SHANE O’Dwyer is stepping down as chief executive of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association to take up a similar role with a national charity.

“It has all happened very quickly and the timing, with the sales, is not ideal,” he told The Irish Field. “I have worked in racing and breeding for 23 years so it was not an easy decision but this opportunity arose and it is something very close to my heart.”

ITBA chair Cathy Grassick said: “On behalf of all our members, I would like to thank Shane for the tremendous work he has done for the ITBA over the past 15 years. He has given dedicated service to the industry and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Further details will be carried in The Irish Field next week.