HRH Princess Haya, a renowned equestrienne, racehorse owner and former president for two terms of the FEI, was the keynote speaker at the 50th conference of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in Paris on Monday. She spoke candidly on a number of topics, notably on the issue of raceday medication.

She began by detailing the success of Intricately in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, highlighting the achievements of Joseph, Donnacha and Annemarie O’Brien in particular, while also reflecting on the success of Camelot in the 2012 Epsom Derby and reminding the audience of the involvement of the Crowley family in the breeding of Rock Of Gibraltar. She linked these successes to the accomplishments of Joseph and Donnacha in the world of eventing.

Remarking on the achievements, she said; “This success story at the highest level illustrates that, as international federations, we are not linked just through our service to the horse, but also by a shared community. Annemarie herself sets us all an example in proving that excellence in both our industries is possible by working together.”

Turning to the challenges facing racing, she outlined some of the main worries. “It escapes none of us who love racing that the squeeze of a very competitive market has changed the outlook of this sport from the start of the 20th century to the 1980s when it was seen as a big game. And I do consider myself a member of the racing family, so I consider your worries my own.

“Many say that in the 21st century the sport of kings does not have the social relevance it did in the past. And the pinch of economic worries in this country [France], as well as crowd turnout, casts a huge burden on those who serve the sport here.

“Across the water in England replacing the Levy system, and the not so distant loss of the BBC in exchange for Channel 4 and ITV, along with the bespoke racing channels, are all discussion points that encourage an outlook that would seem gloomy.”

She went on: “I have never been a person who sugarcoated any statement in my life. And I can tell you that I have never seen such a clear opportunity as I do for racing today. As everything in life does, it comes with some effort, but not one that is beyond the sport or anyone in it. It’s easy to forget the past, even when history and tradition is probably the most important key factor that has brought racing to where it is today.”

Princess Haya told the conference that she had spent the past year managing the campaign of her brother Prince Ali to become president of FIFA. She spoke of the corrupt individuals who damaged the reputation of FIFA before posing the question: “Does this snapshot of global sports not underline the fact that the FEI and IFHA have the two best track records in integrity today of any other global sports?

“I think that is highly relevant,” she added, “and I truly believe for racing it’s a game changer. Racing, since the dawn of time, is the most natural spectator sport and there is a whole section of fans looking for new excitement. But none of this comes without effort. England, France, Ireland, America and Australia need absolutely to create a unity and tackle issues like the harmonisation of raceday rules. How do you expect your racing public, betting audiences, and the hope of new audiences, if the regulations remain confusing for even jockeys and trainers who compete internationally?”

She then issued a clear warning on the issue of medication. “President Romanet’s call to eradicate raceday medications on all continents is absolutely pivotal. The integrity of our sport absolutely depends on this. The expansion of racing globally simply will not happen if this grey area is not addressed. I assure you that as a former FEI president I do understand that this is not easy, but people must recognise that, for the greater good, change is necessary. And it’s never, ever impossible.

“I urge you – for the sake of your sport – not to put this off much longer.”

Having outlined the major challenge she faced in this area while president of the FEI, she ended with a very personal account of the thrill she got from ownership of New Approach, given to her as a gift to share with her husband Sheikh Mohammed and to mark the birth of their daughter Jaila. She raised much laughter with her remark; “I am not sure which was the greater rollercoaster ride, having my first newborn baby or trying to digest New Approach’s racing plans in the season of 2008!”

She described the scene in the box at Epsom as the runners approached Tattenham Corner. “I was at the back of the box feeling sick, watching the screen, and Sheikh Mohammed walked right up close underneath it. I remember his entourage turn to me and shake their heads.

“But Sheikh Mohammed kept saying ‘I don’t know, I think it’s not over, I don’t know’ and then, ‘gap, go Kevin’. Manning and Sheikh Mohammed both saw the same gap; the next thing I knew Sheikh Mohammed had grabbed my hand and run me to the balcony. New Approach had the rail and took the lead a furlong out, and he was never going to give it up to Tartan Bearer.

“I don’t remember losing my hat; I don’t remember running down past the jockey’s room and out on the track behind Sheikh Mohammed... I remember clearly the sensation of literally being carried next to that horse. I felt like I was completely lifted off my feet by the energy of 120,000 people shouting congratulations and smiling at us... and as an owner people show you a kindness, a goodness, a generosity of spirit, and a sense that they lived it with you that I do not think you can experience in any other walk of life.”