INTERVIEW | JRA President & CEO Masayoshi Yoshida Puts a Focus on the Future Generation at the Asian Racing Conference Sponsored

The 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) is set to take place in Sapporo from August 27 to September 1. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) is the host of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) biennial congregation with the 2024 conference theme, "Be Connected, Stride Together." Ahead of the event, Masayoshi Yoshida, president and CEO of the JRA, sat down with JAPAN Forward for an interview on July 19. 

The ARC conference aims to spark meaningful discussions that pave the way for the sport's vibrant and sustainable future. In Part Two of the series, the JRA president and CEO shares insights into the 2024 theme and the agenda topics dominating the conference.

Excerpts follow.

Last of two parts

Read part one: INTERVIEW | JRA President & CEO Masayoshi Yoshida on the Vibrant Future of Horse Racing

Business at the ARC

Various business sessions are scheduled during the conference. Are there specific sessions that you are particularly interested in?

I'm keenly interested in all sessions as they address key topics currently discussed in the horse racing industry. If I may so, I am particularly focused on Session 1, "Racing: State of Play," Session 5 on "Integrity: Tackling New-Age Threats," and Session 8 on "Breeding: Unpacking Future Challenges & Opportunities." 

Session 1 will feature insights from ARC Organizing Committee Chairman Masayuki Goto, the former President and CEO of the JRA, along with other global leaders in horse racing. Session 5 will explore the complexities of maintaining integrity in wagering amid advancing technologies.

Can you elaborate on Session 8, 'BREEDING: Unpacking Future Challenges & Opportunities?'

This session will include discussions from notable breeders like Naoya Yoshida who manages a farm in the United States, Shunsuke Yoshida, deputy general manager of Northern Farm, Tetsuya Yoshida, deputy general manager of Shadai Farm, and Hirokazu Okada, general manager of Big Red Farm in Hokkaido. I'm particularly interested in their views on future challenges and opportunities in the horse racing industry, including staffing issues. 

The industry faces major challenges in recruiting human resources, heat management, and animal welfare. These require a collaborative approach across the entire industry. I'm eager to hear the breeders' valuable insights and see how we can apply these to our ongoing initiatives.

What will be covered in Session 2, 'Fans: Give Them What They Want?'

In today's technological landscape, how we deliver video content is crucial. Smartphones are essential for most people, and approximately 80% of JRA's betting turnover is generated online. Of that, 70% is through smartphones. This highlights the significant synergy between the wagering industry and mobile technology. 

We are exploring ways to leverage new technologies, such as introducing jockey cameras and tracking systems in 2023 to enhance our content delivery. It's critical to effectively integrate these technologies into our smartphone offerings to keep pace with advancements.

Taking Care of Racehorses

Alongside the ARC, the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) will be held in Sapporo on August 27. A new organization called Thoroughbred Aftercare and Welfare (TAW) was recently established to address the issues of retired racehorses and enhance their welfare. How important are these initiatives?

IFAR has been active since 2017, and Japan has been involved from the beginning. Critically, the entire domestic horse racing industry needs to participate. JRA has collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the National Association of Racing (NAR), horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and breeders. 

Established in April 2024, the TAW will continue this collaborative approach. Our efforts focus on promoting "second careers" for retired racehorses and planning for their life after racing. Expanding these initiatives to include training handlers and determining suitable homes for retired horses is essential. This broader approach will enhance retired racehorses' lives and welfare and utility. 

For instance, we've started a project at the Utsunomiya facility where racehorses receive rest and interim training as they transition to becoming riding horses. We plan to manage up to 30 horses in six cycles, each cycle lasting about a month.

Considering the current status and future potential, how do you see the direction of Japanese horse racing, both in Asia and globally?

Our racehorses are increasingly recognized globally for their quality. It's essential to recognize that horse racing transcends national borders and that Thoroughbreds are global assets. Developing horse racing as a sport and entertainment beloved worldwide is paramount, and the JRA is committed to this development. 

We face significant challenges, including climate change, enhancing the welfare of horses and people, and addressing responsible gambling issues. It's vital to collaborate and move forward together with other countries as a united front.

The ARC 2024 Business Program

Registration for the conference closed on July 31.

August 28

• Session 1: Racing: State of Play – Chaired by Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, ARF Chairman
• Session 2: Fans: Give Them What They Want
• Panel Discussion: Straight From the Saddle - Jockeys Yutaka Take and Christophe Lemaire will participate.
• Session 3: Pop Culture: Bringing Racing's Stories To The Fore

August 29

• Session 4: Betting: How Innovation Is Changing The Future
• Session 5: Integrity: Tackling New-Age Threats
• Panel Discussion: Land Of The Rising Sun - Trainer Yoshito Yahagi and Breeder Kenichiro Mishima will participate in the discussion.
• Session 6: Developments: Big Changes Across The ARF Footprint

August 30

• Session 7: Horses: Enhancing Equine Safety & Industry Sustainability
• Session 8: Breeding: Unpacking Future Challenges & Opportunities - Shunsuke Yoshida from Northern Farm, Tetsuya Yoshida from Shadai Farm, and Hirokazu Okada from Big Red Farm will address the audience followed by breeders from major racing countries
• Keynote Speech By Masayuki Goto, Executive Advisor, Japan Racing Association
• Session 9: Participants: Achieving Wellbeing & Inclusivity From The Track To The Boardroom - Former jockeys, including Kanichiro Fujii, along with racing administrators, will share their insights.

About the Asian Racing Conference (ARC)

The Asian Racing Conference (ARC) is an international conference launched by Japan and Burma (now Myanmar). Its purpose is to foster goodwill and mutual understanding among horse racing nations in Asia and to facilitate exchanges among member countries. 

The ARC operates under the Asian Racing Federation (ARF). This organization comprises 28 jurisdictions across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Member countries take turns hosting the conference every 16 to 30 months. The first conference took place in Tokyo in 1960 with delegates from seven countries and twelve institutions attending. Since then, Japan has hosted the event four times, in 1960, 1969, 1985, and 2008. All four previous conferences were held in Tokyo.

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(Read the interview in Japanese.)

Author: Manabu Suzuki, Sankei Sports and JAPAN Forward