ITBA Seminar speakers added

MARK Johnston, Colin Bowe, Ger Lyons, Damian Burns and Ed Sackville are among the speakers confirmed for the ITBA’s national seminar in the Hotel Minella, Clonmel, on Friday, February 3rd. A full preview of the event will be carried in The Irish Field next weekend.

The themes are ‘Modern day bloodstock industry requirement’ and ‘What does the future hold for the Irish bloodstock industry?’

Next Saturday the ITBA hosts its annual racing and breeding awards. The event is sold out but the awards part of the evening will be streamed live on the ITBA website from 10.15pm..

Breeder award

PADDY Behan from Co Laois has won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month award for December. He bred leading novice chaser Altior, winner of a Grade 1 and Grade 2 race at Sandown and Kempton respectively last month.

New stallion

LIFE Force, an unraced full-brother to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Vale Of York, will stand at Moortown Stud in Killinick, Co Wexford, this year. A 380,000gns yearling, his fee has been set at €2,500.

Pat Eddery’s will

PAT Eddery has left his entire £1.3 million estate to his partner Emma Owen. His first wife Carolyn and their three daughters have been omitted from Eddery’s will, as has son Toby Atkinson from another relationship. A multiple champion jockey in England, Eddery died last November, aged 63.

Burke back

JONATHAN Burke returns to the saddle at Navan today after six weeks on the sidelines with a broken leg. Also back in action today is Sean McDermott who missed three weeks with concussion.

Ascot doubt

TODAY’S Ascot card is subject to a 6.30am inspection and on Friday officials were pessimistic on prospects of beating the frost. The track was frozen on Friday and clerk of the course Chris Stickels said subzero temperatures were forecast. “It’s a shame, but unless the forecast is incorrect, I don’t think we’ll be raceable.”

Ascot is due to stage the Clarence House Chase, in which Un De Sceaux would bid for back-to-back victories.

EIA outbreak

A CASE of equine infectious anaemia was reported in Bayern, Germany, this week. This affected animal was in contact with four susceptible individuals. The source of the outbreak is not currently known, but control measures including movement restrictions, quarantine and surveillance have been implemented throughout the country.

Transport feature

NEXT week’s edition of The Irish Field will include a feature on horse transport. It will include expert advice and industry opinion on topics such as road safety, vehicle reviews, horsebox maintenance and what’s new to the market. To advertise in this feature call Gareth on 01 4051166.