PATRICK Mullins and Johnny Murtagh are among the special guests at a reception and ‘fireside chat’ at the Irish National Stud on Tuesday evening (April 16th).

Organised by Women’s Irish Network 4 Racing in partnership with Treo Eile, the reception kicks off at 6pm in the INS Café. At 7pm, Mullins and Murtagh will be joined by Anthea Leigh from York Racecourse and breeder Dena Merson.

Merson bred recent Cheltenham winner Slade Steel and she is also the founder of Simply Racing, a consultancy service for racing businesses.

A former managing director at Credit Suisse, Merson grew a breeding and bloodstock business before starting her own executive coaching business working in the city and with the military.

She sat on the Racehorse Owners Association executive and council, various racing committees and was on the board of Thoroughbred Owner and Breeder. Merson also devised and developed the Women In Racing mentoring programme and runs courses for senior and aspiring managers.

The reception and talk are preceded by a ‘Spring Showcase’ at RACE in Kildare town, which will see Gold Cup winners Al Boum Photo and Sizing John take part in a ‘masterclass’ training session.

Admission to all parts of the day is free (all genders welcome) but spaces are limited and those interested in attending must register in advance. Search Eventbrite.com for ‘WINR Spring Showcase’ to reserve your place.

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