ITBF France 2026 a resounding success

The dual location event (Deauville and Paris) hosted representatives from 25 of 29 member countries and umbrella associations (across six continents).

Members experienced an outstanding and full programme, provided by the host nation’s Fédération des Eleveurs du Galop (the French TBA). Visits to idyllic and historic stud farms of Normandy left international delegates in awe. Multiple viewings at the Aga Khan Studs’ operation included the Leading French stallion and sire of an Arc winner, Siyouni, and an exclusive viewing of the legendary Arc heroine and Gr.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.

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.

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.

Delegates were transferred to Paris for the all-important meetings – core to the purpose of the members’ gathering. The ITBF Veterinary Conference, included presentations from the equine disease reporting systems, RESPE in France, and EIDS (ITBF’s own brainchild on the worldwide gathering, collating, and onward global dissemination of disease data – to best control the spread of infectious disease).  Also included were lectures from world leading experts on EHV, Equine Influenza and West Nile Virus.

The General Meeting hosted international guest speakers, presenting on immediate and future areas of Thoroughbred breeding’s focus. These included; the ongoing breeding industry’s lobbying of EU imposed transportation regulations, declining foal crops, stallion populations, lifetime traceability, the narrowing gene pool, and early foal handling. On the industry’s human focus; securing the human future generations and adapting of the Thoroughbred industry to a changing work force. Further topics were delivered on the devastating industry effect and management of increasing fire and flood natural disasters, as well as the IFHA’s own report on, and forward planning of initiatives for, sustainability and climate change in the horse racing industry. The South African Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, newly elected onto the ITBF Executive Committee, provided an overview of the country’s current breeding landscape. South America gave an in-depth look at the influences of the continent’s influential bloodlines. Two panel sessions created highly interactive, lively and proactive discussions between attendees and speakers.

The ITBF membership unanimously agreed by vote at the 2026 General Meeting, to uphold the existing ban on the use of all artificial breeding methods (identified, and yet to be defined) in agreement with article 12 of the IBRAW document and in accordance with the ISBC stud book regulations.  

ITBF’s Chairman from 2017 to 2026, Kirsten Rausing, stood down from office at the General Meeting. CEO, Sarah Carmichael, thanked the outgoing Chairman on behalf of the membership, for her unwavering commitment, dedication and passion for the betterment of the global Thoroughbred breeding industry, resulting in significantly moving ITBF forward under her outstanding leadership. 

The membership ratified the ITBF Executive Committee’s elected incoming Chairman, Lord Teddy Grimthorpe. Kirsten Rausing said “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”

In his acceptance speech, Lord Grimthorpe offered “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.”

The close of the General Meeting was marked by a fitting and moving film tribute to Sam Sheppard CBE, founder of ITBF, formerly the IBM (International Breeders’ Meeting), who passed away in February.

The ITBF Conference drew to a close with delegates attending ParisLongchamp’s meeting of the French Classics; 1000 Guineas (Poule d’Essai des Pouliches) and 2000 Guineas (Poule d’Essai des Poulains) with a poignant victory for Aga Khan Studs-owned and bred, Rayif, sired by Sea The Moon, standing at the outgoing Chairman’s Lanwades Stud. 

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.

ITBF will continue working to advance and protect the interests of Thoroughbred breeders throughout the world. Its next General Meeting will be hosted by India in 2028 from 31^st January to 6^th February.