranging from the role of equestrianism and sport in Saudi’s Vision  2030 ambitions, the impact and role of the Gulf Horseracing Council, as well  as AI impacts on the future of sport in terms of integrity and attracting new  audiences.

The week culminates in the seventh running of the USD$20m  Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday February 14 when Japan’s  Forever Young (JPN) will be seeking a place in the history books as the first  repeat winner of the big race.

For more information about the Asian Racing Conference please  go to the website here, where images will also be made  available for editorial purposes to media throughout the week.

**ENDS**

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