Death of Charlie Reilly

CHARLIE Reilly, who worked for the Dreaper family for over 30 years, died peacefully on Sunday. From Ratoath, he was 95. Jim Dreaper said: “Charlie was a brilliant groom, who knew when his horses were right and when they weren’t. He was as good as anyone who was in the yard in those years and he was a great asset, very helpful and very shrewd. Among the horses Charlie looked after were Irish Grand National winners Fortria and Brown Lad.”

Notable US winner for Calyx

COOLMORE stallion Calyx sired a smart winner in America this week. The Wesley Ward-trained Imaboutago took her record to two from two when running out a commanding winner at Fair Grounds. Bred by Ennistown Stud out of Newtown Pippin, a daughter of Dubawi, Imaboutago was purchased by BBA Ireland as a yearling for 105,000gns at Tattersalls Book 3. Calyx had his first runners last year and they include Group 2 winners Persian Dreamer and Classic Flower.

Goresbridge entries closing

ENTRIES for the upcoming thoroughbred sale at Goresbridge close on Monday, March 25th. The sale, the first of its kind for four years at Goresbridge, is for point-to-pointers and horses in training. Irish Thoroughbred Marketing’s Inward Buyer Programme, which allows overseas buyers to claim a travel contribution, will apply to this sale.

Web: goresbridge.com

Equine vets at National Stud

THE Irish Equine Veterinary Association [IEVA] will host a professional development event for equine vets at the Irish National Stud on Tuesday, April 2nd. Starting at 11am, the talk will focus on ‘Stud Medicine – Back to Basics’ and will feature contributions from leading veterinary surgeons with expertise in the area. The programme is designed to equip the next generation of equine vets with key skills for stud practice. The afternoon will finish off with a panel to discuss career options and planning, a late lunch and a tour of the Irish National Stud and Gardens.

While the focus is to encourage younger vets the topics may be of interest to vets of all ages who would like to have a comprehensive review of equine stud medicine and may be interested in expanding to offering stud services. Established equine stud vets and practices are invited to attend the lunch and share experiences and even job opportunities with younger members of the profession.

Register: irisheva.ie

Cashel Palace Hotel

sponsors Derby Trial

THE five-star Cashel Palace Hotel is the new sponsor of the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday, May 12th.

Marie’s Diamond off mark

NEW sire Marie’s Diamond, who stands at Ciarán de Barra’s Diamond Stud in Bellewstown, has had his first mares scanned in foal. His first in-foal mares include blacktype producer Grain De Beaute, a Lawman sister to Beyond Desire, dam of Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint third Starlust, and Ilulisset, a Rock Of Gibraltar sister to four blacktype horses and from the family of Pentire.

A €25,000 bonus fund has been allocated for the breeders of Marie’s Diamond’s first juvenile winner and group winner in Ireland or Britain. His covering fee is €6,000.

Web: diamondstudbellewstown.ie

Irish heading to Dubai

AIDAN O’Brien could have up to seven runners on Dubai World Cup night in Meydan next Saturday. His entries are Auguste Rodin and Point Lonsdale (12f Sheema Classic), Luxembourg and Cairo (9f Turf), Henry Adams and Navy Seal (Derby), and Tower Of London (Gold Cup).