News in brief

Punchestown rescheduled

YESTERDAY’S Punchestown meeting, which was cancelled after heavy overnight rain, will now be held this Monday, February 24th.

Original entries stand and fresh declarations to run must be made by 10am today (Saturday, February 22nd).

Northern breeders’ evening

A new date has been fixed for the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s northern region breeders’ ‘From Pedigree to Parade Ring’ evening.

James Griffin will host the event at 7pm on Wednesday, February 26th at the Belmont House Hotel in Banbridge, Co Down. The discussion on all things racing, breeding and pedigrees, features a panel of trainers Johnny Murtagh and Natalia Lupini, Goffs director, auctioneer and breeder Nick Nugent and Cassie Tully from Coolmore’s pedigree research team. To register attendance, email ddeveney@itba.ie or call ITBA on +353 45 877543.

O’Hanlon quiz date switch

THE ITBA Mark O’Hanlon Memorial Quiz has been rescheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 25th. A popular event for racing and breeding enthusiasts each year, the 2025 quiz gets underway at 8pm and this year will be held at Gowran Park.

McDonogh on the move

DECLAN McDonogh has been enjoying a successful winter season at Dundalk, but will soon be in action in Hong Kong, after being granted a short-term licence to compete in the world-class racing jurisdiction.

A fall at Sha Tin earlier this month saw injuries to regular Hong Kong riders Zac Purton, Vincent Ho, Keith Yeung and Angus Chung. The door has since opened for McDonogh, along with Ryan Moore, Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand and Richard Kingscote, to pick up short-term licences. The former Irish champion jockey is free to ride from this Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting until April 2nd.

Dundalk winner sold

JOSH Halley’s impressive recent Dundalk maiden winner The Padre has been sold to continue his career in California. As reported in the Thoroughbred Daily News, the Ghaiyyath three-year-old will be trained by Phil D’Amato.

Employee Awards deadline

THE deadline to submit nominations for the 2025 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is fast approaching.

Anyone can nominate a friend or colleague for an award online at www.itiea.org before the cut-off time of 5pm on Tuesday, February 25th.

McNamaras’ appeal date

AN appeal against running-and-riding sanctions surrounding Mount Ferns’ sixth at Clonmel last week will be heard on Wednesday, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has confirmed. The raceday stewards handed jockey Conor McNamara a 40-day suspension, trainer Eric McNamara was fined €6,000, and the horse was suspended from running for 90 days.

Point-to-point inspections

INSPECTIONS have been called for a host of point-to-point meetings this weekend. Knockanard and the Kildare Foxhounds meeting at Punchestown must pass 7am inspections to race today, while Lisronagh, Tinahely and Kildorrery each face 8am inspections tomorrow.