“The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” was bestowed upon the IFHA Chair, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, by the Government of Japan at a Conferment Ceremony hosted by Ambassador Okada Kenichi, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong on 2 July 2024.
 
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges is the second-ever non-Japanese racing figure to be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, following Mr Louis Romanet, IFHA Chair Emeritus, who received the same award in 2010.
 
The Conferment published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on 29 April 2024 highlighted that the decoration is in recognition of his contribution to promoting the international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding. 
 
Delivering remarks upon receiving the honour, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said:
 
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this honour as a recognition of my contributions to the Japanese Racing and Breeding industry.”
 
“The strength and continued development of the Japanese industry has been extremely rewarding not only for Japan, but also for the global equine sport and breeding industry.”
 
He also paid special tribute to IFHA members, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Japan Racing Association:
 
“I would like to reiterate how much everyone at The Hong Kong Jockey Club appreciates the strong partnership we have developed with the Japan Racing Association over many years.”
 
“Our shared commitment to world-class racing; protecting the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and growing racing’s global social and economic significance has contributed extensively to the objectives of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).”
 
“I sincerely hope that through our partnership, Hong Kong and Japan along with other IFHA members can continue to advance racing and contribute to the betterment of the industry globally.”