Ovrevol Racecourse - Norway's only track for Thoroughbreds - was the picturesque setting for the EMHF's 2019 General Assembly Meeting. Nineteen countries were represented, as well as observers from the European and African Stud Book Committee (EASBC) and the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Associations and the Conference of Central European Horseracing (KMET).
For the first time, the press was present, in the shape of the Thoroughbred Daily News’ Dan Ross. Also, as a fresh initiative, representatives of commercial companies were present outside the meeting room and for the duration of the social programme. The companies represented were veterinary software providers Equine Medirecord, racing rights agents RASLAB and manufacturers of equine nasal strips, Flair.
Delegates received a number of presentations including on the Threats of Gene Doping from Simon Cooper, Joint-Chair, EASBC, Threats of illegal betting to EMHF members from Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer, British Horseracing Authority, The Work of the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys and the European Racing Medical Officers Committee from Denis Egan, Chief Executive, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, Digital Horse Passports, again from Simon Cooper and Norway’s Whip Rules, from former Norwegian Jockey Club Director, Hens Petter Eriksen.
Following the move of Helena Gartner from the Swedish gallop racing authority to its Trotting equivalent, the General Assembly unanimously elected Norwegian Jockey Club's Director of Racing, Liv Kristiansen, to the Executive Council.
The General Assembly was immediately followed, in the same venue at Ovrevoll Racecourse, by the annual Conference of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses, which our delegates attended. The IFAR Conference’s agenda had been tailored to focus on the practical steps which Racing Authorities could take in order to establish aftercare provision in their countries.
The group enjoyed wonderful hospitality and thanks go to the Norwegian Jockey Club and Rikstoto.
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