IFHA News No.9 (2010)

REPORT ON IFHA CONFERENCE
&
APPOINTMENT
JIM GAGLIANO OF U.S JOCKEY CLUB
AS VICE-CHAIRMAN, AMERICAS

Paris, 6th October 2010
The 44th International Conferences of Horseracing Authorities was organized in Paris on 4th October with 56 countries representing.

Although the recent global financial crisis is still giving racing industry a huge negative economic impact, all racing authorities need to be courageous enough to tackle new challenges with innovations and creativities.

Mr. Louis Romanet, Chairman of the IFHA said in his closing remarks “The market share of racing represents 7% of the global gambling market and it has been declining over the past years. And also, there exist ‘free riders’ who did not pay their fair share to the development of racing industry.
But on the bright side, the development of online markets offers new opportunities to attract younger generations to racing. Each and every racing authority must be proactive to take this opportunity to reach new customers and also obtain fare return to racing through close dialogues with the government. Racing industry is not only making financial contribution to the government but also creating employments in the society. If we cannot get fair share it would ruin whole our industry”.

On the 5th October, The IFHA Executive Council appointed Jim Gagliano, President and COO of The U.S Jockey Club as its new Vice-Chairman representing Americas.  Gagliano replaces Alan Marzelli, the former President of the The U.S Jockey Club, who is retiring.
Jim Gagliano expressed his delight with the appointment: “It is a great honor to be appointed as Vice-Chairman of this prestigious international organization. I would like to contribute myself to maximizing its values to members and further development of the industry”.