The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Executive Council has unanimously re-elected Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges as Chair, and Jim Gagliano, Masayuki Goto and Horacio Esposito as Vice-Chairs, at its meeting in Paris, France, following the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities.
The Executive Council also elected Henri Pouret as Vice-Chair, filling a vacancy created by Brian Kavanagh stepping down after a long and distinguished period of office.
Engelbrecht-Bresges, who has served as Chair of the IFHA since 2021, said, “I look forward to continue working with my valued colleagues and members of the IFHA to further enhance our sport at an international level. I would like to thank the Executive Council which has entrusted me to continue to lead the Federation into what is an exciting, but challenging, time for racing globally.”
After congratulating Pouret on his appointment, Engelbrecht-Bresges praised Kavanagh for his singular contribution to the IFHA, saying, “Brian’s tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the Federation and international racing have been vital to its sustained success. We are most grateful for his many years of leadership, wise counsel and friendship.”
Pouret said, “I am honoured and very thankful to the Executive Council for placing its trust and confidence in me to fulfil the role of Vice-Chair. I am eager to support the IFHA’s efforts to further strengthen global collaboration on key issues impacting racing and breeding.”
The terms for the Chair and Vice-Chairs will run for three years until October 2027.
Information regarding the new Vice-Chair can be found below:
Henri Pouret
The holder of a LLM in Public Law – Panthéon University – Assas (Paris II), Henri joined France Galop in September 2003 as Deputy Head of the Steward’s and Racing Code department. In September 2005, he was appointed Head of the Steward’s and Racing Code department and in March 2009 he became the Director of the Racing Regulatory Department. In 2013, he was named Deputy General Manager of France Galop and was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer in January 2024. He also is the official France Galop representative in international matters.
Henri was a member and then co-chairman of the IFHA Technical Advisory Committee. He is a founding member of the IFHA International Harmonisation of Raceday Rules Committee and Vice-Chairman of the IFHA International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee. He is a member of the Board of the European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee which he chaired from 2018 to 2022, and a member of the Executive Committee of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation.
About IFHA
The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International race planning and grading (“black type”)
- World rankings
- The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
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