CLOSE to 200 breeders and racing enthusiasts have already registered to attend next Monday’s National Hunt seminar in the Hotel Minella, Clonmel.

Organised by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, the seminar (4.30pm) aims to provide a forum for stakeholders and industry personnel to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Panellists include Ruby Walsh, Frank Motherway, Kevin Blake and Jane Mangan.

Shane O’Dwyer, chief executive of the ITBA, said: “The response from the public has been very good. We are encouraging anyone who has not yet registered to do so now, as the hotel needs to have an idea of the number attending.”

O’Dwyer anticipates a lively discussion. “We have a stellar panel who are not afraid to voice their opinions. The audience can also submit questions, either by email in advance or in writing on the day, I’d ask people to give us their constructive questions and suggestions, and they will all be read out.”

Topics such as the current National Hunt racing programme and prize money will be on the agenda. “Everything is up for debate,” O’Dwyer added. “The aim here is to find out if there is anything the ITBA can do – by engaging with other stakeholders – to improve the situation for National Hunt breeders. In an overall sense, the National Hunt sector is in a very good place but that is not the case for everyone. Having said that, we have to look at the wider picture rather than any one individual’s vested interest.”

Chairing the discussion is David Jennings of the Racing Post and he is likely to kick off proceedings by looking at recent trends in jump racing. O’Dwyer said: “Let’s put the facts out there and see what the views are. Are there alarm bells ringing for the industry?”

O’Dwyer recalls a similar seminar in 2012 at Leopardstown generating plenty of controversy. “This took place shortly after the mares’ allowance in jump races was increased to 7lb and there was a new series of races for mares backed by the ITBA. Let’s just say some high-profile names were strongly against improving the mares’ programme at that time but I think everyone would agree it has been a great benefit to the industry.”

The Irish Field will carry a two-page report on the event next week.

Weatherbys and equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training department, will also have a stand at the event. Their representatives will be there early to answer questions such as the ePassport and careers in the industry.

HOW TO REGISTER

Email: utormey@itba.ie; Tel: 045-877543.