Rosemary Rooney dies

ROSEMARY Rooney died peacefully on Thursday after a long illness. She passed away while on holiday in Australia. A memorial service will be scheduled in the coming weeks. A daughter of legendary point-to-point rider Willie Rooney, Rosemary was a talented jockey herself and famously finished second in the 1984 Irish Grand National, race won by her sister Anne Ferris aboard Bentom Boy, trained by their father. Rosemary also held a trainer’s licence in later years.

Moyglare Stud wins

THE September winner of the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition is Eva Maria Bucher Haefner. She bred Irish St Leger winner Search For A Song, who races in the colours of Moyglare Stud.

Dowth Hall PTP plan

DOWTH Hall point-to-point has published a full timetable of events for its Country Fair in Co Meath on Sunday, October 27th. Racing starts at 12.20pm but gates open at 11am and there will be plenty of family entertainment and artisan food. More details are carried in an advertisement on page 14.

Web: dowthp2p.ie

Stud buyer to breed

WILLIE Coonan of Coonan Property in Maynooth has revealed the purchaser of Liam Ward’s Castlesize Lodge Stud in Sallins, Co Kildare, intends to use the property for horse breeding. The period residence on 36 acres was bought for €2.7 million this month. Coonan said: “The buyer is an Irishman with bloodstock connections. The property will continue to be used for equine purposes.” Liam Ward is best known as the rider of Nijinsky and he also acts as a steward.

Labaik to race again

FORMER Cheltenham Festival winner Labaik could reappear on a racecourse in December. The horse was the subject of a High Court case involving the Criminal Assets Bureau and convicted criminal John Boylan, also known as John Power. Trainer Gordon Elliott, who is not in any way part of the investigation, has reported that Labaik is back in training and being aimed at an upcoming race in Fairyhouse.

Curragh schooling day

THE Curragh will stage a schooling day from noon on Tuesday week, October 29th with races over six, eight, 12 and 16 furlongs. To make a booking place, contact Shane Gorey on 087 3482768 or Ciara Doyle.

Goffs Breeding Stock catalogue published

THERE are 19 broodmares by Galileo among the 367 lots in the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale. The catalogue is now online. The sale will take place between Parts 1 and 2 of the November Foal Sale, on Thursday and Friday, November 21st and 22nd.

Goffs will host its Autumn Sale next Monday and Tuesday. A total of 455 yearlings will be offered on Monday and Tuesday, followed by the Horses In Training session on Tuesday afternoon.

The sales action moves to Goffs UK on Thursday when over 200 horses will be offered at the Autumn HIT Sale. See page 90 for more details.