MAIREAD McGuinness, the Fine Gael MEP for Ireland East, will address the ITBA Expo next Friday on the subject of Brexit and its implications for the equine sector.

McGuinness has long been a supporter of the racing and bloodstock industry. In 2016 she hosted a delegation from the ITBA which went to Brussels to raise concerns over the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), funding of racing and the impact of online gambling on the sector.

Last year McGuinness was elected vice-president of the European Parliament and she invited Ireland’s equine industry to use her offices to make their voices heard in Europe on Brexit.

Speaking to The Irish Field last summer, she said: “I cannot stress enough how important it is that the equine sector, in all its different components, makes its case clearly on the many and difficult implications of Brexit for the racing, sport horse, bloodstock sector, right down to the farmer grassroots.

“This phenomenon of Brexit can deeply impact on the equine sector. I welcome engagement with Brexit to make sure the detailed implications are fully understood and the message gets through to the Brexit negotiators.”

McGuinness will give an address during the What If forum on Friday.