Welcome

On behalf of the Organising Committee for the 24th International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians (ICRAV) to be held in Melbourne Australia in March 2026.

Please see below for an important date change announcement.

David Batty
Chair, ICRAV2026 Organising Committee

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

CHANGE OF DATES

Dear AORC and IGSRV members,

Due to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix recently being confirmed as the opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, to be held in Melbourne from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March 2026, we have had to change the dates for ICRAV Melbourne 2026. 

The new dates are Sunday 22 March to Sunday 29 March 2026 

We planned the original dates on the basis of the Grand Prix being run at its usual dates, in late March, so we are just as disappointed to have to change all our plans. 

Our Conference Organisers are contacting all members who have already registered or submitted abstracts personally, and the Organising Committee is reconfirming our invited speakers.

We hope that you can still join us in Melbourne next year for an outstanding week of professional development with a warm Australian welcome.  

Best regards,

David Batty
Chair, ICRAV Melbourne 2026 Organising Committee

🗓️ Important Dates

  • May 2025

    Early-bird registration

    Workshop registration

    Abstract submissions open

  • 22 August 2025

    Abstract submissions close

  • 1st Week of October 2025

    Notification of abstract acceptance to authors

  • 30 December 2025

    Early-bird deadline and workshop registration closes

Highlights

RASL is delighted to be hosting ICRAV 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. Here’s 5 top reasons why ICRAV 2026 is a must-attend.

Racing is a major industry in Australia, where we enjoy Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound racing.

Maintaining integrity is vital to the racing industry, so the relationships between racing veterinarians, racing stewards and drug testing laboratories are critical to protecting animal welfare and the reputation of racing.

ICRAV is the perfect opportunity to network with international colleagues and stay up to date with the latest in animal welfare and drug testing research, in a warm and friendly Australian setting.

Melbourne is Australia’s home of racing – and the world famous Melbourne Cup.

RASL is Australia’s largest racing drug testing laboratory, performing analysis of samples from all 3 racing codes.