AFTER a tough few weeks, it was refreshing to have some good news, and this week we learned about a rise in the number of readers we have of The Irish Field.

Kantar Media revealed that, in the Republic of Ireland only, we have 79,700 weekly readers, an astonishing number. Add to this our loyal readers in Northern Ireland and abroad and we can, with some justification I believe, say that we are the voice for both the equine and equestrian worlds here. All I can do is to offer a sincere thanks to you all.

We take our role in the industry very seriously, and we are deeply honoured that we have seen such a growth in our readership. It is especially gratifying at a time when there is increased pressure on many titles in the newspaper business. Again, sincere thanks.

Free entry

The Curragh, in association with Goffs, will offer all active racehorse owners and a guest the opportunity to enjoy an exciting day at the races, with complimentary admission on the first day of the Autumn Racing Festival which features the Goffs Million on Saturday next, September 24th. Simply show your AIR card at the ticket collection unit outside the entrance of the racecourse to avail of this offer.

Yesterday came the added good news that Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association members can also avail of an offer for the same meeting, and it includes complimentary tickets, racecard and access to the owner lounge at the races. The ITBA office has full details.

Farm sale

The news that one of 10 farms in the Derrinstown Stud group is to be sold comes as no real surprise, given the consolidation that has taken place following the death last year of Sheikh Hamdan. Significant reductions in the numbers of breeding stock on the farms, and horses in training, now presents others with a rare opportunity to acquire a ready-to-go, state-of-the-art farm on some of the best land in Ireland.

Classic success

Though she has come close to doing so before, twice finishing second in the Derby with Dragon Dancer and Fame And Glory, I was surprised to learn that Eldar Eldarov was the first British classic winner bred by Kirsten Rausing. How well deserved the victory was for a truly independent breeder, one who prides herself on thinking outside the box.

The colt is from a family that Miss Rausing has cultivated for many decades, and it is apt that her first such classic success is with this particular family.