A sign of the times perhaps; tomorrow heralds a new chapter in South Africa's racing history when the dust is brushed from the 1980's conference folders and key Industry representatives gather to discuss core elements of the sport as well as the domestic and global environment that has changed so dramatically in the past two decades.

The South African horseracing industry has arguably made significant strides in the last decade and it is from this platform of relative stability that the 2006 South African National Horseracing Convention has been called.

The theme of the Convention is to reflect on the past and consider the present in order to be able to contemplate the way forward. Issues such as the political environment which include industry's ability to align itself with Government's aims and objectives, internationalization and the setting of new standards in the face of increasing competition are some of the challenges facing South Africa's racing and breeding sectors.

In terms of the Convention format, a number of speakers have been asked to present papers on various topics after which a question and answer session will take place. A panel of industry experts will lead proceedings.

The conference agenda can be sourced at the following URL.