SIMON Coveney, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will speak at the ITBA National Seminar in the Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, on Monday afternoon, February 11th.
At such a critical time for senior Government figures, it is quite a coup for the ITBA and the racing industry that the Minister has agreed to attend the event and address breeders. The various Brexit scenarios and their potential impact on racing and breeding is sure to dominate his contribution.
Starting at 2pm, the seminar will open with an overview of the issues facing breeders and this will include two short presentations by economist John Lynam and tax consultant Sasha Kerins of Grant Thornton.
Lynam will present his analysis of the 2018 flat sales while Kerins will discuss tax incentives which may be available to breeders.
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Derek Iceton of Tara Stud, who will seek the views of panellists on issues raised by ITBA members. The seminar’s aim is to allow the ITBA to form the basis of an action plan for the industry, which may involve seeking support from the Government.
Shane O’Dwyer, ITBA chief executive, said: “We have come through a challenging sales season, particularly for flat-bred stock, and there are obvious concerns about the marketplace. This seminar is a good opportunity for breeders to have their say and to allow us all put together an action plan we can implement.”
Breeders who wish to have a particular topic raised or question asked on the day should email sodwyer@itba.ie now in confidence.
Contributors
DEREK ICETON (chair)
Derek manages the highly successful Tara Stud in Co Meath which was established in 1906. Tara Stud currently stand three stallions. Derek has over 30 years’ experience in the breeding industry and is a leading figure in the Irish bloodstock world. He has served two terms as ITBA chair.
CON MARNANE
Con is based in Bansha House Stables in Co Tipperary. He is a leading producer, consignor, purchaser, pinhooker and breeze-up vendor of top class racehorses. He has sold over 100 listed and group race winners.
He had two new Group 1 winners in 2018, French classic winner Teppal and British Champion Sprint winner Sands Of Mali.
SASHA KERINS
Sasha is tax partner at Grant Thornton Ireland. She advises on a number of areas of taxation across a variety of sectors but principally food and agriculture, construction and e-commerce. She also has extensive experience advising medium/large privately held businesses on corporation tax and succession planning as well as working with international tax clients on international corporate re-organisations and structuring. Sasha will highlight possible tax incentives available to ITBA members and discuss the various schemes available.
JOHN LYNAM
John is acknowledged as one of the industry’s most influential analysts and commentators. An economist specialising in the racing and bloodstock world, he is equally adept at reading thoroughbred pedigrees and financial spreadsheets. Industry bodies at home and abroad regularly call on his consultancy services and he has delivered many critically acclaimed papers on the state of the horse business.
DERMOT CANTILLON
Dermot is the owner of Tinnakill House Stud in Mountrath, Co Laois. Group 1 winner and sire Casamento was bred at Tinnakill. A former chairman and president of the ITBA, he is active at bloodstock sales worldwide and brings global experience to the panel. Dermot is chairman of Naas Racecourse and was previously chair of Tote Ireland, and a long-serving member on the boards of Horse Racing Ireland and Goffs.
JOHN McENERY
John is the owner of Rossenarra Stud in Kells, Co Kilkenny. This is where Red Rum was bred and, in more recent times, Rossenarra has produced high-class flat horses such as Ambiance, Dick Turpin, The Deputy and Heeraat. John is also a member of the ITBA council and chairman of the South Leinster region.
KEVIN BLAKE
Kevin is a horse racing journalist based in Co Tipperary. He works for At The Races, Thoroughbred Daily News and ITV Racing.
He has a strong social media following and his insightful views on racing and breeding are well respected and influential.
BRIAN KAVANAGH
Brian is CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, the semi-state body responsible for the development and promotion and overall administration of Irish racing. Brian represents Ireland on a number of international racing bodies. He is vice-chair of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, chariman of the European & Mediterranean Horse Racing Federation and chairman of the European Pattern Race Committee.