2024 News
Conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, a native of the Federal Republic of Germany, who is Chair of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) and the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has been decorated with Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon from the Japanese Government in 2024 Spring Conferment of Decorations.
Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges has been recognized for his contribution to the international development of Japanese horse racing and the promotion of the Japanese breeding industry through the development of international thoroughbred racing.
Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges, who is committed to the international development of horse racing, has also worked with Japanese horse racing since the beginning of his directorship at HKJC. He cooperated with JRA in combating illegal internet betting, which was a global threat at the time, and was instrumental in establishing the world-leading international cooperation framework known as the Good Neighbour Policy* (2002). These achievements and accomplishments have laid the foundations for the smooth operation of 'betting on overseas horseracing in Japan', which was achieved with the amendment of the Horse Racing Act in 2015.
At the same time, he has invited Japanese horses to international races run by HKJC, while developing them into world-class races. Japanese horses that have competed in these prestigious races have increased their international recognition not only as racehorses but also increased bloodstock values, which led to the development of the breeding industry in Japan. He also supports Hong Kong horses running in international races in Japan, contributing to the development of horse racing as international entertainment, which is a major aim of the JRA.
As Chairman of the IFHA and the ARF, he is committed to the promotion and development of horse racing in international partnership and collaboration along with his Japanese colleague who also serves as the Vice Chair of IFHA and ARF.
This is the second time that the Japanese Government has conferred an Order of Merit in the field of thoroughbred racing and breeding, following Mr. Louis Romanet from the French Republic (then President of IFHA) in 2010.
About IFHA
The IFHA 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.
About ARF
The ARF is a regional federation comprising 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organizations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.
About Good Neighbour Policy
The Good Neighbour Policy is an agreement among horse racing bodies in which they mutually respect each other's jurisdiction, intending to combat illegal betting, which can undermine the economic basis of the industry. The policy includes the prohibition that no signatory shall provide betting on horse racing to residents of another signatory's country without its permission, as well as the prohibition of soliciting, advertising, or publicizing betting-related activities from that other signatory without prior consent.
