TROYTOWN Equine Hospital this week announced it’s closure after over 50 years of service to the equestrian community. The practice will however continue to operate after Rachel Read, the current clinical director, purchased it. She will continue operations at the same location under Ballyvarney Sports Horse Medicine.

In a Facebook post this week Hugh Dillon, the longest-serving veterinary surgeon at Troytown, announced the closure.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce the closure of our doors today after over 50 years of service to equine veterinary medicine and surgery in Ireland.

“Founded in the mid-1970s by the visionary Stan Cosgrove, Troytown has been a leader in innovation and care for thoroughbred racing, breeding, sports horses, and leisure horses.

“From pioneering colic surgery to groundbreaking advancements such as scintigraphy, MRI, treadmill endoscopy, shockwave therapy, and standing surgery for lateral condylar fractures, Troytown has consistently pushed the boundaries of equine medicine. Our work has been published in world-renowned journals and adopted globally.

“For me, it has been a privilege to serve this institution for nearly 30 years. I am immensely proud of the exceptional team of vets and nurses who have worked here and of the Troytown alumni who now lead equine veterinary clinics, university departments, research institutions, racing regulatory authorities, and general practices worldwide.

“Although I will be leaving Troytown I will continue providing equine reproductive services and my interest in wind conditions of horses including standing implantation of soft palates with the collagen cross-linking agent Palatite for choking in racehorses.

“On behalf of everyone who has been involved with Troytown over the years I would like to thank all clients and colleagues for their trust and support over these decades. We hope Troytown’s legacy will live on through the countless lives we’ve touched - both human and equine.”

New entity Ballyvarney Sport Horse Medicine comprises a group of equine veterinarians, nurses, physiotherapists and farriers.

“Our team is led by Rachel Read DVM CVA DACVSMR MRCVS, and is comprised of other leading recognised experts in their field, and we are therefore able to bring a standard of care to the sport horse industry that is unmatched in Ireland,” a spokeswoman said.

“We offer all services that are tailored to general animal health, performance, lameness, airway disease, gastrointestinal issues, general maintenance, pre-purchase examinations, nutrition, blood work and lab analysis, optimising performance, high speed treadmill and overground endoscopy, advanced diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, CT) and many more rehabilitation and individually tailored services.”