Ben Coen sidelined BEN COEN will be on the sidelines for at least four weeks following a fall at Navan last Saturday. The leading flat jockey, who is retained by trainer Johnny Murtagh, is missing some good rides this weekend. “I broke my collar bone,” Coen reported. “I fell just after the finishing line at Navan. It required an operation and I’ve been told it will take between four and six weeks to heal.”

Allaho retired from racing

CHEVELEY Park Stud announced yesterday that dual Ryanair Chase winner Allaho has been retired at the age of 10.

The four-time Grade 1 winner, trained by Willie Mullins, will be retained by Cheveley Park ahead of a new career with Emma Vine, who will aim to compete him in the Retraining of Racehorses programme next year.

Straw prices on the rise

ROUND bales of straw are fetching between €25 and €35 on average, even when bought directly from farmers, according to a report in the Irish Farmers Journal. The majority of horse owners use straw for bedding.

A Co Carlow tillage farmer told the Journal he advertised 70 acres of spring barley straw for sale at €25 per bale and it was sold within an hour. “Straw is making €40 a bale in some places,” he said. “It’s crazy the prices being paid.”

Demand is believed to be particularly high in the west of Ireland. A Sligo-based trader told the Journal he would deliver Wexford straw to north Tipperary for €55 per bale. “That’s what it’s making and I’m getting €95/bale for big square bales too,” he said.

Meanwhile, small square bales are making between €3 and €4 from the field, depending on demand in the area which is usually driven by equine interest.

Entries open for ITBA

NH Fillies Bonus Scheme

The ITBA National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme is currently open for entries for the 2025 programme. To enter fillies must be IRE bred, aged three or over and be unraced under rules at the closing date of September 30th, 2024.

A once-off payment of €300 must also be paid to ITBA before this date. Fillies entered in the scheme will have the opportunity to win €17,500 in bonuses without deduction on top of prize money. To enter or for more information contact Danielle Deveney on 085-775 0330 or visit itba.ie

Tattersalls role for Hannon

TATTERSALLS Cheltenham has appointed Ger Hannon as its Irish-based bloodstock representative for its point-to-point and horses-in-training sales.

Hannon, who runs the Co Clare-based Ralahine Stud and is a successful producer of store horses, is well-known on the Irish point-to-point circuit as a commentator.

He also sources point-to-pointers for British and Irish trainers, many of his graduates having gone on to enjoy graded race success under Rules.

Hannon said: “I have a great passion for National Hunt and point-to-point racing and I have been involved with every aspect of the industry from buying jumps foals, selling stores, and recommending point-to-pointers. I look forward to working with such a renowned team, and I’m excited about the season ahead.”