Stable Staff Awards nominations

WITH under two weeks remaining until nominations close for 2015 Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards on March 18th, everyone in the Irish racing and breeding industry is encouraged to get involved. The nomination forms are available online at godolphin.com and goracing.ie and Horse Racing Ireland’s office in Ballymany in Newbridge.

Nominations can be made by anyone within the industry. The awards will be presented at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge on Tuesday, April 14th, and are divided into 10 categories.

The winner of each of the five main categories will receive a cash prize of €5,000 each and a trophy. The two runners-up in each of these categories will receive €500 each. An additional €4,000 will also be awarded to the winner’s yard or stud. The winner of the five main categories will be also be nominated for the Irish Racing Excellence Award and win an additional €5,000 and €5,000 for their yard or stud.

The winner of the Dedication to Racing, Lifelong Learning, Ancillary Services and the Racecourse Grooms’ Canteen Award will each receive €2,500 and a trophy.

Pony racing measuring

THE Southern Region of the Horse and Pony Racing Association (HPRA) will hold its first measuring for the 2015 season on Saturday, March 21st at noon in Castleisland Mart, Co Kerry. All ponies to be measured must be registered with Ernest and Frances Tyner at 087-9759500 before 8pm on Monday, March 16th.

Meanwhile, the Midlands Region will hold its first measuring at Creagh Equestrian Centre, Newtown, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, on Saturday, March 28th from 12-3pm.

Owners are reminded that to race in a horse and pony racing region, animals must be measured in that particular region. Measurements taken in one jurisdiction are invalid in other regions.