Abu Dhabi: The fourth General Assembly meeting of the International Federation of Horseracing Academies, (IFHRA), was held, at the National Archive premises with almost all the members in attendance.

Representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Malaysia, Oman, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States attended the highly interactive meeting which was chaired by Lara Sawaya, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA).

The IFHRA General Assembly meeting was held on the sidelines of two prestigious events taking place in the capital - The President of the UAE Endurance Cup and HH The President’s Cup flat races for Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds run under the umbrella of HH Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Sawaya stated that for the first time the world-famous Darley awards which is held annually at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, will be giving away an award for a lady apprentice jockey under the category “IFHRA Best Apprentice Lady Jockey” and invited nominations from the member-countries. In this connection she thanked Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for her continuous effort in encouraging lady jockeys from all over the world. “Thanks to Her Highness’ unconditional guidance and support, IFHRA has achieved a huge international status in a short span of one year,” she added.

The meeting was coordinated by Remi Bellocq, General Secretary of IFHRA.

While elaborating on the activities of the Federation, Ms Sawaya said that it was a proud moment for the organisation as more countries were coming in and showing keen interest to be active members. She encouraged them to join in as it gives them an opportunity to showcase their jockey’s performances all over the world. “We want to grow bigger and bigger”, she asserted.

Ms Sawaya stated that the next General Assembly meeting will be held in May in Rome, Italy, as part of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference which is scheduled to be held from May 23-29 next.