FIRST ANNOUNCEMENTFIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCECONTENTS

01

Message
From the ARF

02

Message
From the JRA

03

ARF
Overview

04

JRAOverview

05

Conference
Overview

06

Business
Programme

07

Conference
Venue

08

RaceDay

09

Regional Tour(Optional)

10

IFAR

11

Registration

12

Partner
Programme

13

Hotels01 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T 40th ASI AN RACI NG CO NFERENCEMESSAGEFROMTHE ARF

On behalf of the Executive Council of the Asian Racing
Federation (ARF), it is my great pleasure to invite you tothe 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) to be held in
Sapporo, Japan from 27 August to 1 September 2024.
Since the Conference was first convened in Tokyo in
1960, the ARC has developed into a leading international
forum for addressing opportunities for, and challenges
to, racing. More than this, importantly, the ARC continues
to foster collaboration between racing organisations andstakeholders so that we can work with one another andgrow stronger together.
It is fitting that the ARC will now return to the place of its
birth for the momentous occasion of its 40th edition,
where it will continue building on the legacy of itspredecessors.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
Chairman, Asian Racing Federation

Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido,
Sapporo is perhaps most well-known to overseas
visitors for having hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.
To the global horseracing industry, Sapporo provides
a gateway into the very heart of the Japanesethoroughbred industry, with Hokkaido being home
to over 700 breeding farms accounting for more than
90% of the nationwide total. Internationally, Japan
has developed into one of the leading nations inbreeding, with Japanese runners climbing to newheights around the world.

This year also marks a significant milestone for the Japan
Racing Association as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Since its founding, the JRA’s achievements on the global
stage have gone from strength to strength. From
breeding to racing, Japan’s prowess is truly remarkable,
as evidenced by Equinox being named the 2023
Longines World’s Best Racehorse and the Japan Cup(G1) being named the 2023 Longines World’s Best HorseRace.
Working together with the JRA, we have curated an
exciting 40th ARC programme which will provide an
excellent opportunity to witness first-hand thededication, care and professionalism that go into
producing and running world-class racehorses.
Themed “Be Connected, Stride Together”, the 40th ARC
aims to support deeper collaboration and partnerships
amongst ARF members and stakeholders which will
ensure the long term prosperity of our sport. I am mostgrateful to the team at the JRA for its dedication and efforts in hosting the 40th ARC, which promises to be an
unforgettable experience showcasing the very best ofJapanese racing, breeding, culture and hospitality.
I look forward to seeing you in Sapporo in August 2024,
where we can once again join hands to make profoundand positive change together.

02 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T 40th ASI AN RACI NG CO NFERENCEMESSAGEFROMTHE JRA

On behalf of the Japan Racing Association and Japanesethoroughbred community, I would like to extend a warm
welcome to all of you to the 40th Asian Racing
Conference to be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan at
the end of August 2024.
In 1960, Japan proposed the establishment of the ARC
with the aim of fostering goodwill and promoting racing
exchange among Asian nations, and the ARC wasinaugurated in Tokyo.
Over the course of six decades, spanning 39 conferences,
we have witnessed the rich tapestry of racing’s growth
and the nurturing of friendships across the ARF regions
and the racing community worldwide.
As we approach this commemorative 40th edition of theConference, we proudly embrace the theme, “BeConnected, Stride Together.” It is our belief that thistheme encapsulates the spirit of unity and cooperationthat symbolizes the global racing industry.

Masayoshi Yoshida

President & CEO, Japan Racing Association

In an ever-changing world, the racing industry must beproactive to new challenges. We are committed tostrengthening the bonds within our industry, promoting
cooperation between nations and regions, andupholding our steadfast belief in advancing thischerished sport. We aspire to create a stage where wecan collectively chart a vibrant and sustainable future for

racing in the ARF regions.
Hokkaido, the host site of this year’s ARC, is a place
where the connection between people and horses isdeeply felt, with horses having played a significant role inits pioneering history. Presently, approximately 98% ofJapan’s world-class thoroughbreds are born in Hokkaido,
making it a hub for breeding excellence.
Horse racing in Sapporo is a cherished tradition in thesummer, embraced by racing enthusiasts and the peopleof Hokkaido alike. It includes a prestigious two-year-old
graded race that leads up to the Japanese Classic races
the following year, holding a pivotal position in Japan’s
racing calendar.
Sapporo is not just a city of racing; it is also a city
brimming with natural beauty and warm hospitality,
making it an ideal setting for this gathering. You cansavor the bountiful produce of nature and enjoy refined
local spirits during your stay. We promise that you will
have the opportunity to immerse yourselves in Japan’srich culture and traditions.
“Be Connected, Stride Together” – Let us embark on thisjourney together at the 40th Asian Racing Conference inSapporo, Hokkaido. As we look forward to meeting you
all in the refreshing late summer of Hokkaido, in the cityof Sapporo, we genuinely await your participation.

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FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCE

About the ARF
The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is a regional federation comprising 28 national racing authorities andracing-related organisations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.
The ARF is formally linked with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

ARF’s Activities

ARF Membership
Australia | Kingdom of Bahrain | Hong Kong SAR | India |Japan | Korea | Macau SAR | Malaysia | New Zealand | Oman |Pakistan | Philippines | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | Singapore |South Africa | Thailand | Turkey | United Arab Emirates |Vietnam | China | Mauritius | Mongolia | Indonesia | Kuwait・Promoting and facilitating the internationalisation of racing.
・Quality control of ‘black type’ which the ARF carries out through its Asian Pattern Committee.
・Harmonisation of the rules of racing and of drug control across its member regions.
・Fostering and enhancing international cooperation to better combat the threat of illegal betting andother financial crimes to horse racing integrity in particular, and sports in general through the ARF
Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime.
・Assisting the development of racing throughout the ARF footprint.
・Organising periodic events and activities in member countries and special administrative regions toadvance the global agenda of racing.

About the Asian Racing
Conference
The first ARC was held in Tokyo in 1960. Since
then, the ARC has become a major event on theinternational racing calendar, attracting andengaging the foremost leaders and greatest minds
in racing and sports, along with other influential
stakeholders.

Statistics
Members

First AsianRacing
Conference
Asian Racing
Conferences
Organised to Date

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FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCE

Structure and Function
The Japan Racing Association (JRA), established in 1954, operates based on the Horseracing Law and theJapan Racing Association Law, to ensure horseracing integrity and advance racehorse breeding.
Supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the JRA’s governance since 2007
includes a Board of Governors which sets strategic directives and a Management Advisory Council, withrepresentatives including trainers and jockeys, which guides business operations. The Horseracing
Adjudication Council deliberates on owner registrations and racing appeals. The JRA's Tokyo headquarter
coordinates its national network of racecourses, the ‘WINS’ betting facilities, and other related activities.

Charity
The JRA undertakes the following key initiatives:
Livestock Development: The JRA supports livestock projects through direct funding and treasury
contributions.
Social Welfare: A portion of the JRA's revenue aids national social welfare projects and race prize
money is used to support local initiatives.
Environmental Maintenance: The JRA addresses local issues in the community such as facilitating
traffic around racing venues and funding environmental projects.
Environmental Initiatives: Emphasis is placed on waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use ofrenewable energy, particularly solar power.
Disaster Support: The JRA provides aid during natural disasters and has contributed to COVID-19 relief.

05 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T 40th ASI AN RACI NG CO NFERENCE

Tuesday
27 AugWednesday
28 AugThursday
29 AugFriday30 AugSaturday
31 AugSunday1 Sep

Regional Tour(Optional)

Bureau Meetings

Day

IFAR
Conference

Business ProgrammeRace Day

SapporoConvention Center

Sapporo Convention Center

SapporoRacecourse

Shadai Stallion Station
Northern Farm
Northern Horse Park

OpeningCeremony

Evening

Royton Sapporo(Grand Mercure
Sapporo Odori Park)

Chief
Delegate Dinner(By Invitation Only)

Social andCultural Evening

Closing
Ceremony

Sapporo DomeRoyton Sapporo(Grand Mercure
Sapporo Odori Park)*IFAR will be held in parallel with the Bureau Meetings on Tuesday, 27 August. Find out more: https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCE

The 40th ARC Business Programme will comprise a series of engaging and thought-provoking plenary sessions that aim to address
key challenges and opportunities for the long-term sustainability of our sport, ranging from the latest racing, breeding andwagering trends, to racing in popular culture, and ways to enhance fan engagement, improve equine and participant welfare andstrengthen the integrity of racing.

The ARF is curating a lineup of esteemed global leaders and senior administrators hailing from racing, sports, business,government and academia, who will share their insights and expertise through:Keynote speeches that will examine the latest trends and strategies that are shaping racing and other sports worldwide;
Presentations by experts in their industry who will offer valuable insights from their own first-hand experiences; andPanel discussions amongst stakeholders from racing and various fields that will examine key learnings, explore best practices
and foster cross-industry learning.

Stay tuned for more information to be announced on the 40th ARC website https://arcsapporo2024.com

06

07 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T
40t h ASIAN RACIN G CONFERENCECONFERENCE
VENUE
Sapporo Convention Center
The Conference venue, Sapporo Convention Center, is a Meeting
Incentive Travel Convention Exhibition (MICE) facility supported by
the city of Sapporo, which is actively engaged in attracting and hosting
international events, exhibitions, and corporate conferences. Its
facilities include a main hall that can accommodate up to 2,500
guests, four halls of different sizes and 15 conference rooms.

Address
1-1-1 Higashi-Sapporo 6-jo, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo, Japan 003-0006

08 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T
40t h ASIAN RACIN G CONFERENCE

RACE DAY
Saturday, August 31

Sapporo Racecourse
This racecourse, located in Sapporo City, the largest city on thenorthern island of Hokkaido, has two race meetings that take placeover 14 days across 7 weeks in summer. The major races are theSapporo Kinen (G2), the Queen Stakes (G3), the Keeneland Cup (G3),the Sapporo Nisai Stakes (G3) and the Elm Stakes (G3).

Widely known as a Summer Resort
With horse racing a very popular summer activity in Hokkaido, theSapporo Racecourse was fully refurbished in July 2014, offering
visitors a great venue to enjoy the sport.

Sapporo to Boost JRA’s Summer Racing
Sapporo Racecourse holds an important position as a venue for thedebut of young horses and preparation races for Grade 1 races in thefall. Many notable races are held not only for three-year-olds andabove, but also two-year-olds, thus paving the way for the following
year’s Japanese Classic races.

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCEREGIONAL TOUR (Optional)

e coffee lounge, deli cafe and pub.

Sunday, September 1
With over 700 breeding farms – more than 90% of the nation’s total – being based in Hokkaido, theprefecture is truly the heartland of the Japanese breeding industry. The Regional Tour will takeparticipants on an engaging and immersive tour to various stud farms well known on the international
stage, to better understand the history, developments, resources and facilities behind the success ofJapanese racehorses around the world. These include:

Shadai Stallion Station, one of the most successful stud farms in the world;
Northern Farm, where many top Japanese horses such as legendary champion Deep Impact,

Triple Tiara winner Gentildonna and Japanese Derby winner King Kamehameha were trained; andNorthern Horse Park, the site of the select sale, one of the most popular thoroughbred sales heldevery July.

Please stay tuned for more information to be provided on the 40th ARC website: https://arcsapporo2024.com

09

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCE

IFAR
The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) will take place on 27 August2024 and will offer a full day programme incorporating the forum and a local facility visit,
showcasing off-the-track Thoroughbreds. The forum will feature a lineup of international
speakers who will address a wide range of topics relating to the aftercare of racehorses.
Attendance at the IFAR event is complimentary for ARC delegates, and interested parties will berequested to indicate interest as part of the ARC registration.
The 2024 IFAR conference will be proudly supported by the JRA, which has also entered into a
multi-year sponsorship agreement to support IFAR’s activities around the world.
IFAR has previously conducted forums in conjunction with the 39th ARC in Melbourne, Australia
in February 2023; the 38th ARC in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2020; the European &Mediterranean Horseracing Federation’s General Assembly in Oslo, Norway, in May 2019; the37th ARC in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2018; and the Pan American Conference in Washington,D.C., in May 2017. Virtual conferences were conducted in 2021 and 2022.
IFAR is an independent forum that recognises geographical and industry differences among
racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. Working with
the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, IFAR works to raise awareness of theimportance of welfare for Thoroughbreds, improve education closer
on lifetimeand help increase
to thecare,Conference.
demand for former racehorses in other equestrian sports.
For more information on IFAR, visit https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com.

1011 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T 40th ASI AN RACI NG CO NFERENCE

Delegates wishing to participate in the 40th ARC must register in advance, and are encouraged to register assoon as possible to take advantage of the Early Bird registration option.

THE EARLY BIRD / REGULAR
REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:
Attendance at the Business Programme, Opening
Ceremony, Social and Cultural Evening, Closing
Ceremony, and Race Day.
Shuttle bus services between official hotels andconference venues.
Note: Additional fees are required for the Regional
Tour and for meals other than those provided at theabovementioned official events.

https://arcsapporo2024.com/register/

MOBILE APP FOR PARTICIPANTS
Participants are encouraged to download
the Conference app following registration.
Instructions for downloading the app will
be sent to registrants by email uponsuccessful registration. Reservations forofficial hotels and the Regional Tour canalso be made through the app.

(Per person)
February 9 - April 5, 2024

Early Bird

April 6 - July 31, 2024

Regular

RESERVATION AT OFFICIAL HOTELS
Please download the Conference App orcheck your registration confirmation email
to make reservations at Official Hotels.

200,000JPY
220,000JPY
February 9, 2024 -Partner

170,000JPY*The above dates are based on Japan Standard Time.

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
40th ASIAN RACING CONFERENCE

PARTNER PROGRAMMEAUG 28 Discovering the Charms of Sapporo
Enjoy sightseeing in Sapporo in the summer
The day’s itinerary will take you on an engaging tour of Sapporo’s popular sightseeing
destinations where you can feel the unique nature of Hokkaido just a short distancefrom the city center.

AUG 29 Exploring wineries of HokkaidoA tour of the northern land
Hokkaido, a treasure trove of delicious ingredients, such as vegetables, seafood, andmore, is one of the best places in Japan to find wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
This tour is a great opportunity to learn about wine and the culture of Japan.

AUG 30 Enjoying Sports in Hokkaido
Visiting Winter Olympics facilities
This tour will take you to Okurayama Observation Deck, the competition venue for the1972 Winter Olympics, where you can have a relaxing lunch while enjoying themagnificent scenery.
*The schedule is provisional and subject to change.

1213 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T
40th ASI AN RACI NG CONFERENCE

OFFICIAL HOTELSROYTON SAPPORO(Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park)
Royton Sapporo is a hotel of global quality and a symbol ofSapporo. Comfortable and relaxing guest rooms overlook the city.
A variety of halls accommodate for different events such as
exhibitions, seminars and parties. From April 2024, Royton
Sapporo will be rebranded to Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park.
The hotel is the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

JR TOWER HOTEL NIKKO SAPPORO
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo connects directly to JR Sapporo
Station. The 330 guestrooms located on the 23rd to 34th floors
are decorated in contemporary natural tones. There is a spa on the22nd floor adjacent to Steller Place restaurant operated byrenowned chef Mikuni.

14 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T
40th ASI AN RACI NG CONFERENCE

OFFICIAL HOTELSSAPPORO GRAND HOTEL
Sapporo Grand Hotel, known as Sapporo's state guesthouse, hasplayed an important role in accommodating diplomats and hostingsocial gatherings since its founding in 1934. It conveniently
connects directly to an underground passage way to JR Sapporo
Station.

SAPPORO PRINCE HOTEL
Sapporo Prince Hotel is a landmark in the center of Sapporo,standing 107 metres above the ground and offering a 360-degreeview of Sapporo. A restaurant on the top floor offers a panoramicview of the city, and there is an open-air hot spring bath on thesecond floor.

15 I F I R S T A N N O U N C E M E N T
40th ASI AN RACI NG CO NFERENCE

OFFICIAL HOTELSPremier Hotel - TSUBAKI - Sapporo is located on the b

ANA CROWNE PLAZA SAPPORO
Conveniently located a 7-minute walk from the south side of JRSapporo Station, ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo is in close proximity
to tourist attractions including the Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori
Park, and the Old Hokkaido Red Brick Office Building. In addition
to six restaurants and bars, large and small banquet halls, the hotelalso has a convenience store, souvenir shop, and a gym for guests.

PREMIER HOTEL -TSUBAKI- SAPPORO
Premier Hotel – TSUBAKI – Sapporo is located on the banks of theToyohira River and offers five dining options, concierge services, abeauty salon, and bicycle rentals. The on-site restaurants offer aselection of Japanese, Chinese, and international cuisine, whiledrinks can be enjoyed at the coffee lounge, deli cafe and pub.

of the Toyohira River and offers five dining options, concierge services, a beauty salon, and bicycle rentals. The four on-site restaurants offer a selection of Japanese, Chinese, and international cuisine, while drinks can be enjoy