SAHorseracing.COM was invited to the Asian Racing Conference in Istanbul recently by the host of the event, the Turkish Jockey Club.

The conference not only attracted racing administrators from different regions around the world but also technologies and ideas from other sports. These included presentations from the former head of the International Cricket Council and an NBA representative from the United States.

The highlight for us as a company was the presentation of the saddle cloth of Japanese Horse of the Year, Buena Vista, by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to SAHorseracing.COM Managing Director, Ash Maharaj.

SAHorseracing.COM is the most traveled media company in South African history having been traveling to international destinations and accredited by numerous racing organisations for the past 10 years. 'Having visited Japan on numerous occasions including an Asian Racing Conference in Tokyo, a Japan Cup and a major yearling sale in Hokkaido, we have made many friends in that country over the years and there is a close bond with our friends at the JRA,' said Ash Maharaj.

'We have initiated so many different ideas for South Africa and international racing regions, it goes by unnoticed at the best of times,' he continued.

The JRA handed over the prized possession and Ash Maharaj had it signed by the Asian Racing President, Dr Koji Sato (pictured with Ash Maharaj), whom he has known for many years. 

'We decided to hand it over to the TBA museum instead of keeping it to ourselves as it is rare to get such an item and signed by the sitting president of a body as important as the Asian Racing Federation,' said Ash Maharaj.

It was handed over to Tom Callaghan, the new head of the TBA and he has promised to find it a good home in the museum.