Sir,

I find myself writing to you in response to your article in The Irish Field headlined ‘AIRO chair and council at odds over election result’ (September 28th, page 4) in which you state that I feel that I’m now being “held chiefly responsible for the near six-figure loss” recently suffered by the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners following their unsuccessful defence of the well documented recent legal fiasco.

Perhaps you can be kind enough to state for the record that the entire current AIRO Council are and were, at all times, collectively responsible for any and all decisions made pertaining to this matter.

While they acted in accordance with the legal advice received it is worth noting that the Association’s modus operandi is that majority consensus at Council prevails, with the views of those in opposition being noted.

There were serious concerns raised (later substantiated) at the recent heated AGM regarding the members’ exposure or otherwise to the liabilities of the Association, and as to why there were and are no trustees in place.

I, then and now, believe that this matter should have been addressed immediately and that the Association’s members should have been written to long ago to inform them that they are not indemnified against the liabilities of the Association. True, there were sufficient funds to cover the recent initial legal costs but this may not be the case going forward.

Lastly, in hindsight I now believe that most of the problems experienced by the Association recently have been caused by the rule change which removed the power of ordinary members to simply nominate a Council member to stand for election for the seat on the HRI board.

It seems that this change has now left the majority of members feeling disenfranchised. It also seems that the Association’s thinking at that time that this amendment would ‘simplify the voting procedure without diluting its transparency’ was inaccurate, without foundation and perhaps even misleading.

Yours etc.,

Brian Polly

Chair, Association of Irish Racehorse Owners

’Gordon’ runs for charity

Sir,

Through your publication may I express my thanks to Kieran and Gráinne Gleeson of Ardmore Equine Nutrition for their support of the recent fundraising drive for Cancer Trials Ireland.

Kieran paid €2,000 for the right to have his wife’s Grainne’s colours carried by Gordon Lord Byron on a raceday. The prize was donated by owners Morgan and Jessica Cahalan.

Horse Racing Ireland duly organised the owner registration change ahead of last Saturday’s Group 3 Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh. Unfortunately the rains came and ‘Gordon’ was unable to show his true form. The Gleeson family are known for their sporting attitude and both Kieran and Gráinne did not let the weather or the result dampen the day. I’m happy to report that the horse came out his 105th race sound and well in himself.

Finally, may I add my congratulations to Pat Smullen and all involved in raising in excess of €2.5 million for Cancer Trials Ireland. I believe the money is already being put to good use and, please God, it will make a difference to a lot of families in the future.

Yours etc.,

Tom Hogan

Fattheen House Stables

Nenagh

Co Tipperary

Happy competition winner

Sir,

I am just back from a wonderful week’s holiday in Croatia courtesy of the Eimer Hannon travel voucher I won in The Irish Field in June. I still can’t believe my good fortune in winning this prize – it has made my year!

Thank you to The Irish Field for running such a great competition and to Eimer Hannon for sponsoring the prize.

Yours etc.,

Fiona Kane

Kill,

Co Kildare