Global thoroughbred alliance launched

A six nation alliance to promote and progress education, community engagement and career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry has been formed with Together for Racing International (TfRI) launching its website togetherforracinginternational.com.

TfRI was established following a 2019 education forum hosted by Godolphin in Newmarket, England, with the event gathered thoroughbred breeding, racing and education professionals from six countries who addressed challenges to inclusion, attracting newcomers, supporting education and workforce enrichment.

Forum attendees collaborated on a global vision and strategy to grow and sustain the thoroughbred industry. The outcome was Together for Racing International, which focuses on three pillars for development: education, community engagement and workforce.

TfRI is a platform for connecting the world with the thoroughbred with the website providing students, educators, parents and industry members on opportunities for learning and involvement.

It also serves as a networking medium for countries to collaborate and support the progression of emerging programs.

“This website attests to the positive impact that the racing industry is having on individuals and communities in Australia and in other major racing jurisdictions,” TfRI Australian committee representative and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) Chief Executive Officer Lindy Maurice said.

“TfRI reinforces we’re a part of a global industry and we are looking forward to seeing what this alliance can achieve together."

TfRI is chaired by Chris Grant and developed through a network of global steering committee members from Australia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan and the United States.

Grant was Vice-Chair of London’s ground-breaking 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Legacy International Development Programme, International Inspiration and has moderated several editions of the global Beyond Sport Forum.

TfRI global steering committee members represent: AFASEC (FR), France-Galop, Godolphin (Globally), Horse Racing Ireland, the Irish National Stud, the Kentucky Equine Talent Pipeline Project, the North American Racing Academy, Racing Together (GB), The Racing Foundation (GB) and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (AUS).

“Racing Australia is working closely with the Principal Racing Authorities and industry via a national working group to support objectives of TfRI. We welcome the launch of the TfRI website,” Racing Australia Chief Executive Officer Myles Foreman said.

Hugh Anderson, Godolphin Managing Director UK and Dubai, said his organisation was proud to support the initiative.

“A year ago today, the international racing community united at the Godolphin Forum for Education in Newmarket and committed to ensuring that racing can offer greater opportunities to educators, young people and our communities.”

World-renowned trainer John Gosden has also thrown his support behind TfRI.

“Horses and people have always had a symbiotic relationship from early civilisations. As participants in our sport and the breeding industry, it is our duty to continue to encourage and expand the human connection with the thoroughbred,” he said.

“We are stewards of the animal at its centre, and it is our mission, and truly a privilege, to support initiatives like TfRI, linking up internationally to promote horse racing and breeding to the world.”

TfRI Project Manager Annise Montplaisir said awareness was a major factor to address.

“There is such a vast array of positive initiatives happening in the horse racing industry around the world, but awareness is key and unless we publicise the amazing impact so many programs are having, they risk going unnoticed.

“A resource like TfRI has the ability to connect industry newcomers with learning experiences, inspire educators to try new curriculums and encourage communities to look at how their local racetracks and breeding farms are giving back.”