BOTH Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland say they are open to the idea of participating in a levy on Irish bloodstock sales which would fund the retraining and/or rehoming of retired racehorses.

Earlier this week Goffs UK, Tattersalls and ThoroughBid revealed they will make a £6 contribution for every lot sold in 2025 and 2026 to the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) organisation in Britain. In addition these sales companies will collect another £3 each from vendors and purchasers of every lot sold.

The initiative was described as “underscoring the shared commitment of the thoroughbred sales companies to championing the welfare of retired racehorses.”

Ireland does not have an exact equivalent to Retraining of Racehorses, which has 25 years of experience in safeguarding the welfare of former racehorses. It has 10 full-time staff, seven regional development officers and is funded by a wide range of industry bodies.

The best known organisation with a similar profile in Ireland is Treo Eile, which was founded four years ago, has one full-time staff member and is funded solely through donations.

Treo Eile’s co-founder Caoimhe Doherty said: “It is great to see the sales companies addressing aftercare and welfare, and understanding the need for it. I think it’s a step in the right direction, there’s still more that can be done and I hope that this is something that can be applied to Ireland very, very soon.

“While Goffs and Tattersalls’ Irish counterparts have supported Treo Eile, it would be great if they could look at doing something like the British companies have established.”

Asked if the British sales levy could be replicated here, Goffs CEO Henry Beeby said: “We have never been asked by anyone in Ireland but we would certainly consider replicating it here. We already make a voluntary contribution to Treo Eile and to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust and we would certainly welcome a more formalised structure along the lines of the Retraining of Racehorses model.”

Simon Kerins, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland, said: “We would certainly be open to considering this. However, I’d imagine we would have to get agreement from buyers and sellers before considering implementation.

“We already contribute and sponsor a showing series with Treo Eile and contribute to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust but of course anything that enhances the next stage of racehorses after racing we would welcome.”

British funding

The funding framework being introduced in Britain for Retraining of Racehorses will help the charity to deliver its objectives for 2024-’26, including the traceability of horses bred for racing, enhanced educational outreach to owners, and expanded welfare programmes to ensure that no racehorse faces an uncertain future after racing.

David Catlow, managing director of RoR, said: “This new funding agreement is a vital step forward for RoR and the thousands of former racehorses we support.

“The generosity of Goffs UK, Tattersalls and ThoroughBid highlights their shared commitment to our mission. With this increased funding, we are better positioned to deliver on the goals outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026.

“This funding sets a benchmark for racehorse welfare that we hope all other industry stakeholders will follow. It also strengthens RoR’s role as the agreed provider of aftercare support, enabling us to enhance our capacity to meet our strategic goals.

“Further funding announcements involving additional key racing stakeholders are anticipated in early 2025, reinforcing the collective effort to safeguard the future of former racehorses.”

Tim Kent, managing director of Goffs UK, commented: “Goffs UK is proud to support RoR through this enhanced funding model, ensuring vendors and purchasers play a part in the essential work of retraining and rehoming former racehorses. Together with Tattersalls and ThoroughBid, we are helping to create a sustainable future for these horses once their racing careers have ended.”

Edmond Mahony, chairman of Tattersalls, added: “Tattersalls continues to support RoR’s Showing Series, and this new funding model further cements our commitment to RoR.

“We are pleased to be part of this industry initiative. RoR’s work is fundamental to the Thoroughbred industry, not only in promoting welfare but also in demonstrating the versatility of these horses beyond racing. Through this initiative, Tattersalls reaffirms its dedication to the long-term care and retraining of racehorses, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in new careers.”

James Richardson, ThoroughBid’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be part of this collaborative effort to enhance funding for RoR. Online bloodstock sales play an equally important role in supporting the welfare and future careers of former racehorses, and we are proud to help ensure they can thrive in their lives after racing.”

The funding framework also simplifies processes, with Goffs UK, Tattersalls, and ThoroughBid collecting vendor and purchaser levies on RoR’s behalf.

RoR’s strategy reflects its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all former racehorses through improved traceability, robust welfare programmes, and educational initiatives. RoR also works to increase demand for former racehorses through its opportunities to compete, showcasing their adaptability and skill in a variety of second careers.