The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation

This exciting new conference will focus on the role of science in finding solutions to issues that threaten the safety and welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses and will create a unique opportunity for researchers to share new knowledge whilst building global collaborative relationships with the racing industry. ? Topics will include: ? How to gauge and improve the wellbeing of racehorses. ? Reducing the impact of musculoskeletal injuries/disease, cardiorespiratory and gastric diseases. ? Improving the care of racehorses in retirement. ? Novel interactive sessions will: ? Foster exchange between researchers and key racing officials from around the world to promote a shared understanding of critical issues and clarify perceived needs. ? Share the latest research findings from international scientists. ? Enable participants to build fresh global alliances in a Sandpit event, providing a dynamic environment to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, allowing the development of innovative research proposals in real time. Topics will address two issues relevant to racing (one musculoskeletal topic and one associated with Exercise Associated Sudden Death). The proposal from each topic area judged to have the best application will be awarded a grant to develop their proposal. ? Support and encourage Early Career Researchers in the field by providing opportunities to engage directly with a wide range of different stakeholders in racing, and to receive mentorship from experienced research colleagues. ? Give relevant research funding bodies an opportunity to share their experience and advice with potential applicants. ? The conference will accept abstracts for oral and poster presentations on topics that relate to the safety, health and welfare of the Thoroughbred racehorse during and after their racing careers. The portal for submission will open in April and close on 31st July 2025. A Delphi study to identify and prioritise research needs will be initiated before the conference and continued throughout its duration. ? We are pleased to announce that financial bursaries will be available to support some attendees. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and contribute to the future of racehorse care. ? The conference will be set against the backdrop of the Hong Kong International Races, established as one of the most exciting days in the global racing calendar.?Delegates will have the opportunity to attend the races the day before the conference commences. ? Further details will be released on a dedicated conference website, opening in early April 2025.

Call for Research Applications 2024/2025 starts in 10 hours! ??

Appointment of New Member of Veterinary Advisory Committee ? The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation is a charity established in Hong Kong in 2020 to encourage and fund scientific research into issues impacting the health and welfare of the Thoroughbred racehorse. The Foundation has committed HKD28 million to support 26 projects since its establishment. ? The Foundation calls for research applications once a year over December and January.?All applications are subject to a thorough assessment process that is overseen by a Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC), which reports to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The key tasks of the VAC are to identify suitable specialists to undertake peer review of applications, to analyse the advice received and to recommend a short list of projects to the Board for funding. In addition to managing the review process, the VAC advises the Board on scientific matters relevant to the Foundation’s activities and recommends topics that should be considered as priority for funding in each round. ? Most of the VAC’s work is conducted online although an in-person meeting will be held in Hong Kong in June/July every two to three years. ? The VAC is looking for an experienced clinical scientist/scientist to succeed a member of the existing committee who will retire soon. Ideally the candidate will have a distinguished background in epidemiology or biostatistics although expertise in other fields relevant to the Foundation’s operation will also be considered. Appointments will be made for a term of three years, with option for renewal for one further term. ? You are welcome to contact Professor Chris Riggs, Director of the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation, by email at [email protected] for additional information and to learn more about the VAC and its roles. Closing date for applications is 9th December 2024 (Monday). ?

HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation contributed to hold a Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology