The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) announced 25 September that renowned broadcaster David Eades will serve as moderator for IFAR 2026.
The 10th annual IFAR conference, scheduled for 9 February 2026, will be held in conjunction with the 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC), which is scheduled to take place 9 – 14 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 41st ARC is presented by the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), which is the host of this conference. Eades is also the moderator for the ARC.
“The issues surrounding horse welfare have found their way to the heart of the racing and equestrian world courtesy of the people determined to change attitudes,” said Eades. “IFAR continues to drive the agenda, and I’m delighted to be able to work with them to press home the importance of care and respect for the horses themselves, and to visit new and developing areas where more effort is needed to protect the stars of the sport.”
Eades has served as the BBC’s Europe Correspondent, Ireland Correspondent and Senior Sports News Correspondent, covering a wide range of issues for over three decades. He is also a highly respected speaker and moderator, routinely discussing topics within sport, environment, climate, and sustainability.
“We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of David Eades as the moderator for the 10th annual IFAR conference,” said Natasha Rose, chair of the IFAR Conference Committee and the executive manager, equestrian affairs projects, at The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). “David has served in this role for IFAR before, and with his extensive experience in leading discussions on critical issues, he brings a wealth of knowledge that will enrich our upcoming conference. His ability to engage audiences and foster meaningful dialogue will be invaluable as we drive impactful conversations, ensuring a dynamic and insightful experience for all attendees.”
IFAR attendees can expect a thought-provoking programme led by experts and industry leaders, exploring key themes in Thoroughbred aftercare. Through a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the annual conference fosters global collaboration and encourages practical, forward-thinking approaches to aftercare. It’s a chance for delegates to engage with fresh ideas, share experiences, and take away insights that can help strengthen aftercare practices in their own jurisdictions.
Established in 2016, IFAR works to advocate for the lifetime care of retired racehorses, to increase awareness within the international racing community of this important responsibility, and to increase awareness in the sport horse world regarding the versatility of the Thoroughbred horse.
The 2026 IFAR conference will also be receiving assistance from the Japan Racing Association (JRA), which has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement to support the activities of the organisation.
IFAR 2025 was held in Lexington, Kentucky, where the keynote speaker was four-time Olympian Boyd Martin. IFAR has also previously conducted forums in conjunction with the 40th ARC in Sapporo, Japan in August 2024; the 39th ARC in Melbourne, Australia in February 2023; the 38th ARC in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2020; the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation’s General Assembly in Oslo, Norway, in May 2019; the 37th ARC in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2018; and the Pan American Conference in Washington, D.C., in May 2017. Virtual conferences were held in 2021 and 2022.
Attendance for IFAR 2026 is complimentary for ARC delegates, and interested parties will be requested to indicate their participation as part of the ARC registration. For more information about the 41st ARC and how to register, please visit https://www.arcriyadh2026.com.
IFAR is an independent forum that recognizes geographical and industry differences among racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. For more information on IFAR, visit https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com and follow @IFARnews across social media.
International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses