INS welcomes new directors

THE Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has appointed Ashling O’Beirne, Barry Lynch and Meta Osborne as directors of the Irish National Stud for five-year terms following a competitive selection process run by the Public Appointments Service.

The Minister said: “I am confident that, with their background in the thoroughbred breeding industry combined with their professional experience and expertise, they will make a significant contribution to the work of the Irish National Stud over the next five years.”

The Minister also thanked outgoing directors John Tuite, Seamus Boyle and Mark Weld for their significant contribution to the board over the last 10 years.

New job for Johnny Burke

JONATHAN Burke has been appointed stable jockey to trainer Fergal O’Brien. Burke (28) replaces Paddy Brennan in the role who retired last month. Last December Burke rode the O’Brien-trained Crambo to win the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. O’Brien trained 107 winners last season, a total bettered by only Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton in Britain.

Mayson winner for Springfield House

MAYSON, who moved from Cheveley Park Stud to Springfield House Stud in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, this year, had a two-year-old debut winner at Pontefract this week. Trained by Adrian Keatley, Francisco’s Piece was a 58,000gns yearling. Mayson’s covering fee if €4,250.

Paul Webber to retire

THE Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot-winning trainer Paul Webber is to relinquish his licence in early June. He has been training for almost 28 years at the 227-acre Cropredy Lawn property in Oxfordshire.