Dr. Brian Stewart Appointed Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison

Dr. Brian Stewart will take over the position of Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison from the retiring Dr Keith Watkins from January 1, 2007 as Dr Watkins moves to a consultancy capacity to advise on quarantine management in the run-up to the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games being staged in Hong Kong.

“Brian joined the Club in 2002 with a tremendous pedigree, having acted as the Chief Veterinary Surgeon with the Singapore Turf Club for over eight years. He has since assisted with the continued development of the Club’s veterinary regulatory functions and his promotion ensures that he will continue to maintain the integrity and safety of horse racing in Hong Kong,” said Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

“I would also like to offer my thanks to Keith for his outstanding contribution of over 25 years’ service to the Club’s veterinary operations – he was instrumental both in designing the Club’s Equine Hospitals and dividing the single Veterinary Department into the two Regulatory and Clinical components that work so well today. We all wish Brian and Keith the very best in their new roles,” he added.

The Club will retain Dr. Watkins as Consultant Regulatory Veterinarian from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2008 to advise on racing and equestrian veterinary regulatory matters, specifically in relation to quarantine issues 2008 Beijing Equestrian Olympic and Paralympic Games in Hong Kong.

In addition, Dr. Watkins will maintain his status as Chairman of the International Movement of Horses Committee (IMHC) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). He will also continue as the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) Contact and Event Veterinarian for Hong Kong.