Speakers | The 40th Asian Racing Conference SAPPORO 2024

Wednesday, 28 AUG

Thursday, 29 AUG

Wednesday, 28 August

SESSION 1:
RACING: STATE OF PLAY

PANEL DISCUSSION:
STRAIGHT FROM THE SADDLE

SESSION 2: FANS:
GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT

SESSION 3:
POP CULTURE:
BRINGING RACING’S STORIES TO THE FORE

Thursday, 29 August

SESSION 4:
BETTING:
HOW INNOVATION IS CHANGING THE FUTURE

SESSION 5:
INTEGRITY:
TACKLING NEW-AGE THREATS

PANEL DISCUSSION:
LAND OF THE RISING SUN

SESSION 6:
DEVELOPMENTS:
BIG CHANGES ACROSS THE ARF FOOTPRINT

Friday, 30 August

SESSION 7:
HORSES:
ENHANCING EQUINE SAFETY & INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY

SESSION 8:
BREEDING:
UNPACKING FUTURE CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

KEYNOTE SPEECH
BY MASAYUKI GOTO,
EXECUTIVE ADVISOR,
JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION

SESSION 9:
PARTICIPANTS:
ACHIEVING WELLBEING &
INCLUSIVITY FROM THE TRACK TO THE BOARDROOM

WINFRIED ENGELBRECHT-BRESGES

WINFRIED ENGELBRECHT-BRESGES

Chairman,
Asian Racing Federation CEO,
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges joined The Hong Kong Jockey Club in 1998 and has been its Chief Executive Officer since February 2007. Under his leadership the Club has undergone significant transformation, becoming one of the world’s leading racing organisations, while its Charities Trust is now one of the world’s top ten charity donors. Prior to joining The Hong Kong Jockey Club, he was a Board Member of the German Racing and Breeding Authority (Direktorium für Vollblutzucht und Rennen) for 10 years, serving as Executive Vice President for six years.

Internationally, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges is Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation and President of the International Horse Sports Confederation. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., organiser of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen.

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges graduated from the University of Cologne in Economics, Finance and Statistics. He also holds an honorary doctorate in humanities from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has had a lifelong passion for horseracing and breeding thoroughbreds, and is also an avid football fan, and played football professionally in Germany before graduation.

MASAYUKI GOTO

MASAYUKI GOTO

Vice-Chairman,
Asian Racing Federation Executive Advisor,
Japan Racing Association

Masayuki joined the JRA in 1975. He has held management positions including as the Chief Representative of JRA New York Office and General Manager of Corporate Strategies Planning Department before being appointed to the JRA Board of Directors in 2006. He was appointed as the Executive Director in 2011, and in 2014, he was appointed as the President and CEO. After nine years of leadership, he was appointed as Executive Advisor in 2023 and represents Japan on strategic matters related to international racing affairs.

In 2020, he was elected as one of the Vice Chairmen of the ARF and in 2021, elected as one of the four Vice Chairs of the IFHA.

He has enhanced the international status of Japanese racing. The JRA started the international simulcast for the 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and generated a substantial turnover from the Japanese Pool, which was featured worldwide.

His love for the Liverpool Sound, especially The Beatles, is very well known to those in horse racing circles who have attended the Japan Cup.

PETER V’LANDYS

PETER V’LANDYS

CEO,
Racing NSW

Peter V’landys AM has been CEO of Racing NSW since 2004.

Peter is also Chairman of the NRL that conducts Rugby League which is one of Australia’s major sports. Peter has been involved in many initiatives including the creation of the $20 million Everest and taking Rugby League to Las Vegas.

Peter has considerable experience in crisis management with dealing with Equine Influenza which shut down the Horse Racing Industries in NSW and Queensland. Peter was able to procure $235 million funding from the Australian Government to keep all racing participants viable during the shut down.

Peter was instrumental in bringing back Rugby League as the first major sport to recommence during COVID, whilst racing remained operational for the whole of the COVID period.

Peter has also been the driving force of a number of funding initiatives for the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry which has more than doubled returns to owners in the period 2012 – 2022, generating additional funding of more than $2 billion during that period.

Peter was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in the 2014 Australia Day Honours for service to horse racing.

Drew Fleming

Drew Fleming

President and CEO,
Breeders’ Cup

Drew Fleming is President and Chief Executive Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited, where he spearheads strategic planning, industry policy, finance, and operations. At Drew’s direction, Breeders’ Cup Limited continues to expand its international profile. Featuring 14 races worth $33 million, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships annually attract the world’s best horses and their connections.

In addition to serving on the Breeders’ Cup Board, which is comprised of the most influential Thoroughbred owners from around the globe, Drew serves on the Board and Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Board of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and as Chair of its Governance Committee, and the Board of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition. Drew also served on the White House COVID-19 Task Force Sports Committee.

Before joining Breeders' Cup Limited, Drew practiced corporate law at a national firm. During this time, he represented domestic and foreign clients in mergers and acquisitions ranging in size from several million dollars to several billion dollars in a variety of industries including sports marketing rights and the Thoroughbred industry.

Joe Saumarez Smith

Joe Saumarez Smith

Chair,
British Horseracing Authority

Joe Saumarez Smith has worked across multiple industries, including journalism, investment banking and education but for the past 20 years he has advised and worked closely with lotteries, governments, investment banks and operating companies on strategy, operational restructuring, finance and merger and acquisition.

He has been an investor in multiple technology-related start-ups. Successful exits include online B2C gaming business IPS (sold to Leo Vegas plc in 2018) and gaming and lottery platform supplier Bede Gaming (sold to Gauselmann Gaming in 2020). He was also an early stage investor in the Rapha cycling brand and is currently an active investor in more than 30 early stage companies.

Joe has an MBA from the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Thouron scholar. He has a deep-rooted passion and understanding of horseracing, having been an avid follower of the industry since the age of eight. He was on the Jockey Club Graduate Programme and worked at the Racing Post. Over the past 25 years he has been a regular race goer and has been to more than 200 tracks around the world. He has written extensively about horseracing and gambling for a variety of publications, including the Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph, and Bloomberg. He has owned shares in more than 50 horses. Joe has been on the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) since 2014 and was appointed Chair in June 2022.

FUMITAKA TSURUOKA

FUMITAKA TSURUOKA

Senior Technical Advisor,
Management Planning Division,
Japan Racing Association

Fumi developed a strong interest in horseracing while attending the University of Tokyo.

He joined the JRA in 1996. One of the projects he initiated was the all riding jockeys’ show-up ceremony for the Japanese Derby (G1), which draws attention from big crowds of spectators prior to the race. This began in 2005 when Deep Impact won the race.

While working for the JRA London and Paris Offices, he had a wide range of experiences in international racing. His contributions to the JRA’s successful international simulcast started with the 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Since joining the Corporate Planning Department in 2019, he has been responsible for using data analysis to develop effective and targeted marketing strategies. He was responsible for implementing the “Jockey Camera” and “Tracking System” last year. The first Jockey Camera footage from Yuga Kawada on Liberty Island was viewed over 1 million times within the first 24 hours.

NATHAN HORROCKS

NATHAN HORROCKS

Co-Founder,
JockeyCam and Equine Productions

Nathan Horrocks, a former jockey turned award-winning director and producer, has seamlessly blended his passions for filmmaking and horse racing. As co-founder of JockeyCam and Equine Productions, he has dedicated his career to both worlds.

Nathan’s transition from riding to storytelling led to the creation of JockeyCam, a lightweight broadcast camera that immerses audiences in the action. His innovation transformed the sport’s experience and earned him recognition as an executive producer for Amazon Prime’s documentary series “Horsepower.”

His directorial achievements include winning “Best International Director” for “The Fall”, a short film addressing mental health in jockeys. Through Equine Productions, Nathan captures horse racing’s captivating stories, providing viewers with an insider’s perspective.

Driven to expand horse racing’s reach, Nathan aims to educate and engage a broader audience about the sport’s beauty and complexity. His work exemplifies this mission, offering fans an exhilarating first-person experience through JockeyCam.

DELPHINE SANTIAGO

DELPHINE SANTIAGO

Jockey

Delphine Santiago is one of the pioneer female jockeys in France and the first French female jockey to reach a milestone of 700 career wins.

Born in Castres, Tarn in southern France, Santiago became interested in horses watching her father enjoy Western films. Making her debut in 1995, she won two races that year and seven the following year when she led the female jockeys for the first time to claim the Cravache d’Or title. She defended her title with 12 wins in 1997 and became the first woman to achieve the Champion Apprentice title.

Santiago consistently increased her number of wins after earning her professional license in 2000 and retained her Cravache d’Or title up to 2002. Following a period of major injuries, she reclaimed the title in 2010, 2013, and 2017, when she set the record number of annual wins by a female jockey (59).

Her accomplishments include a seventh aboard Mogadishio in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in 2014 and a victory in the listed Prix du Grand Camp with Mint Julep in 2017.

YUTAKA TAKE

YUTAKA TAKE

JRA Jockey

A stellar racing icon in Japan and worldwide, Yutaka started his career in 1987, setting a record for most wins by a JRA rookie. He won the JRA leading jockey title three years after his debut, and has held the JRA leading jockey title (with the most wins) 18 times, winning over 100 Grade 1 victories worldwide, including in the United States, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, UAE and Hong Kong.

In 1994, Yutaka made history as the first Japanese jockey to win an international Grade 1 race aboard Ski Paradise in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville. He has also set numerous JRA records, including surpassing 4,500 career wins and six Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) victories. Regarded as a legend in Japanese horse racing, his achievements have garnered recognition not only among racing fans but the general public.

Yutaka received the Longines IFHA Award of Merit in 2017.

CHRISTOPHE PATRICE LEMAIRE

CHRISTOPHE PATRICE LEMAIRE

JRA Jockey

Christophe was born and raised in Chantilly, France, where he developed a passion for horses from a young age, influenced by his father, who was a steeplechase jockey.

He started his rides in France in 1999, quickly establishing a successful riding career winning numerous G1 races in Europe. He started riding seasonally in Japan in 2002 and relocated his saddles to Japan in 2015, becoming the first foreign jockey to receive a full-year license along with Mirco Demuro. He earned the JRA’s leading jockey title from 2017 to 2021 and again in 2023.

Christophe has achieved over 50 GI wins in Japan, including victories aboard Heart’s Cry, Almond Eye, Gran Alegria and Equinox. In 2018, he achieved 215 wins in JRA races, surpassing Yutaka Take’s winning record. He is loved and trusted by the Japanese racing fans due to his personality. His partnership with Equinox earned the title of Longines World’s Best Racehorse in 2023.

NICK SMITH LVO

NICK SMITH LVO

Director of Racing and Public Affairs,
Ascot Racecourse,
UK

Nick joined Ascot Racecourse in 2000 having previously worked on the Daily Mail racing desk. During his time at Ascot, he has held various roles covering racing, international relations, corporate and racing communications and public affairs. He was promoted to his current role of Director of Racing and Public Affairs in 2019.

Nick is a Director on the Ascot Authority (Holdings) Ltd Board and its subsidiary boards including Ascot Racecourse Betting & Gaming Ltd. He is responsible for overseeing Ascot’s Racing, Grounds, Industry Affairs, Communications and CSR functions. Additionally, amongst other industry positions, Nick is a Director of British Champions Series Ltd and a member of the BHA Flat Pattern Committee.

Nick has played a key role in the internationalisation of the business and Royal Ascot in particular, building relationships across many stakeholders and participants in the Middle East, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, America, Canada, Europe and elsewhere around the world.

Nick was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by His Majesty The King in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his services to Ascot.

TOSHIHIKO NISHIYAMA

TOSHIHIKO NISHIYAMA

General Manager, Business Consulting Division,
Mitsubishi Research Institute

After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University, Toshihiko joined Mitsubishi Research Institute in April 1994. Initially, he worked for government agencies on energy and innovation policies, and then engaged in a wide range of consulting work on corporate management and business strategies as well as business reform. He was assigned to his current position in October 2023.

Toshihiko has also engaged in various business projects with Japan Racing Association (JRA), including consulting services to support the JRA’s future growth strategies. Through these experiences, he has developed a broad network of Japanese racing connections. He has been a big racing fan for over 30 years and has experience as a racehorse syndication-fund member, a system which is becoming more popular in Japan.

Toshihiko’s sister is a Japanese manga artist who drew “Harlem Beat” with the theme of basketball.

MICHAEL FITZSIMONS

MICHAEL FITZSIMONS

Executive Director, Wagering Products,
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

As Executive Director, Wagering Products, Michael drives HKJC’s wagering business, with responsibility for Horse Racing, Football and the Mark 6 Lottery. He also leads the International Commingling business, World Pool and China Sports Lottery co-operation development in Beijing.

Prior to the HKJC, Michael worked as Trading Director for The Stars Group, establishing their sportsbook from the inception to going live in over 150 countries and 20 languages. During this time he was also part of the management team responsible for launching SkyBet International as well as FoxBet in the United States.

Prior to PokerStars, Michael worked as trading director for Gambit Research, a boutique high frequency software provider and before this as a Trader at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Michael represents HKJC as an ExCo member of the Asian Pacific Lottery Association and the World Tote Association (WoTA).

NATASHA HAMILTON

NATASHA HAMILTON

Director,
Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre

Dr Natasha Hamilton is the Director of the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre. She was awarded her PhD in equine genetics from the University of Sydney in 2005. Before starting at Racing Australia, she was a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science where she taught neurophysiology and equine science. Her research focuses on the genetic factors that affect health, disease, soundness and career length in racehorses, as well as the development of methods to detect prohibited gene doping in racehorses. Natasha is Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Gene Doping Control Subcommittee and International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) Gene Doping Expert Committee. She is also a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency Gene and Cell Doping Expert Advisory Group, the IFHA Advisory Council on Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices, and the International Stud Book Committee.

MARTIN PURBRICK

MARTIN PURBRICK

Chairperson,
ARF Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and
Related Financial Crime

Martin Purbrick is a consultant, analyst, and writer who spent 32 years working in Asia in corporate risk management, law enforcement, and sports integrity. He is an expert on corruption and organised crime in Asia, and writes about corruption, organised crime, financial crime, law enforcement, and good governance. His former roles were Director of Security & Integrity for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (2009 to 2020), Director of Security & Travel Safety for McKinsey & Company (2004 to 2009), research and intelligence for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (2001 to 2004), corporate investigations for Intel Corporation (2000), and the Royal Hong Kong Police (1988 to 2000). Martin has a Master of Arts (MA Hons) degree in Politics and Modern History from the University of Edinburgh (1988) and a Master of Letters (MLitt) degree in Terrorism Studies from the University of St. Andrews (2016).

ALEX FROST

ALEX FROST

Co-Chair,
World Tote Association

Alex Frost is Chief Executive of the UK Tote Group which has owned and operated the UK Tote since October 2019. In 2020, the UK Tote signed a strategic alliance with Tote Ireland bringing the pools together. Alex is currently also Co-Chair of the World Tote Association.

Before bringing together investors and an executive team to purchase and operate the Tote, Alex spent most of his working career in banking. He joined Dresdner Kleinwort in 1999 and became one of their youngest ever Managing Directors. At Merrill Lynch in 2007 he became head of cash equity sales trading for EMEA.

Alex is a life-long racing fan and runs Ladyswood Stud as well as having flat and jump horses in training in the UK and Ireland. He runs several syndicates and is a member of the Epsom Downs Racecourse board.

TOM CHIGNELL

TOM CHIGNELL

Executive Manager,
Racing Integrity & Betting Analysis,
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Tom is a betting integrity expert with two decades of experience working in Sports Integrity investigations and intelligence. Tom spent 12 years at the British Horseracing Authority, where he was Principal Betting Investigator, before joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2016.

Tom specialises in implementing systems and processes to detect suspicious betting across regulated and illegal markets and producing analytical reports. These reports have successfully been used on multiple occasions as betting evidence in horse racing and sports betting corruption cases and have also been used by the UK Police and government agencies.

RONAN O’LAOIRE

RONAN O’LAOIRE

Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Officer,
Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime,
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Ronan O’Laoire leads the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime. Since taking on this role in 2018, the Programme has supported over 11000 officials from criminal justice authorities, sports organizations and the private sector in over 135 countries to tackle corruption and economic crime in sport, including in the areas of illegal betting, competition manipulation, the transfer of athletes, hosting and organizing major sports events, governance of sports organizations, and enhancing collaboration between sports organizations and criminal justice authorities. In addition to over 20 years of leadership roles in in public service on issues linked to multilateral affairs, drug trafficking, disarmament, anti-corruption, and criminal justice, he holds graduate degrees from Trinity College Dublin and l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences-Po) and has studied at l’Ecole spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr and the George Washington University’s School of Business.

CLIODHNA GUY

CLIODHNA GUY

Head of Licensing, Legal & Compliance (Legal Counsel),
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board

Cliodhna is the Head of Licensing and Legal and Compliance and was appointed in February 2017. She is a qualified lawyer who has focused her career path in the sports industry. She qualified as a solicitor in Byrne Wallace, one of Ireland’s top commercial firms and went on to gain significant experience, both nationally and internationally, as Legal Manager in the Football Association of Ireland and subsequently as Legal Director for the International Boxing Association. Cliodhna has a Masters in Sports Law from De Montfort University in Leicester. She has strong international connections in the sports law industry and an in-depth knowledge of integrity, disciplinary and governance matters.

JAMES PORTEOUS

JAMES PORTEOUS

Research Head,
ARF Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related
Financial Crime Senior Manager,
Due Diligence and Research,
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

James researches global illegal betting markets, their links to transnational organised crime and their negative impacts on society. In his capacity as ARF Council Research Head, he has presented on this subject to a wide range of international stakeholders, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, and leading sports integrity organisations. Prior to joining the HKJC he was a journalist in the UK and Hong Kong.

YOSHITO YAHAGI

YOSHITO YAHAGI

JRA Trainer

Since opening his stable in 2005, Yoshito has earned his first JRA Leading Trainer (most wins) title in 2014 and accumulated JRA Awards on 12 occasions. He won the Dubai Turf in 2016 with Real Steel and the Cox Plate in 2019 with Lys Gracieux, which was subsequently awarded JRA Horse of the Year. In 2020, he trained Contrail to become the undefeated Japanese Triple Crown winner.

In November 2021, he made Japanese racing history with Loves Only You (Filly & Mare Turf) and Marche Lorraine (Distaff) winning the Breeders’ Cup races at Del Mar.

In February 2023, Panthalassa won the Saudi Cup, marking the first victory for a Japanese horse in the world’s richest race. Known for his successful international campaigns, he is often referred to as the “Mr. Yahagi, Worldwide” and is recognised globally as “The Man in the Hat” due to his distinctive headgear.

VEE MOODLEY

VEE MOODLEY

Chief Executive,
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa

Vee is a Certified Director of the Institute of Directors of Directors in South Africa. He worked as a Group Accountant before opting for a career change in 2003 when he joined The Jockey Club of S A, as it was then known. His thorough knowledge, understanding and passion for horseracing stood him in good stead and in 2007, he was promoted to Racing Control Manager and Chief Executive designate of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA). He has a strong financial background, and he was then head hunted to ply his skills at PGL as the Executive Director: Sports Betting. After just under 9 years Vee is now back in in the hot seat, leading the NHA since 1 January 2019. Vee has held numerous positions within the horseracing industry in South Africa and is a Director on multiple Boards and serves on and chairs various Committees.

MAKOTO YOSHIDA

MAKOTO YOSHIDA

Executive Vice President,
National Association of Racing

Makoto embarked on his career as a government official in 1991, primarily serving at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan. He has also held positions with the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Ishikawa Prefecture, contributing to the planning and formulation of policies related to agriculture, forestry, rural development, and land use management.

In 2023, Makoto was appointed as Executive Vice President of the National Association of Racing (NAR). In this role, he addresses key challenges faced by NAR racing organizers, including the development of facilities for training high-performance racehorses, supporting the livestock industry through revenue from turnover, enhancing the online betting system, and promoting the internationalization of NAR racing.

A dedicated racing enthusiast for over 30 years, Makoto enjoys sampling local specialties at racecourses across the country.

BRUCE SHARROCK

BRUCE SHARROCK

CEO,
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing

NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock came into his role in April 2022 after a stint as both NZTR COO and NZTR Board member. Sharrock’s ties to Thoroughbred racing runs deep as an owner and breeder himself, and brother to prominent NZ trainer Allan Sharrock and son of the late Bob Sharrock who trained for many years and was President of the NZ Trainers Association.

Prior to undertaking his position as Chief Executive, Sharrock co-founded and directed Esportif, a Global Sports Management business providing professional athlete management services globally. This business was recently acquired by Wasserman a world-leading Sports, music, and entertainment agency. Before this, Bruce spent 10 years in the corporate financial sector and was a partner in a successful nationwide sports retail chain.

Bruce brings to his role strong leadership skills, industry expertise, and a track record of results that will help drive NZTR forward. His focus is building on existing progress, addressing industry priorities, and securing a sustainable future for Thoroughbred racing.

H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi

H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi

Vice-Chairman,
Asian Racing Federation General Manager and Board Member,
Emirates Racing Authority

H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi is the Secretary General of the UAE Media Council, pivotal in modernizing media regulations and fostering collaboration among government entities. He drives talent development initiatives and contributes to national goals, aligning with the UAE 2071 vision.

Additionally, Al Shehhi serves as Director-General of the Emirates Racing Authority and Vice-Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, focusing on advancing the horse racing industry internationally. His vision includes leveraging technology to improve race integrity and fan engagement across the continent.

As CEO of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre, he spearheads strategic corporate restructuring and launches investment ventures, aiming to create opportunities that benefit society and future generations.

With a background in electrical engineering and digital communications, Al Shehhi held influential positions in media, notably at Dubai Media Incorporated and Du Telecom Company, contributing to digital transformation. Recognized for his contributions, he champions youth talent and innovation, shaping the media landscape in the Middle East.

GREGORY BORTZ

GREGORY BORTZ

Chairman,
Cape Racing

Gregory Bortz is the Chairman and co-owner of Cape Racing, the Cape Town, South Africa-based racing operator. Mr Bortz is also the incoming Chairman (and prospective co-owner) of Gold Circle, the Durban, South Africa-based racing operator.

Mr. Bortz formed the Bortz Family Office after retiring from a career in investment banking and private equity, during which he founded the Los Angeles-based private equity firm CREO Capital Partners. Mr. Bortz currently serves as the Chairman of GMB Investments (“GMB”). GMB is the South African holding company of the Bortz Family Office and is involved in private equity, real estate, and public and private investing in South Africa. GMB is the majority shareholder in Grand Parade Investments Limited, a publicly listed owner of casino and slot machine businesses in South Africa. Mr Bortz serves as Chief Executive of Grand Parade.

Mr. Bortz is a lifelong horseracing fan and a passionate racehorse owner.

BOB LANGERT

BOB LANGERT

Corporate Sustainability Expert

Bob Langert led McDonald’s Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability efforts for more than twenty-five years before retiring in 2015. Currently, he provides corporate sustainability consulting through Mainstream Sustainability.

Langert has been engaged in social responsibility issues at a global level since the late 1980s, leading environmental affairs, animal welfare, and Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities’ grants. He was appointed McDonald’s first vice president to lead sustainability in 2006 with contributions spanning sustainable fish, coffee, palm oil, beef, packaging, extensive animal welfare progress, protecting the Amazon rainforest, nutrition strategy and CSR reporting, measurement, and accountability.

His book about McDonald’s sustainability journey, The Battle To Do Good: Inside McDonald’s Sustainability Journey, was published in January 2019.

Langert received his BA from Lewis University and his MBA from Northwestern University. In 2007, Langert was named as one of the 100 Most Influential in Business Ethics by Ethisphere.

MUTSUKI ISHIMARU

MUTSUKI ISHIMARU

General Manager, International Department,
Japan Racing Association

Mustuki graduated from the Veterinary Department of the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and joined the JRA in 1990.

He was assigned to the Breeding Division in 1998, and worked for 22 years at Hidaka Training and Research Center (Hidaka), Miyazaki Yearling and Training Farm (Miyazaki), and the JRA Tokyo headquarters.

He had the opportunity of training racehorses at Ed Dunlop racing stables in Newmarket, England in 2002. After returning to Japan, he worked as a manager in Hidaka and Miyazaki in breeding, rearing, breaking, pre-training, purchasing yearlings and scientific research from 2005 to 2015.

In 2021 – 2022, he served as general manager of Hidaka, and in 2023, received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the Department of Animal Health Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University. He is currently the general manager of the International Department in JRA.

TETSUYA YOSHIDA

TETSUYA YOSHIDA

Vice President,
Shadai Farm President,
Shadai Race Horse

While attending Waseda University, Tetsuya accompanied his father, Teruya to major horse sales around the world. After graduation, he joined Shadai Farm in 2001.

At Shadai Farm, he handled breaking and training yearlings, 2-year-olds and active racehorses. His most memorable horse is triple G1 winner Manhattan Cafe.

In 2015, he was appointed as the President of the racing syndicate Shadai Race Horse, and focused on “balancing tradition and innovation”, and conveying the enjoyment of owning racehorses.

From 2018, he was appointed as the Vice President of Shadai Farm. While primarily responsible for sales management and the purchase of broodmares, he is currently involved in the comprehensive management of the farm. In recent years, Shadai Farm have expanded opportunities for international race participation, with Stay Foolish which was the 2022 Dubai Gold Cup winner.

Tetsuya currently holds positions as a Director of the Japan Race Horse Association and the Sapporo Horse Owners Association.

SHUNSUKE YOSHIDA

SHUNSUKE YOSHIDA

Vice President,
Northern Farm

Shunsuke was born and raised in Hokkaido. After graduating from Keio University, he joined Northern Farm in 1998. He became the General Manager of Northern Farm Airport branch in 2004 and was appointed Vice President of Northern Farm in 2015. He also serves as the President of Sunday Racing, Vice Chair of the Japan Racing Horse Association, and is a member of the Breeders’ Cup Limited.

At Northern Farm, he oversees overall operations with a focus on breeding thoroughbreds to compete on a global level. He has led the acquisition of quality broodmares at premier overseas sales that challenge in international races. Last year, the Northern Farm bred Equinox claimed Longines World Best Racehorse Award. This year, Forever Young won the Saudi and the UAE Derby.

In 2019, to explore new sales channels, Northern Farm launched a broodmare sale organised by Northern Horse Park. In 2022, the sale became the Northern Farm Mixed Sale with yearlings, developing Japan’s first mixed market.

HIROKAZU OKADA

HIROKAZU OKADA

President,
Big Red Farm

After studying and training in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom for five years from the age of 19, Hirokazu joined Big Red Farm in 2001, which was established by his father, Shigeyuki, 50 years ago. He is also the President of Thoroughbred Club Ruffian (racehorse fund company) and Cosmos (co-ownership sales company).

Their mission is “To produce tough racehorses and success on the racecourse”, known for their hard training, resulting in early debut and a high debut rate for thoroughbreds. He produced GI winners including Uberleben (Japanese Oaks winner).

His farm stands stallions including Gold Ship, Benbatl, Win Bright, and Danon the Kid.

Big Red Farm group owns 600 hectares farm land and manages 700 horses and 110 staff. They pre-train approximately 135 horses a year and retain 75% ownership within their group. This means that the management operation is almost entirely funded by prize money, which is unique in Japan.

SARAH CARMICHAEL

SARAH CARMICHAEL

CEO,
International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation

Sarah joined ITBF in 2019 as Secretariat. Working alongside the Executive Committee, her focus has been in developing and expanding ITBF’s role and remit to best serve international breeders. In a significant move forward, ITBF and IFHA formalised a collaborative agreement in 2023, creating the foundation stone for breeding and racing to work together into the future. In early 2024, Sarah was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ITBF.

She has a 30-year background in the Thoroughbred industry. Previously, Marketing Manager at the National Stud in Newmarket, promoting the Group 1 stallion roster, boarding mares and yearling preparation services, corporate hospitality, stud farming education courses and the Stud’s public tours. Also, the organisation and running of an annual trade fair.

An Industrial Design graduate, she originally set up a design and advertising business. Her broad client base included agricultural companies, equestrian feed & equipment companies, and the commercial vehicle sector. She then went on to specialise in the Thoroughbred industry.

NAOYA YOSHIDA

NAOYA YOSHIDA

President,
Winchester Farm

As a fourth-generation thoroughbred owner and breeder, Naoya grew up in Hokkaido at Yoshida Stud Farm which was founded in 1898 by his great-grandfather. Naoya’s father, Shigeo, went on to purchase horses overseas, including the 1972 American Champion Older Mare “Typecast” and the 1972 Epsom Oaks winner “Ginevra”.

After graduating from Rakuno Gakuen University in 1993, Naoya worked at Kildangan Stud in Ireland, Dalham Hall Stud in England. From 1997-1998, he worked at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky.

Naoya and his wife Marie set up Winchester Farm in Kentucky in 2002 and have produced several Group winners, including LOCKED (Gr.1), POINT ME BY (Gr.1) etc.

He was appointed as a Board Member of the Kentucky Farm Manager’s Association, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Center, the Kentucky Equine Manager Internship, as well as Vice Chairman of the Junior Chamber Breeder’s Association in Japan.

IGNACIO PAVLOVSKY

IGNACIO PAVLOVSKY

President,
Haras Carampangue

Ignacio received a veterinary degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 1994.

He is the president of Haras Carampangue, which is located in San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires and has been working there since it was created in 1993. He also owns Haras La Manija and has managed for Mr. Comte Andre de Ganay Haras Los Cerillos and Haras La Providencia.

Since 1998, he has been a member of the Palermo Racecourse and from 2004, he has been Vice President of the Racing Commission. In 2011, he became a member of the Stud Book Argentino and represents OSAF in various committees in the IFHA.

Some of Ignacio’s notable accomplishments include: Breeder of 65 Graded Stakes Winners, 21 Grade One Winners, 10 Champions, including Breeder’s Cup Distaff winner “Blue Prize”, “Blue Stripes”, “Irwin”, “Didia”, etc.

KANICHIRO FUJII

KANICHIRO FUJII

Retired Jockey

Kanichiro made his debut in Australia at the age of 17 in 2001. He won his first Group 3 race, the Chairman’s Trophy, at Kranji Racecourse in Singapore with Trigger Express in 2007. In 2013, he won the Korean Derby with Speedy First, becoming the first foreign jockey to win the prestigious race in Korea. In the inaugural Korea Cup in 2016, he guided Chrysolite to victory, winning by a margin of six lengths. He also won the 2018 Korea Sprint with Moanin. Kanichiro obtained his JRA jockey license in 2019 and won the Flower Cup (G3) with Ablaze.

In April 2022, he suffered a severe injury, fracturing his fourth thoracic vertebra at a fall at Fukushima Racecourse, resulting in paraplegia. Consequently, he announced his retirement in February 2024.

Since retirement, Kanichiro provides support for Japanese horses on their overseas tours, utilising his skills and experiences developed though riding around the world.

KENICHIRO MISHIMA

KENICHIRO MISHIMA

Breeder,
Mishima Stable

Born in Urakawa, Hokkaido, Kenichiro worked at his family’s Mishima Farm from 1995 to 1999 before moving to the U.S., where he worked in the area of breeding and yearling at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky for two seasons.

After returning from America, he took on the role of CEO of Darley Japan Farm in 2007. He has been assigned as the Director of Mishima Farm since 2016.

Mishima Farm is one of the leading breeders in Japan and has produced numerous Grade Stakes winners including T O Royal (Tenno Sho Spring G1), Danon Kingly (Yasuda Kinen GI), First Force (Takamatsunomiya Kinen GI), Bathrat Leon (Godolphin Mile GII, 1351 Turf Sprint GIII) and Meisho Hario (Teio Sho and Kashiwa Kinen).

Mishima Farm focuses on making continuous effort in improving farm facilities, upgrading broodmares from Japan and overseas, and human resources to lead the horse racing industry in the future.

ADRIAN TODD

ADRIAN TODD

Managing Director,
South Africa Equine Health & Protocols NPC

South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) was formed in late 2017, with the sole focus of resolving South Africa’s equine export protocols. A founding director of SAEHP, Adrian was previously Managing Director of Cape Thoroughbred Sales. He has also represented the breeding community in the South African parliament and served as government liaison and Industry development consultant to Racing South Africa. Adrian has a strong belief in the importance of the development and growth of strong Public Private Partnerships to activialy promote and protect the racing industry. Todd previously worked for a number of years on stud farms in Kentucky before becoming involved in Industry development and education of future horseman.

SUZANNE EADE

SUZANNE EADE

CEO,
Horse Racing Ireland

Suzanne Eade is CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) which is responsible for the overall administration, governance, development, and promotion of the Irish horseracing industry on an all-island basis.

She combines her passion for sport with vast commercial experience to oversee and promote a global-leading industry which generates €2.4 billion to the Irish economy annually.

Under her leadership, the Irish racing and breeding industry has shown steady growth in key areas such as ownership, horses-in-training, betting, bloodstock sales, and festival attendances at racecourses.

Suzanne has served as a director on various industry Boards, including the Irish Equine Centre, RACE, and several Irish racecourses.

Prior to her role as CEO, Suzanne held the role of HRI’s CFO for 6 years. She has previously held senior roles in major multinationals in the retail and FMCG sectors in UK, Switzerland, and Ireland.

FUNDI SITHEBE

FUNDI SITHEBE

CEO,
4Racing Pty Ltd

Fundi Sithebe is the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 4Racing, a newly established company responsible for horseracing operations, that purchased assets from a business that was in business rescue. A large part of her responsibilities is to ensure a successful turnaround, stabilising and the growth and sustainability of the horse racing business whilst managing the day-to-day operations, transformation and modernisation of the various business units. Over and above this, a large responsibility in her role is establishing and maintaining positive stakeholder relations amongst a variety of stakeholder groups, such as the shareholder, government and regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders and media.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Midrand University, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Business Administration) from Wits Business School. Her passion in the aviation industry was sparked in 2003, when she obtained her Private Pilot’s License (PPL).

ANDREW HARDING

ANDREW HARDING

Secretary General,
Asian Racing Federation Executive Director, Racing,
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Andrew Harding is currently the Executive Director, Racing, at The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Secretary-General of the Asian Racing Federation.

He is also the Executive Director of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), Co-Secretary General of the International Horse Sports Confederation, and Chairman of the IFHA Technical Advisory Committee.

Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland. He is a Barrister of the Supreme Court New South Wales and of the High Court of Australia, as well as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland. Andrew is the former Chief Executive of the Australian Racing Board, from 1998 to 2012.

Prior to this, Andrew held the position of Deputy Chief Executive & Counsel of Queensland Racing. Before his commitment to the horseracing industry, he worked as a legal practitioner from 1989 to 1994.

TOM RYAN

TOM RYAN

Director of Strategy,
Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia

Tom Ryan joined the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia in April 2019 following a 13-year tenure as General Manager of Naas Racecourse. Under the guidance of Chairman HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al Faisal Tom led the team who developed the Saudi Cup concept and established the event across all operational aspects. To date across 5 renewals the Saudi Cup has attracted 365 international runners from 17 different countries. On behalf of the JCSA Tom oversaw the KSA successful application for promotion to Part 2 of the IFHA Blue Book in 2021 and the various Pattern advancements that have been achieved over the last 3 years.

During his time at Naas it was completely redeveloped and acclaimed for its innovative and forward-thinking policies during which time it emerged as one of the leading tracks in Ireland. Tom served as director of the Association of Irish Racecourses for a nine-year period. The Association advances the commercial and operational interests of all 26 racecourses in Ireland.

Prior to his time at Naas Racecourse Tom was involved in several aspects of the racing and bloodstock industries, including 4 years with Coolmore and time with various trainers in the Tipperary area.

CLARE VIGERS

CLARE VIGERS

Client Services Director,
Two Circles

Clare is Client Services Director for Two Circles, a global data-driven sports marketing agency. She leads Two Circles’ marketing and consultancy services in Australia and New Zealand, working closely with clients to understand their business objectives. Powered by data, brilliant digital products, and scroll-stopping content, Two Circles have developed unrivalled experience in fan insight and communication, which Clare and her teams use to grow the value of sports.

DENNIS HAU

DENNIS HAU

Executive Director, Customer Strategy,
Insights and Innovation,
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Leading the Customer Strategy, Insights and Innovation (CSII) Division, Dennis is instrumental in driving the ongoing transformation of the HKJC into an even more customer centric organisation. He is a seasoned leader with wide-ranging experience of business development, portfolio management, product management and digital customer business across Asia, including in the Mainland, Hong Kong and Southeast Asian countries. Prior to joining the Club, Dennis was the Group Vice President of Tencent Music Entertainment Limited, during which he spearheaded several merger and acquisition initiatives and set up the Tencent International Product Centre and International Business Group. He has also worked at Oracle Corporation, taking charge of business intelligence, data analysis and product development in the Mainland, Hong Kong, and the United States.

ANTONY THOMPSON

ANTONY THOMPSON

Owner/Director,
Widden Stud Australia

Antony represents the seventh generation of the renowned Thompson family, founders of Widden Stud, established in 1867. Widden Stud has been pivotal in shaping the Australian breeding landscape, standing legendary sires such as Todman, Bletchingly, Vain, Marscay, Lunchtime and now Zoustar, who currently commands the highest service fee in Australia.

Antony’s career spans well over three decades. His early experience included roles with trainer John Morish and stints at leading farms in New Zealand, namely Ra Ora Stud and Cambridge Stud; the United States at Vinery Kentucky and Eaton Sales; and in the United Kingdom with Bloodstock Agent Luke Lillingston.

Under Antony’s leadership, Widden Stud has expanded to now stand 18 stallions across two farms, having established Widden Victoria in 2021. They have consistently delivered exceptional results on the racetrack, having bred numerous Group One winners. Widden was Australia’s leading vendor last season and their flagship stallion Zoustar, whose progeny have garnered significant acclaim on the track and in sales rings globally, has solidified Widden’s reputation as an industry leader.

Antony has also held numerous influential positions within the Thoroughbred industry, most notably as President of the Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a role he held for seven years, and that of Director and Treasurer of Aushorse, presently serving as its Chairman.

VICKY LEONARD

VICKY LEONARD

Founder,
Kick Collective

Originally from Timaru, New Zealand, Vicky earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science and an MBA, finishing as the top student in the Godolphin Flying Start Program. In 2018, she founded Kick Collective, a full-service marketing agency for the thoroughbred industry, with bases in Ireland and Kentucky. Now based in Sydney, Vicky leads Kick Collective in specialising in perception marketing and strategy, driving initiatives like Kick Up for Racing in Australia and Light Up Racing in the US. These community-focused programs aim to ensure a sustainable future for the thoroughbred racing industry. Additionally, Vicky is the owner and Managing Director of The Thoroughbred Report AusNZ, a daily bloodstock publication.

JANINE HOSKING

JANINE HOSKING

Director and Producer,
A Horse Named Winx

Janine Hosking is an award-winning documentary director and producer.

Janine’s career highlights include producing and directing the feature documentaries ‘My Khmer Heart’ and ‘Ganja Queen’ for HBO and having ‘Mademoiselle and the Doctor’ screen to critical acclaim at both Australian and international film festivals. Her feature documentary ‘My Khmer Heart’, set in Cambodia, was shortlisted for Oscar nomination.

Her 2022 film ‘Knowing the Score’ about Australian conductor Simone Young was executive produced by Cate Blanchett and nominated for a prestigious Rose d‘Or Award. She recently produced ‘How to Poison A Planet’, featuring Mark Ruffalo, for Australian streamer, STAN.

Her film ‘A Horse Named Winx’ premiered at the Sydney International Film Festival in June 2024 and will be released in Australian cinemas on September 5, with an international release to follow.

NAOHIDE FUKUHARA

NAOHIDE FUKUHARA

Freelance Anchor

Naohide worked as an anchor on a variety of news and entertainment shows on Fuji Television Network between 1992 and 2022. Among many others, Naohide’s considerable experience includes working at the New York branch from 2001 to 2004; acting as host and race caller for Fuji Television’s “Minna no Keiba”, one of the most popular terrestrial racing TV programs in Japan; and race calling the Japanese Derby from 2018 to 2021.

Following Naohide’s retirement from Fuji in March 2022, he has worked as a freelance anchorman to convey the appeal of horse racing to a wider and more diverse audience. Naohide has also formed a business alliance with “Take”, the private office of the legendary jockey, Yutaka Take.

LACHLAN FITT

LACHLAN FITT

Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO,
Entain Australia and New Zealand

Lachlan Fitt is the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand and has been with the company since 2018.

He initially joined to oversee the integration of the Neds acquisition and took on the CFO role in late 2019.

Lachlan brings a wealth of experience from his previous position as an Equity Analyst at Macquarie Group, where he covered the Australian gambling industry.

From 2014 to 2018, he held various corporate, commercial, and strategic roles at Tabcorp in Sydney and London.

A passionate racing enthusiast, Lachlan oversees not only the core finance and data & analytics functions for Entain, he is also instrumental in driving M&A and business development initiatives for the company. This includes a 25-year strategic partnering agreement to operate the New Zealand TAB.

Lachlan was recently appointed as chairman of New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing.

AARON MORRISON

AARON MORRISON

Chief Executive Officer,
Racing Victoria

As CEO of Racing Victoria, Aaron leads the organisation in managing, administering, regulating, and promoting Thoroughbred Racing in Victoria, Australia’s premier racing jurisdiction. His responsibilities also encompass managing various industry-owned commercial and media ventures aimed at enhancing engagement, driving participation, and securing sustainable funding for the industry through wagering, media, content, and data rights management.

Aaron brings extensive executive experience across sports, wagering, gambling, media, hospitality, and entertainment, with a diverse background in leadership, strategic and commercial roles in multiple international markets. Before stepping into the CEO role, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Racing Victoria for seven years in addition to his other prior career experience including as CEO of hospitality group, Sand Hill Road, and over 20 years in senior executive, leadership, and advisory roles within the Casinos and Entertainment sectors with SkyCity Entertainment Group and Crown Limited.

Aaron is also an experienced Director, serving on several boards within the racing industry and media companies. These include Racing.com, the national racing broadcaster and producer, radio station RSN 927, Thoroughbred Racing Productions, Racing Victoria Media Limited, VicRacing Ltd, and Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Ltd.

JAMIE STIER

JAMIE STIER

Executive General Manager – Integrity Services,
Racing Victoria Chairman,
IFHA Horse Welfare Committee

Jamie has had a distinguished career in the horse racing industry. Starting as a cadet steward with the Australian Jockey Club in 1985, he gained valuable experience in various roles within the New South Wales racing industry over 13 years. In 1998, Jamie moved to Hong Kong as a stipendiary steward and rose to the position of chief stipendiary steward by 2003. During his time in Hong Kong, he served on influential committees and working parties, including those of the IFHA and the ARF. In 2010, he joined the British Horseracing Authority as the Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation, taking on greater responsibilities as Chief Regulatory Officer in 2016. In 2018, he became the Executive General Manager of Integrity at Racing Victoria, overseeing matters of integrity and compliance in the Victorian horse racing industry.