Henri Pouret to take over as European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation Chair

EMHF
European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation

Henri Pouret, representing France, has been named as Chairman elect of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF). At the EMHF's Executive Council meeting in Casablanca, Morocco last weekend an election was held to determine the successor to Ireland's Brian Kavanagh, who has held the post since the Federation's inception in 2010.

Mr Pouret, who is Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at France Galop, the governing body for Thoroughbred racing in France, was also recently elected as Vice-Chair of the global International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Pouret said: “I am honoured and very thankful to the Executive Council for placing its trust and confidence in me to fulfil the role of EMHF Chair to succeed Brian who did a tremendous job. I am a great enthusiast of European and Mediterranean racing in all its diversity. Europe is a leader in many aspects of horseracing, especially regarding the quality control of black type races and integrity, based on cross border competition. I am really hopeful for the years to come in this region and will be fully dedicated to this new role in collaboration with the members’ racing authorities and the invaluable experience of Secretary-General Dr. Paull Khan.”

Mr Kavanagh, who will continue as Chair until June 1st, 2025, added: “I am delighted that Henri will succeed me as Chairman of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation. He has excellent experience and knowledge of racing throughout the region and will do a great job. For me it has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of the EMHF which plays an important role in linking the smaller and larger racing countries and representing a single voice for racing authorities throughout Europe and the broader Mediterranean area”.

Paull Khan, EMHF's Secretary-General, was named at the same meeting as the EMHF's nominee on the IFHA's Horse Welfare Committee, for ratification at the IFHA's Executive Council Meeting in Hong Kong next month.

NOTES FOR EDITORS
EMHF

The European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) represents the governing bodies for thoroughbred horseracing in 26 countries – www.euromedracing.eu. It is the regional body of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) www.ifhaonline.org.

The main objective of the EMHF is to develop relations among European and Mediterranean Horseracing Authorities, to foster best practice in racing administration throughout the region and to represent European and Mediterranean countries before the IFHA and European Union bodies.

Further information:
Dr Paull Khan,
Secretary-General
paullkhan@euromedracing.eu
+44 (0) 7860 253910
 

IFHA

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International race planning and grading (“black type”)
- World rankings
- The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally

Further information:
Email: achesser@jockeyclub.com