Breeders’ evening in Mullingar next Thursday

BREEDERS are invited to attend an open evening of discussion in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Co Westmeath, next Thursday (October 27th) at 7pm. Organised by the ITBA North Leinster Region, the event will feature a questions and answers session with representatives of the ITBA, Irish Equine Centre, Weatherbys Ireland and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.

Among the topics expected to be discussed are ePassports, the ITBA’s strategic plan, the NH Fillies Bonus Scheme and IRE Incentive, a stud farm hygiene package, and the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). There will also be an acknowledgement of recent successes by regional breeders.

Admission is free but breeders are asked to pre-register their attendance by emailing ddeveney@itba.ie or calling 045-877543.

Breeder of Month result

GAY and Derek Veitch of Ringfort Stud in Tullamore, Co Offaly, won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition for September. They bred Haydock Sprint Cup winner Minzaal.

Ansar owner passes away peacefully

KAY Devlin, owner of dual Galway Plate winner Ansar, passed away peacefully on Monday at her home in Crossmaglen, Co Armagh. She was 74. Trained by Dermot Weld, Ansar was a true Galway specialist. He won the Hurdle in 2001 and recorded successive victories in the Plate in 2004 and 2005.

Hannah Marks joins ITBA office team

HANNAH Marks has joined the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association office team as education coordinator. She joins the ITBA having worked previously with Goffs and Equilume.

ITBA operations manager Una Tormey said: “We are delighted to welcome Hannah to the team and know she will be a great addition to the ITBA. Hannah brings with her a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. One of the key priorities for ITBA continues to be its educational offering and we are committed to building on the existing programme with courses directly linked to breeders needs.”