Equine flu cases

CASES of equine influenza have been diagnosed at a two premises in Munster – a show jumping yard and a thoroughbred stud farm. Signs of flu include a cough, temperature, nasal discharge, lethargy and going off feed.

The particular virus (Clade 1) has been typed by the Irish Equine Centre, Co Kildare, and predominates in North and South America. It has not been identified in Ireland since early 2010. Booster vaccinations are recommended for all horses not vaccinated in the last six months.

In Britain, three flu outbreaks were diagnosed in Essex, Cheshire and Derbyshire this month with more cases reported in Europe.

Tragedy claims British eventer

THERE was shock and sadness among the racing and eventing community this week following a tragic accident on the gallops which sadly claimed the life of Natasha Galpin (22).

The British event rider and livery yard owner was killed on the gallops at trainer Iain Jardine’s Hetland Hill Farm in Scotland when the horse she was riding collapsed and died from a ruptured artery.

The Sinner sold to Fuchs

DENIS Lynch’s The Sinner (Sanvaro x Landgold 3) has been sold to Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs. Lynch took over the ride on the 11-year-old gelding in July and in their short time together posted top results, including third in the five-star Grand Prix at the Paris Masters and third in the five-star Helsinki Grand Prix.

Harry Allen’s Quick Nina (Quidam’s Rubin x Camiros) has been sold to Norwegian rider Madeleine Lien. With the 12-year-old mare, Allen had big success at two-star level. Their last win together came just before Christmas in a 1.30m class in Lier, Belgium.

AIRC dates

THE dates for the Association of Irish Riding Clubs National Championships have been announced. They include:

March 31st: Hunter Trials Championships, Annharvey Farm, Co. Offaly

June 8th-9th: Riding Clubs Festival, Mullingar Equestrian, Co. Westmeath

July 14th: Show Jumping Championships, Mullingar Equestrian, Co. Westmeath

August 11th: Team Show Jumping Championships, RDS, Dublin

August 18th, Dressage Championships - to be confirmed

September 1st: Eventing Championships, Kilguilkey House, Co. Cork

Vote for Kenny

DARRAGH Kenny won the Offaly Sports Star of the Month for December 2019 and is now among the 12 monthly winners going forward for the Offaly Sports Star of the Year 2018.

Voting closes tomorrow (Sunday), to vote visit www.offalyexpress.ie and follow the link.