New track foreman at Naas

SHANE Webb started his new role as track foreman at Naas Racecourse this week. He began his career in racing working alongside his father Pat, who was head groundsman at the Curragh for 21 years. Shane was assistant head groundsman in Leopardstown and worked as project manager in Ballydoyle Racing before taking over as head groundsman in Down Royal in 2019. He also holds a technical diploma in sports turf management and a business management degree.

George Stanners

back with Goffs

GEORGE Stanners has rejoined Goffs in a wide-ranging role focussing on client liaison and auctioning in Ireland and the UK.

After 17 years with Goffs UK/DBS George took up a role as bloodstock manager at Yorton Stud in Wales 12 months ago and will remain as a consultant to the vibrant breeding operation and successful stallion station while being integral to the Goffs Yorton Sale.

He will remain based in Welshpool on the English-Welsh border and will visit vendors across the UK and Ireland. Stanners will return to the rostrum at all Goffs sales.

Burgage Stud sets

stallion fees

JUKEBOX Jury will remain at a fee of €6,500 for this season at Victor Connolly’s Burgage Stud in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow. Sea Moon goes up by €500 to €4,000 and Fascinating Rock’s fee has been lowered by 25% to €3,000.

Free event for breeders

BREEDERS are invited to attend or watch a breeding season preparation workshop on Tuesday (January 10th) at 2pm. Topics due to be covered include foaling and post-natal care, assistance during foaling, nutrition and getting mares back in foal.

The event has been organised by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Those interested can either attend in-person at the ITBA offices in Kill, Co Kildare, or watch online. Attendance is free but you are asked to register in advance with Hannah Marks at hmarks@itba.ie or call (045) 877 543.

Death of stallion Cloudings

CLOUDINGS, sire of numerous high-class staying chasers including Grand National winner Many Clouds, has been put down, aged 29. The son of Sadler’s Wells stood at James and Marian Hannon’s The Old Road Stud in Tallow, Co Waterford.

Marian Hannon told The Irish Field: “James and myself had to make a decision which was quite difficult, to put Cloudings to sleep. We are consoling ourselves that he enjoyed his retirement.

“Cloudings was a great servant to us and we, in turn, did our best for him. He was such a good sire. He bred all sorts of winners but particularly chasers at top-class level. They included Many Clouds, Cloudy Lane, Cloudy Dream, Cloudy Too and Vintage Clouds, to name but a few.”

Goffs to sponsor Arkle

GOFFS is the new sponsor of the Grade 1 Arkle Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. The race was sponsored by solicitor and racehorse owner Frank Ward for many years.

Sad passing of

David Cornwall

RACEHORSE owner and breeder David Cornwall died unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Tuesday in Kildare. His best horses were Who’s That, three-time winner of what is now the Paddy Mullins Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown (2015-’17) and Ever Onward, winner of the Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival in 2003-’04.

Liam Cusack, trainer of both horses, said: “David was a gentleman and had horses with me for 25 years. He was a sheep and cattle farmer, not far from Punchestown, and he also served as an acting steward. He loved his racing and will be sadly missed.”