'Social' licence to kill horse racing?

Horse racing's "social licence" to exist is under threat, says Wilfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chair of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF).

- Mike Moon

The racing industry worldwide must face up to challenges posed by militant groups who campaign to have the game abolished, due to alleged cruelty and/or fear of gambling's dangers, Engelbrecht-Bresges told the ARF's biannual conference in Japan last week.

Conference delegates from member nations - including South African luminaries such as 4Racing's Fundi Sithebe and Cape Racing's Greg Bortz - hardly needed reminding of the existential threat. Speaker after speaker emphasised the need for horse welfare and aftercare, responsible gambling initiatives and protecting the integrity of the sport.