SHANE O’Dwyer, chief executive of the ITBA, kicked off a lively and informed afternoon of discussion covering the state of the market, opportunities for breeders, tax schemes, emerging markets, filly retention schemes and the impact of Brexit.

The ITBA is aiming for a focused support structure to provide assistance to breeders operating in the middle market, attracting quality broodmares from abroad, increase return on investment for breeders while promoting regional development throughout Ireland.