IFHRA gaining ground worldwide
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Fourth GA meet held in Abu Dhabi
The fourth General Assembly meeting of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies, (IFHRA), was held on Friday, February 12, 2016, at the National Archive premises in Abu Dhabi with almost all the members in attendance.
Representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Malaysia, Oman, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States attended the highly interactive meeting which was chaired by Ms Lara Sawaya, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).
The IFHRA General Assembly meeting was held on the sidelines of two prestigious events taking place in Abu Dhabi on February 13 and 14, 2016, respectively, The President of the UAE Endurance Cup and HH The President’s Cup flat races for Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds run under the umbrella of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.
Ms Sawaya stated that for the first time the world-famous Darley awards which is held annually at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, will be giving away an award for a lady apprentice jockey under the category “IFHRA Best Apprentice Lady Jockey” and invited nominations from the member-countries. In this connection she thanked Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for her continuous effort in encouraging lady jockeys from all over the world. “Thanks to Her Highness’ unconditional guidance and support, IFHRA has achieved a huge international status in a short span of one year,” she added.
The meeting was coordinated by Remi Bellocq, General Secretary of IFHRA.
While elaborating on the activities of the Federation, Ms Sawaya said that it was a proud moment for the organization as more countries were coming in and showing keen interest to be active members. She encouraged them to join in as it gives them an opportunity to showcase their jockey’s performances all over the world. “We want to grow bigger and bigger”, she asserted.
Taking this opportunity Ms Sawaya thanked His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for his guidance and support.
The meeting approved the minutes of the November meeting. While deliberating on the Progress report on The Racing Scholarship Fund, RSF, Mentorship programme, which started earlier this year under which young jockeys get an opportunity to travel overseas to get hands-on experience in various race-related activities, all the attendees were unanimous in appreciating the efforts of IFHRA in encouraging young jockeys.
Other topics which came under discussion included IFHRA Health, Welfare and Safety Plan, Rider Coaching Clinics, insurance, rider coaching clinics and formation of a new website committee.
While deliberating the addition of new members, the meeting was informed that some applications were still pending owing to certain formalities. “We are getting several new members on board IFHRA and I would like to tell you that there is absolutely no fees for joining the body”, Ms Sawaya added dispelling rumours that from 2016 onwards, a membership fee will be levied on new member-countries.
Discussing the new business issues, there was a proposal from the Argentine representative to host a race in San Isidro race course but that was put on hold as several formalities had to be completed by the Argentine Arabian Horse Racing Society.
Hungary and Japan will no longer be active members of the IFHRA till certain criteria are met, the meeting was informed.
Ms Sawaya stated that the next General Assembly meeting will be held in May in Rome, Italy, as part of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference which is scheduled to be held from May 23 to 29, 2016.
IFHRA is part of the His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Racing Festival which is sustained by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as Associate Partner, IPIC as Strategic Partner, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with and sponsored by Ayadii LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Bloom, Petromal, Rise General Trading Co. LLC, Hayatna, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Dr Nader Saab Switzerland , Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, Viola Communications, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2016, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.
Source: HH SH Mansoor Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival / Bharathi Gowda
Photo: Nilza Felice |