The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities has members from 55 countries, from Algeria to Venezuela, as well as regional members and other countries that attend the International Conference as observers. At this year’s annual meeting in Paris, representatives from around the world have agreed to work towards establishing huge pools through international commingling, revolutionising the sport of kings.

An initial feasibility study has led to four major decisions:

- To conduct a study of existing betting protocols and decide how to establish an international system;
- To analyze existing betting contracts with commingling;
- To examine the international calendar of exotic bets offered and consider forming one big multi-jurisdictional wager; and
- To establish guidelines and best practices regarding international policies on commingling for a worldwide system.

Obvious challenges to the concept include differences in betting rules from country to country, the necessity of foreign outlets adopting host betting standards, legal barriers between some nations, and development of a takeout system satisfactory to all. But the potential for growth that could be critical to racing's future outweighs the obstacles. After compiling an initial report a further discussion will be held at the Asian Racing Conference being held in Dubai in January.

Bertrand Belinguier, director general of France's Pari Mutuel Urbain betting system, commented: "This may be a chance for the horse racing industry to develop events with a worldwide audience and attractive betting products. As such, international commingling of pools represents a real asset for the pari-mutuel model."

Asian racing nations, generating more turnover than any other region, would have to overcome the previously negative reaction to the idea of participating in international wagering. At Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe around 7,000 Japanese attended and on-course wagering rose 55% to a record amount. International commingling began with the PMU in France offering betting on the Breeder’s Cup in America in 1997. This business alone was worth US$3 million in 2005. (E-10.04.06)

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