News

Asian Racing Federation elects new chairman

4th May 2009

Australian Racing Feceration - Media Release

The Secretary General of the Asian Racing Federation, Andrew Harding, advises that the Federation’s Executive Council has elected a new Chairman, Dr Koji Sato, following the resignation of Mr Winfried Engelbrecht -Bresges.

“Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges confirmed to the Executive Council on Monday that he wished to leave the post of Chairman of the Federation. He acknowledged the representations that his fellow Executive Council members had made attempting to persuade him to remain as Chairman, but he explained why this was not possible at the present time. He agreed to continue to serve as one of the Exco members. The Executive Council unanimously elected Dr Sato as the ARF Chairman.” Andrew Harding, Secretary General

The Asian Racing Federation also announced its unanimous support for Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges to continue as its representative on the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities.

“The Executive Council’s members are extremely pleased that Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges has agreed to continue as an ARF nominee to the Executive Council of the International Federation and has committed its full support to him in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of the IFHA. The Executive Council considers that his continued participation at this global level is essential not only to interests of ARF’s members but also to the future success of IFHA itself.” Andrew Harding

The new Chairman of the ARF Dr Koji Sato thanked his colleagues for their confidence in electing him, and acknowledged the singular contribution of his predecessor.

“Racing and breeding in the ARF region have grown significantly in recent decades and are regarded with high esteem in the global racing community today. Likewise, the role of the Asian Racing Federation has become vital in representing our members in the international community and in promoting racing both domestically and internationally.

I am honored to be asked to chair the Federation, but additionally, I am especially thankful for the strong leadership and guidance extended by Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges for us to stand where we are. The baton that has been handed to me will be carried with the full support of the Japan Racing Association and we are committed to driving the Federation along the same path and into a stronger future.” Dr Koji Sato, Presidential Counselor for Foreign Affairs, Japan Racing Association

The Executive Council has elected Mr Bob Bentley (Australia) and Mr Guy Sargent (New Zealand) as the ARF’s two Vice- Chairmen.

As a consequence of the above decisions Dr Sato, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges and Mr Bentley will take the 3 permanent seats allocated to Asia on the IFHA Executive Council.