European Breeders Federation Chairman praises the strength of European Horse Racing despite numerous challenges
The 19th Annual General Meeting of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Associations was held on Sunday 12 May at Longchamp Racecouse, ,France. Over 30 delegates from European thoroughbred breeding countries attended.
The weekend was hosted by the Syndicat des Eleveurs, with delegates seeing the strength both national and international horses in the Group 1 racing at Longchamp Racecourse on French Guineas day.
During his speech Chairman, Mr Morgan Rhydian Jones praised the strength of European bred horses and European racing despite numerous challenges saying, “We have to ensure Racing and breeding remains an ambition for people –it is vital for our business”
However, he did not dismiss the many serious issues faced by European Racing and breeding countries such as decreasing returns from gambling revenues in many European countries, and the recent scandals with performance-enhancing drugs.
Mr Morgan Jones talked about the important role of the European Federation, “It is my belief that there is a greater need for European cooperation than there has ever been. Recent upturns in sales prices in bloodstock mask underlying problems, and it is right that we rise to address them.”
The EFTBA Annual award is also given each year at the AGM to honour an individual who has, over the years, played an inspiring, important and lasting role in developing and sustaining the European thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. The 2013 award was accepted on behalf of HRH Prince Khalid bin Abdullah by Teddy Grimthorpe.