Saudi hosts praised after week of intense debate and insight on the future of horseracing.
13 Feb - Asian Racing Conference Closing Ceremony. Image credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
Thursday 12 February, 2026 – – A week of insight, thought leadership and discussion about the future of horseracing concludes in Riyadh with New Zealand declared next hosts of the Asian Racing Conference.
Organised by the Asian Racing Federation and hosted by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, a three-day business programme wrapped up on Thursday.
The Closing Ceremony, which included the traditional waving of the flags by dignitaries on the stage to mark the conclusion of another hugely successful event, was a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s love of horses with a spectacular laser display creating the effect of horses galloping around the delegates at the venue.
HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Alfaisal, the Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, formally opened proceedings on Monday along with Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “Staging such a wonderful event would not have been possible without the work done by our host, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, and the ARC Organising Committee. Thank you, Prince Bandar, your team has done a wonderful job.
“Having talked to many of you over the course of the week, it is clear that this global Conference is widely seen as a success of the Asian Racing Federation. To you, I say thank you for your enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment to racing. It is your energy that has brought the Conference to life.”
The week’s discussions concluded earlier on Thursday with extensive sessions on horse welfare and a diverse debate around the sustainability of the sport, economically and socially.
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