BT Cloud Nine RIP

CAMILLA Speirs sadly said goodbye to her talented 11-year-old BT Cloud Nine on Thursday. The Golden Master-sired gelding, who was bred by Barbara Hatton at Slyguff Stud, came back from what should have been a career ending injury sustained as a seven-year-old in the field, to win the CCI2* at Camphire International in 2017. Their last outing together was at the National Eventing Championships that same year.

Writing on her social media, Speirs said: “Unfortunately this traumatic injury started to take its toll and having had the last two years of us trying everything to make him comfortable, just so he could enjoy his retirement from competition but maintain the best quality of life, it just wasn’t possible. Life isn’t fair and goodbyes are so hard in these circumstances but Mossy holds such a special place in my heart that will never be forgotten.”

World oldest mule passes away

TOOTSIE, the world’s oldest mule at the age of 56, has passed away at the Donkey Sanctuary in Mallow, Co Cork. Tootsie, who “loved nothing more than a gallop and a buck”, entered liver failure in recent weeks and despite being put on medication, he did not respond and the decision was made to put him to sleep.

Kilkenny thefts

FARMYARDS and stables in Co Kilkenny have been targeted by thieves in recent days, the Kilkenny People reported this week. Gardaí are investigating a number of break-ins in the Castleinch and Goresbridge areas, where equipment and tools were stolen. Two properties in Castleinch were targeted between 10pm on Friday and Saturday afternoon last, where €1,500 worth of equestrian equipment and veterinary medicine were taken. On Friday night, a stables in the Goresbridge area was targeted and head collars and rugs were taken. Gardaí are appealing to the public to come forward with information. They are asking people to pay attention to person with equestrian items for sale matching the above descriptions.

Ballindenisk entries closing

ENTRIES for the first round of the Horse Sport Ireland International Eventing Challenge, taking place at Ballindenisk Horse Trials from April 19th to 21st, close on Tuesday, April 2nd. The €10,000 bonus is aimed at attracting more international riders and in turn increasing entries at international eventing venues in Ireland.

Clocks changing

WHILE all smartphones will automatically change themselves this weekend, don’t forget to change the clocks in your home and yard on Sunday. The time will spring forward one hour at 1am on Sunday morning.

RDS recruiting

THE Royal Dublin Society are recruiting an Equestrian Development Executive to assist with the development and implementation of programmes and activities for the annual Dublin Horse Show and other equestrian pursuits of the Society. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the Irish equestrian industry and a relevant third level qualification in an equestrian related discipline. Closing date for applications is Friday, April 12th. See page 103 for full job description and application details.