Japanese, British and Irish racing industries create Committee
December 22, 2023
The Japanese, British and Irish horseracing industries have announced the creation of a new Joint Cooperation Committee. Its purpose is to forge and develop innovative initiatives and working practices for the benefit of the sport. The Committee will serve as a formal platform for British and Irish horseracing to engage with their counterparts in Japan via the Japanese Racing Association (JRA). The Committee will collaborate and innovate on a variety of schemes, and marketing and media initiatives, with a view to:
- promoting Japanese horses and connections travelling to Britain and Ireland, and vice versa
- enhancing awareness of both industries among their participants, media, bettors and fans
- creating a direct regulatory partnership (which won’t cut across existing arrangements)
- further internationalising the sport of horse racing and the supporting breeding industries
Trainer Aidan O’Brien, whose star of the 2023 season, Auguste Rodin, was by Japan’s super-sire Deep Impact, said: “When it comes to passion for, and knowledge of, horse racing, it is tough to rival the Japanese, from the fans to the racing operations and bloodstock businesses. Their increased international participation and success has only fuelled more interest and investment. This initiative is an excellent idea in strengthening the ties between the Japanese and Irish and British industries.”
The Joint Cooperation Committee’s chairman, Joe Saumarez Smith (also chairman of the British Horseracing Authority), commented: “The British and Irish horseracing industries have enjoyed a close and fruitful relationship with the JRA – and the wider Japanese racing industry – for many years now. We are delighted to be collaborating with the JRA and are hugely grateful for their significant support. The creation of this Committee is the next step in our relationship, as we further pool our knowledge and insight, and combine our considerable marketing and media assets. This can only lead to increased participation in each other’s racing, resulting in deeper fan engagement, and increased and new revenues.”
Masayoshi Yoshida, CEO of the JRA, said: “I am delighted that the horse racing organisations in Britain and Ireland with their history, tradition, quality and innovation, have now united to form the Joint Cooperation Committee with the Japanese Racing Association. It is an important and significant step for the JRA, and Japanese horse racing. We will be working together more strongly than ever before to achieve further development in all areas. I look forward to working hand-in-hand to create the future of horse racing together.”
Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, added: “Ties between the three countries have never been stronger with Japanese-trained and bred runners being represented in the top Pattern races in Britain and Ireland. Ireland looks forward to being a full and active partner with Britain and Japan in the Joint Cooperation Committee to share our collective wisdom and progress our shared objectives of increasing participation and engagement.”