The 2013 World Trotting Conference came to a close on Saturday, with delegates approving committee reports and the date and place of the 2015 Conference and World Driving Championship being set.

The delegates heard a report on IRIIS, the International Racing Information and Intelligence Service, which is now facilitating a worldwide exchange of information on harness racing rule breakers. In addition the Conference’s Animal Welfare and Integrity Committee has called on all nations to formulate a code of conduct concerning the welfare of Standardbred horses.

The Breeding Committee called upon all nations to expand the exchange of breeding data and revamp the procedures for the import and export of horses.

The Marketing and Business Development Committee announced that a website will be established to exchange information about promotions and marketing to provide a research forum for publicists around the world.

The Committee also announced the winners of the 2013 International Media Awards:

Best News Article: Australia - “Vindicated,” by Michael Court in National Trotguide.

Best Magazine Article: Canada – “All Hail the Pail,” by Lauren Lee, in The Canadian Sportsman.

Best Photo: Italy – “Inhino Varenne,” by Stefano Grasso.

Best Print or Web-Based Ad: Australia – “Aussie Music Star Teams with HRNSW,” by Harness Racing New South Wales.

Best Video or Film Advertisement: France – “Courses Spectacles - Vivez l’experience Hippodrome!,” by LeTrot.

Best TV Program: Sweden – “Haster ar din (The Horse is Yours),” by Henrik Hogstrom.

Best Poster: Norway – “Oslo Grand Prix,” by Bjerke Travbane/Sax Media.

Best Website Sweden – Risktrave.se

The Conference also honoured three individuals as Life Members: Phil Langley, president of the USTA; Ulf Hornberg, executive secretary of the Swedish Trotting Association; and Jean-Pierre Kratzer, president of Suisse Trot and the European Trotting Union.

Australia will host the 2015 World Trotting Conference and World Driving Championship, in Sydney, beginning on Feb. 21, 2015.

(USTA)