Sad passing of Gerry Griffin
BLOODSTOCK agent and former jump jockey Gerry Griffin has died. He was 73 and passed away peacefully at his home in Navan. Closely associated with trainer Nicky Richards, Griffin selected many high-class horses from the store sales, none better than Monet’s Garden who won 17 races. Griffin is survived by his wife Kate, children Sharon and Paul, and five grandchildren. A full appreciation will appear in next week’s paper.
Laurina for sale next month at Tattersalls Ireland
LAURINA has been retired after disappointing on her first start for Paul Nicholls at Ascot on Saturday. She will be offered for sale at Tattersalls Ireland next month. The seven-year-old mare won seven races when trained by Willie Mullins, including the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival and the Grade 1 Mares’ Novice Hurdle a month later at Fairyhouse.
The Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale starts on December 12th and Laurina will be consigned by Ballincurrig House Stud as Lot 801A on December 14th.
New store sale next July
TATTERSALLS Ireland will stage a new store sale at Fairyhouse next July. The two-day sale (July 14th-15th) will have a similar format to the August National Hunt Sale, with a select Part I and a Part II for three- and four-year-old National Hunt stores.
Tattersalls Ireland CEO Matt Mitchell said: “The decision to stage a July store sale gives Tattersalls Ireland the opportunity to offer vendors a choice of sales, whilst also adapting to current market trends where purchasers are breaking and putting horses in training at an earlier stage.
“We feel the introduction of this new store sale will be beneficial to the industry and are confident we will offer a strong catalogue of stores to meet market demands.”
Pat Coffey dispersal sale
ALL 28 horses owned by the late Pat Coffey will be sold at a clearance sale at 11am on Monday, December 7th. Auctioneer Robert de Vere Hunt has been instructed to hold the auction at the Nenagh yard of the former owner and trainer who died in a road accident last month.
Viewing is this Tuesday (December 1st) from 11am to 3pm. All horses are sold as they stand. Anyone wishing to vet a horse may do so at their own expense.
Further information is available from the auctioneer on 087 2657465 or 062 62500. The auction will be run adhering to HSE guidelines.
Ballydoyle to run five in Hong Kong big races
AIDAN O’Brien could have five runners at the Longines Hong Kong International meeting at Sha Tin on December 13th. Seven-time Group 1 winner Magical is a confirmed runner in the 10-furlong Cup. She is likely to be joined by stablemate Peaceful. Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Order Of Australia goes for the Mile, along with Lope Y Fernandez, who finished third to his stable companion at Keeneland. Grand Prix de Paris winner Mogul is the Ballydoyle representative in the 12-furlong Vase.
Top award for Hollie Doyle
HOLLIE Doyle has been named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year for 2020. Having broken her own record for the most winners in a calendar year by a female jockey last month, Doyle enjoyed a Champions Day double at Ascot – including her first victory at Group 1 level as Glen Shiel clung on by a nose in the British Champions Sprint.
Free Directory next week
NEXT week’s edition of The Irish Field will include a free copy of The Irish Field Directory 2021. Running to 224 pages, the Directory is the ultimate guide to Ireland’s equine industry. The normal retail price of the Directory is €20.