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Melbourne To Host 2022 Asian Racing Conference

21 February 2020

Melbourne will host the 39th Asian Racing Conference in 2022, bringing hundreds of delegates to Victoria for one of the most important international gatherings for leaders in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula joined Asian Racing Conference Secretary-General Andrew Harding at the closing ceremony of the 2020 Asian Racing Conference in Cape Town today to confirm the win for racing in Victoria.

The 2022 Asian Racing Conference will provide an opportunity to promote Victoria’s premier racing and breeding industries in key markets in Asia, and to foster connections on important issues for horse racing jurisdictions throughout the region.

This week’s conference in South Africa addressed issues including equine welfare, the international movement of horses, racing integrity, participant welfare and public engagement.

The Melbourne Convention Bureau worked with Racing Victoria to win the rights to host the biennial conference, which is expected to draw 600 delegates from more than 30 countries, including many from Europe, North America and South America, filling 2,400 hotel room nights and delivering more than $3 million in economic benefit.

It is expected that the conference will be scheduled for the February/March period, to coincide with Victoria’s Festival of Racing.

While the Melbourne Cup takes Victorian thoroughbred racing to the world each year, the conference will provide an insight for international jurisdictions into the state’s robust industry model underpinned by three strong metropolitan clubs and 65 country and picnic clubs.

The thoroughbred racing industry is a major economic driver for Victoria, generating $3.2 billion for the economy annually and sustaining more than 25,000 full-time-equivalent jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“This is a coup for Victoria and it will provide the opportunity for us to further showcase our racing industry to the world.”

“Victoria is a major player in a significant global industry and it’s important that we are able to share our knowledge while also learning from the experiences of others.”

“We are keeping racing strong, which is vital for the thousands of people who draw a wage from the industry.”

Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria chairman Brian Kruger

“We look forward to showcasing the very best of Victorian racing and the opportunity for the international delegates to experience our great state.”

“We thank the Victorian Government and Melbourne Convention Bureau for their support in making this unique opportunity a reality.”

Reviewed 29 June 2020

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