A new chair at the EMHF as long-serving Brian Kavanagh steps down
EMHF
European & Mediterranean
Horseracing Federation
MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A NEW CHAIR AT THE EMHF AS LONG-SERVING BRIAN KAVANAGH STEPS DOWN
Brian Kavanagh, who held the position of Chair of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) since its inception in 2010, has stepped down from the role after fifteen years. Kavanagh, who chaired the Founding Meeting of the Federation in Stockholm, presided over his last EMHF meeting at this year's General Assembly in Merano, Italy. For most of his tenure, Kavanagh was Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Ireland, and also held high office in the global body, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), as its Vice-Chair for the 'EuroMed' region. Kavanagh will be continuing in his current role as CEO of Curragh Racecourse.
Kavanagh said: “My time as Chairman of EMHF has been very satisfying and stimulating. There are excellent people working in the horse racing sector throughout the region and it has been a privilege to get to know them. The EMHF has a key role to play in the development and advancement of horse racing and I know that, with Henri Pouret coming in as Chairman and Paull Khan continuing as Secretary General, it is in safe hands. I wish them all the best and thank them for their support over the years”.
The EMHF's Chairmanship passes from Ireland to France, with France Galop's Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Henri Pouret, taking over as from June 2nd. Pouret has represented France on the EMHF since 2016 and is himself, now, Vice-Chair of the IFHA, having been elected last year.
Pouret said: “I am honoured to become the Chairman of EMHF, which is such a broad and diverse racing region including 24 Full Member countries and one Associate Member. I am also very thankful to the Executive Council for its confidence and the privilege granted to follow the path of Brian Kavanagh who made so many achievements for the Federation and its members, with the unvaluable help of Paull Khan, Secretary General. With the Vice-Chairs, the Executive Council and General Assembly members, we will keep fostering and developing horse racing in the European and Mediterranean region.”
Dr Paull Khan continues as the EMHF's Secretary-General, a role he has held since 2012.
Note for Editors:
The European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) represents the governing bodies for thoroughbred horseracing in 25 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.
Its members are: EU Members: Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden. Non-EU Members: Cgannel Islands, Great Britain, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey. Other Members: Azerbaijan, Libya, Morocco. Associate Member: Romania.
Further information:
Dr Paull Khan,
Secretary-General
+44 (0) 7860 253910