Regulatory alignment, integrity, veterinary and horse movement, along with race programming and sustainability, have been identified by the GCC Horse Racing Cooperation Council’s key areas for growth across the region in a meeting held in Riyadh this week.
Representatives from member states of the GCC gathered to discuss shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance the Middle Eastern horseracing industry.
Attendees were welcomed by Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia chairman Prince Bandar bin Khaled Al Faisal, who stressed the importance of regional cooperation in elevating the sport.
Council members and stakeholders discussed the meeting’s key agenda points, led by council chairman, Asian Racing Federation vice-chair, and Emirates Racing Authority general manager and board member Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi.
The members agreed to establish four specialised working groups, each focusing on key pillars essential to a successful racing industry.
The meeting emphasised the importance of adopting a unified approach to race management while ensuring the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
The chairman and members reaffirmed their commitment to advancing these objectives and expressed their enthusiasm for continued collaboration.
Also in attendance were vice-chairman Salem S Bin Mahfouz of Saudi Arabia, Bader Al Darwish of Qatar, Bahrain Turf Club CEO Yusuf Buheji of Bahrain, Retired Brigadier General Abdulrazzaq Al Shahwarzi of Oman, and Hisham Jahail of Kuwait.
Buheji commented: “The GCC Horse Racing Co-operation Council represents an important step forward in strengthening regional collaboration and enhancing the overall competitiveness of our sport.
“Under the guidance of the (Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club) High Committee chairman His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, we are committed to fostering a more connected and sustainable racing industry.”
Top stories for today:
Latest innovations in sustainable agriculture on show
Ramadan gifts for needy families
Buying home appliances becomes more affordable
&uuid=(email))