New microchip checker

THE Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new online portal that allows members of the public to check whether an equine is recorded on the central equine database.

It allows visitors to check whether an equine UELN (passport number) or an equine microchip number is valid. Successful searches will return non-personal information including the breed, gender, colour, approximate age and food chain status of the animal, as recorded on the Department central equine database.

The portal will assist where an animal is discovered lost or straying as it will provide the details of which Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) the horse is registered with which will enable faster identification of the keeper or owner.

Web: EquineChipCheck.agriculture.gov.ie

Breeder of the Month winner

GAY O’Callaghan of Yeomanstown Stud has won the Connolly’s Red Mills Breeder of the Month competition for June. He bred Khaadem, winner of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. at Royal Ascot.

Pony racing fixtures

THE Ballinagare, Co Roscommon, horse and pony races, which were postponed last Sunday due to poor weather, will go ahead today [Saturday] with a 2.30pm start. Caherciveen, Co Kerry, will race on Sunday with a 1.30pm start. Pony racing returns to the west of Ireland on the eve of the Galway races on Sunday, July 30th at Ballyconneely just outside Clifden, Co Galway.

McDonogh on Shergar team

DECLAN McDonogh will be on the Britain and Ireland team in the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, August 12th. He will be joined by Luke Morris and Tom Marquand.

Frankie Dettori will captain team Europe, joined by French rider Olivier Peslier and Kazakh-born Bauyrzhan Murzabayev.

Hong Kong star Vincent Ho returns as captain of Rest of the World alongside Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira and Kazuo Yokoyama, a multiple Group 1 winner in his native Japan.

Hayley Turner heads up the Ladies team, joined by Hollie Doyle and Saffie Osborne.

Sign up for John McConnell

MEMBERS of the public are invited to visit the Stamullen, Co Meath, yard of trainer John McConnell on Sunday week, July 30th. Those interested in attending this open morning should register in advance with HRI Ownership.

Web: racehorseownership.ie/openmorning/