The Acropolis provided the spectacular backdrop for the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation’s General Assembly this year, which was held at the Ionic Centre, Athens. Brian Kavanagh, EMHF Chairman, remarked:
“I am most grateful to the Jockey Club of Greece, our newest member country, for hosting this year’s General Assembly and delighted that the turnout of 20 countries equalled our previous record.”
All countries confirmed that they had either already introduced the new world standard for the treatment of interference cases - which was adopted by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (the EMHF’s parent body) in October 2017 - or would do so by the end of the year. This will see a harmonised interference rule across the European and Mediterranean region and follows the staging of two EMHF Seminars on the subject earlier in the year.
The EMHF welcomed the Lithuanian Horse Racing Association as the new member organisation for that country. The LHRA was appointed last year by the Lithuanian Government as its governing authority for horseracing and received an inspection visit by EMHF Secretary-General, Paull Khan, in November. Lithuania’s sole racecourse is at Raseiniai, mid-way between the capital Vilnius and the Baltic Sea.
Delegates heard presentations from Danish Jockey Club CEO Peter Knudsen on recent changes to the betting laws in his country, from Paull Khan on lessons to be drawn from European Commission decisions on the statutory funding of horseracing, and on the WhipChip from its inventors Ferhat and Erin Tigrel.
Brian Kavanagh concluded: “the Federation is a very good way for racing authorities to exchange views and best practice and to learn from each other. Now eight years old, it continues to promote horse racing in the region.”