Queensland (March 11th, 2010) - The Australian Racing Board (ARB) will be hosting the 33rd Asian Racing Conference in Sydney in April this year. 
Asian Racing Federation chief executive Andrew Harding and the organisation’s liaison officer Philip Neck have the primary responsibility of making the arrangements for the conference which will be the fourth held in Australia.

Stallions’ Graeme Kelly spoke to Philip – one of Australia’s most experienced racing administrators – about the conference and his duties.

Q.: On what dates will the Asian Racing Conference be held?
A.: From April 9th to April 15th.

Q.: Which venue or venues will be used?
A.: The conference will be conducted at the Four Seasons Hotel in George Street, Sydney, which should prove to be an ideal location.

Q.: What will the theme of the conference be?
A.: The Asian Racing Federation has decided on “Racing into the Future”, which is a significant choice considering the challenges confronting the thoroughbred industry right around the world.

Q.: What will be the most important industry topics discussed?
A.: There will be a wide variety of subjects but I suppose the most important will be Future Customers; Animal Welfare; Business and Wagering; Racecourse Facilities and Track Technology; and Rider Safety and Training.

Q.: Who will be the headline speakers?
A.: Timo Lumme, who is the managing director of Television and Marketing for the International Olympic Committee; Peter Sheehan, an International Business Strategist, Author and Speaker of the Year; Alex Waldrop, president of the U.S. National Thoroughbred Racing Association; Greg Avioli, president and chief executive of the Breeders Cup; Philippe Germond, Chairman PMU, the French tote; Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities; Arizona Race Track Industry Program director Doug Reed and Victoria Racing Club chairman Rod Fitzroy.

Q.: Who will be among the most notable of the moderators?
A.: Denis Egan, from Ireland, ARB chairman Bob Bentley, racing writer Bart Sinclair, TVN’s Richard Callander and Andrew Harding.

Q.: How many countries are expected to be represented?
A.: There were 33 at the last ARC in Tokyo, so we would expect approximately the same.

Q.: How many delegates are expected to attend?
A.: There were 695 in Tokyo so we are anticipating there will be about 600 in Sydney . . . perhaps a few more

Q.: How many of those delegates are likely to be from Australia?
A.: It is difficult to quantify at this stage but we would believe somewhere in the 150 to 200 range.

Q.: Are there any countries in line for induction into the ARF?
A.: It is not certain at this point but Mongolia is a possibility.

Q.: Who will be the leading Australian contributors to the discussions?
A.: Rod Fitzroy, whose topic will be “The race that stops a nation – essential ingredients of a successful carnival”; Alan Jones, whose subject will be “Racing’s destiny – the path to success”; John O’Neill, “What it takes to succeed as a national sport in the 21st century”; Terry Muir, “Greening the 21st century racecourse”; and the Hon. John Fahey, who will speak on “Drug testing in the 21st century”.

It is noteworthy too that identities such as the internationally renowned Cups King Bart Cummings will be among the panellists. Other possible panellists will be “moving targets” until the last few days.

Q.: Will a feature race meeting be held in conjunction with the conference?
A.: Yes. The Australian Derby Day meeting at Randwick, which is arguably the best day of racing conducted in Sydney

Q.: Will there be any activities outside the conference?
A.: There will be an Opening Night at the Sydney Opera House, which should be spectacular; a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour; and a Closing Ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Q.: What do your duties entail?
A.: In association with Andrew Harding I have been sourcing speakers, panellists and facilitators; arranging and servicing 30 exhibitors promoting their wares and products; liaising with speakers, delegates and the media as well as working on ensuring everything at the venue fits into our plans. It has been a busy time and no doubt it is going to become busier as the conference approaches.

Permalink| Mar 11, 2010

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