PAUL Hensey, CEO of the Association of Irish Racecourses, reported a strong Irish presence at the Asian Racing Conference, which took place from August 27th to September 1st. Over 800 delegates from around the world gathered on the island of Hokkaido in Sapporo, Japan, to discuss global issues in racing, from wagering to welfare.

“It was interesting to get an international perspective on all of the common problems that racecourses and the racing industry are having worldwide,” Hensey reflected. “It was also good to hear of new initiatives in other parts of the world, and what’s happening in other jurisdictions.

“The theme of the of the conference was ‘Be connected, stride together,’ which encouraged everybody to think globally when solving local issues and to work together to solve common problems.”

In Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges’ opening speech, the Asian Racing Federation chair highlighted four main points to focus on: industry fragmentation, social acceptability, growth of illegal betting and an ageing customer base.

On his main takeway from his trip, Hensey reported, “What was interesting, particularly for me, coming from Ireland, was that they looked at where problem gambling comes from, and perhaps how the over-regulation in some countries has driven punters to illegal markets, which is obviously of no net benefit to racing.

“I was conscious of that, because of the Gambling Regulation Bill that’s due here. What was coming through loud and clear on that discussion was that often regulators will make decisions not based on facts.

“But when you look at the facts, racing is far less likely to create problem gamblers, or to contribute to problem gambling; most of the problem gambling is coming from casinos and lotteries and things like that.”