The Asian Racing Conference (now Asian Racing Federation ) the apex body of racing and breeding in Asia, which stretches from Istanbul to South Africa, was held in India for the second time. Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla was Chairman of the Turf Authorities of India and leader of the Asian Racing Conference.

 
Delegates of the 24th Asian Racing Conference await a preview of yearlings in the expanse of the Equine Viewing Gallery.
Lestor Piggot after being felicitated by Behroze and Zavaray Poonawalla.

 

The Poonawalla Stud Farms hosted the stud visit for the conference, which was considered the highlight of the delegates' visit to India. Amongst the innumerable highly respected delegates in the world of racing and breeding were Major General Guy Watkins (then Chief Executive Hong Kong Jockey Club), Mr. David Bourke (then Chairman Victoria Race Club, Australia), Mr Tristram Ricketts (Secretary General, British Horse Racing Board), Mr. Teruya Yoshida (President Shadai Farm Inc., Japan), to name but a few. On this glorious occasion, the following racing personalities were honoured - Mr.Lestor Piggot, Mrs Purviz and Mr. Rusy Shroff, Major General Guy Watkins, trainers Rashid Byramji, Bezan Chenoy and Imtiaz Sait.

Lestor Piggot flown in to ride 'NORA', was the favourite for the feature event of the Asian Racing Conference. The delegates, who viewed Nora's sire Riyahi and her dam Nauvkhal at the stud farm, were delighted to meet the legendary jockey, and backed the favourite who won pillar to post in Lestor's able hands - making his last ride in Asia truly a memorable one.

 
Luncheon at the farm.
Mrs. Jumana Vahanvati, Mr. Teruya Yoshida (President, Shadai Farm, Japan) and Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla
Major General Guy Watkins (then C.E.O, Hong Kong Jockey Club) being honoured by Mrs. Behroze Poonawalla for having opened up the Indian thoroughbred to Hong Kong and for his achievements in the field of racing.
   
Mrs. Purviz and Mr. Rusy Shroff being conferred for having imported Astonish, braving all odds to astonish the world when he won his debut in Class I at Sha Tin.
Broodmares being paraded at the farm's breeding division.