The annual general meeting of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations [EFTBA] took place in Istanbul, Turkey last Friday, on the eve of the 100th running of Turkey’s Gazi Derby, which is the pinnacle of Turkish horse racing and is the richest Derby run in Europe this year. Representatives from Europe’s breeding nations gathered together to discuss all the key challenges and threats facing the European bloodstock industry. On the previous day a meeting took place of the EFTBA Veterinary Advisors Committee Meeting, which provided its report and guidance to the EFTBA Board at its AGM sessions.

The AGM programme generously hosted the Turkish breeding association and supported by many of its key industry stakeholders was outstanding. In the days leading up to the AGM itself, the EFTBA delegation and guests were given in depth insights into the Turkish bloodstock industry. While showing its rich heritage of horsemanship, it demonstrated great dynamism in terms of a committed energy to further in enhance and improve its breeding and racing operations.

One of main issues discussed at the AGM was the recent decision take by France Galop to open the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to geldings. The EFTBA expressed its great disappointment that it appears this decision was taken in complete isolation and without any industry consultation. EFTBA is committed to vigorously contesting this decision in the best interest of the European thoroughbred breeding industry and beyond.

Another matter discussed was the EU’s proposed new Animal Welfare in Transport Regulations, which have profound implications for the breeding industry.

EFTBA recently played host to the chair of the MEP Horse Committee, Hilde Vautmans, during her visit to Coolmore Stud.

Vautmans was updated on the EFTBA recommendations for resolving challenges the industry faces in relation to this matter, and she inspected horseboxes.

Her parliamentary advisor followed up on this visit with a description of the next steps towards resolving such issues in the Parliament. The outcome depends on talks between the EU Council, the EU Commission and MEPs.

Hilde Vautmans has also become proactive in the EU Availability of Medicines issue. She is seeking EFTBA input on five specific issues in this context, which include the availability of equine medicines and the complex problems arising from a desire for exclusion of specified horses from the food chain.

The issue of UK and Irish stallion farms having to re-test mares coming from continental Europe prior to covering was comprehensively discussed. It was decided that matter would be raised at the International Code of Practice meeting which takes on July 2nd.

A discussion took place on the spread of West Nile Fever. It is believed that the relentless northwards trajectory of this infection is continuing and that global warming is likely to increase the incidence of this disease.

Expert advice from Italy indicates that there may be a case for mandatory vaccination in some countries at some stage and France is reviewing the availability of sufficient vaccines to combat this disease.

Another topic raised at the meeting was the growing number of equine influenza cases reported by France, Ireland and the UK from the early spring of this year through to the present.

This infection is causing significant problems in the unvaccinated populations of Europe even though the current strain of this virus is covered by the available vaccines.

The control of this important disease depends on proper and accurate certification of vaccination. EFTBA continues to advocate and lobby for mandatory vaccinations.

EFTBA chairman Joe Hernon said: "The EFTBA, as guardians of the thoroughbred, is committed to ensuring the thoroughbred breeding industry remains current and well respected in an ever- changing world.

"Today we witnessed the 100th running of the Gazi Derby. To celebrate its centenary, plans were put in place by the Jockey Club of Turkey to make it the richest Derby in Europe for 2026.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Turkish TBA and its President Emir Karadag for giving the EFTBA delegation a most memorable visit."