Cover image courtesy of International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation
The International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF) has concluded its biennial Conference, this year hosted by the Fédération des Eleveurs du Galop (the French TBA) over five days.
Representatives from 25 of its 29 member countries and umbrella associations participiated in the programme, which began in Normandy with visits to leading stud farms such as Haras de Bonneval, Haras de Beaumont and Haras d'Etreham. They also enjoyed a tour of the cutting-edge Équine Vallée in Normandy, the international campus dedicated to equine health research.
Delegates were then transferred to Paris for the ITBF Veterinary Conference, followed by the all-day General Meeting. Topics discussed at the General Meeting included the breeding industry's ongoing lobbying of EU imposed transportation regulations, declining foal crops, stallion populations, lifetime traceability, the narrowing gene pool and early foal handling.
Grimthorpe replaces Rausing as chair
Kirsten Rausing, chairman of the ITBF from 2017 to 2026, stood down from office at the General Meeting, saying, “The ITBF's work to protect our industry and its participants, equine and human, will continue apace for many years to come. As I retire from my post as ITBF chairman, I feel sure that the Federation is in very safe hands with my successor.”
Kirsten Rausing | Image courtesy of International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation
Rausing will be succeeded by Lord Teddy Grimthorpe, whose chairmanship was ratified by the membership following his election by the ITBF Executive Committee.
In his acceptance speech, Lord Grimthorpe said, “I am deeply honoured that you (the membership) have entrusted the chairmanship to me. I will endeavour to ensure that the ITBF flourishes and continues to safeguard and uphold the values of the high standards required for a healthy bloodstock breeding industry throughout the world.”
“I will endeavour to ensure that the ITBF flourishes and continues to safeguard and uphold the values of the high standards required for a healthy bloodstock breeding industry throughout the world.” - Lord Teddy Grimthorpe
Lord Teddy Grimthorpe | Image courtesy of Juddmonte
Stud visits key to understanding French racing
Delegates visited historic stud farms in Normandy including the Aga Khan Studs’ operation where they saw the Leading French stallion and sire of an Arc winner, Siyouni, and an exclusive viewing of the legendary Arc heroine and Group 1 dam, Zarkava. On a continuing Arc theme, fellow victor, Ace Impact, was shown to delegates at the passionately run operation of Haras de Beaumont.
“These individuals may have stolen the immediate limelight in the Normandy visits, however, the overarching and lasting impression upon delegates, came from viewing such a wide range of value for money class-stallions, available to breeders at affordable fees,” said ITBF CEO Sarah Carmichael.
“The overarching and lasting impression upon delegates, came from viewing such a wide range of value for money class-stallions, available to breeders at affordable fees.” - Sarah Carmichael
“The beautifully presented and managed stallions, broodmares and foals, showcased by Haras de Colleville, Haras d’Etreham, Haras de Bouquetot, Haras de Beaumont and Haras de Bonneval, together with the outstanding hospitality offered, was applauded by highly appreciative ITBF members.
Sarah Carmichael | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“Additionally in Normandy, an in-depth tour of the cutting-edge Équine Vallée, with much valuable information imparted by associated veterinary and scientific equine health experts, via several presentations, proved highly interesting and informative. The Normandy section of the week even managed to incorporate a visit to the D-Day landing beaches and American Cemetery.”
Vote to uphold ban on artificial breeding
In addition, ITBF members voted unanimously to continue to stand resolute against the use of all artificial breeding methods, while the close of the General Meeting was marked by a film tribute to Sam Sheppard CBE, founder of the ITBF – formerly the IBM (International Breeders' Meeting) – who passed away in February.
The ITBF Conference then drew to a close with delegates attending Sunday's meeting at ParisLongchamp, headlined by the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, the first French Classics of the season.
“ITBF and its membership profusely thank the host, Fédération des Eleveurs du Galop and its many supporting event partners and sponsors for providing a resoundingly successful ITBF France ’26,” said Carmichael.
“ITBF and its membership profusely thank the host, Fédération des Eleveurs du Galop and its many supporting event partners and sponsors for providing a resoundingly successful ITBF France ’26.” - Sarah Carmichael
The ITBF, which works to advance and protect the interests of Thoroughbred breeders throughout the world, will hold its next General Meeting when India hosts in 2028 from January 31 to Feburary 6.
