Breeder award

Eugene Bourke has won the Connolly’s Red Mills/The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition for April. The retired veterinary surgeon from Monasterboice near Drogheda bred Jer’s Girl, winner of the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. She also won at Grade 1 level in March.

Claiming call

All are welcome to attend a public meeting in support of claiming races next Wednesday (June 1st) at 2.30pm in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare. The meeting will see the establishment of the Irish Racehorse Claiming Association.

Organiser Richard McCormick said: “I will be giving a short presentation on why I believe Horse Racing Ireland should programme more claiming races, at least one a week, and not just for geriatric horses.”

Stephen Collins takes ITBA chair

Following the AGM of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association on Wednesday night, the new officers are chairman Stephen Collins and vice-chairman Christy Grassick. Collins replaces Derek Iceton. The new president is Joe Hernon.

Intikhab dies

Intikhab, sire of Snow Fairy, has died from a cardiac condition at Derrinstown Stud just months after being retired from stud duties. He was 22. A son of the Roberto horse Red Ransom, Intikhab won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot by eight lengths in 1998. It earned him the title of World Champion Miler. As stud his outstanding performers were six-time Group 1 winner Snow Fairy and dual Group 1 heroine Red Evie. The latter is the dam of multiple Group 1 winner Found and Intikhab is also the damsire of Gordon Lord Byron.

Death of Leroidesanimaux

Yesterday Lanwades Stud in Newmarket reported that champion racehorse and sire Leroidesanimaux had died, further to complications following a minor paddock accident earlier this year.

Derek’s back

Derek O’Connor returns to race-riding at Tralee point-to-point today. The 11-times champion rider broke his leg in a fall in late March. He reported yesterday: “I’ve been riding out for the past 10 days and am in good order. I plan to ride at Inchydoney on Sunday but I won’t be overdoing it this weekend.”

Company switch

Fast Company, sire of Jet Setting and Devonshire, will move from Overbury Stud in England to Kildangan Stud in Kildare next year. He will be a ‘Darley Club’ stallion and a limited number of lifetime breeding rights are available to buy now at €10,000, entitling the breeder to send one mare every year from the 2017 season onwards. His 2017 stud fee will be published later this year. The Danehill Dancer horse began his stud career at Rathasker Stud in Naas.