THE European Trainers Federation held their AGM in Ireland last weekend where the main subject for discussion was the harmonisation of rules.

It was among a number of issues discussed which also included joining forces with The European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation to make representations in Brussels.

This would include lobbying MEPs to support investing in countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia to help upgrade their thoroughbred stock and to provide training facilities for staff.

On Friday night delegates and guests attended a dinner in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge following a visit to RACE and the Farriery School. Jim Kavanagh on behalf of Noel Meade welcomed everyone and the ETF chairperson Criquette Head-Maarek spoke.

The weekend was sponsored by Connolly’s Red Mills and Foran Equine Products, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and Bedmax shavings.

Among the guests at the dinner were Michael Treacy, special advisor to the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, Dr Paull Khan, secretary-general of The European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, Martin Heydon TD representing the Irish Government, Joe Keeling, Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, Meta Osborne, Senior Steward of the Turf Club, CEO Michael Grassick and council members of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and trainers Willie Mullins, Jim Bolger and John Oxx.

On Saturday morning, in advance of the AGM, the delegates travelled to see the Connolly’s Red Mills plant and visit the stables of Willie Mullins. A dinner was held on Saturday night at Killashee House Hotel before most of the overseas visitors travelled home on Sunday. Dr Paull Khan made a presentation to the delegates in the afternoon.

Ireland’s Jim Kavanagh is the treasurer of the ETF, while Germany’s Christian von der Recke and Belgium’s Max Hennau are vice-chairmen. The United Kingdom, Slovakia, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Spain, Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic are members.

The aims and objectives of the ETF are to represent the interests of all member trainers’ associations in Europe, to liaise with political and administrative bodies, to exchange information for the benefit of trainers and to provide a network of contacts. The ETF has official status in Brussels and at the European parliament through its membership of the European Horse Network.