Trainers warn of rapeseed danger

THE problems posed by rapeseed to horse health will be covered in The Irish Field next weekend. A number of trainers have spoken publicly recently about the threat posed to their horses by neighbouring fields of the crop, which typically is in bloom from late April to August.

Former groom passes away

NICKY O’Leary, who spent a lifetime working with thoroughbreds, passed away on Monday, aged 89. From Clonsilla in Co Dublin, he was first employed as a groom by trainer Mrs King and later Sir Hugh Nugent. He later became a stalls handler. His funeral mass took place on Friday.

Death of Nancy O’Connor

NANCY O’Connor, a sister to the late Carrie Acheson and former travel agent for many racing people in the Munster area through Concord Travel in Ennis, died on Wednesday, aged 84. Her funeral mass takes place today [Saturday] at 11am in Kilfeacle, Co Tipperary.

Breeder of the Month result

DAMIEN and Kieran Gleeson and Owen Hickey have won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition for March. They bred Cheltenham Grade 1 winner Stay Away Fay.