THE number of thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland so far this year is slightly below the corresponding figure from last year. But the number of mares reported at stud in Ireland this year – and the number covered – is up more than 500 on last year.

According to the Weatherbys Return of Mares,which has just been published, the number of foals registered in Ireland has fallen by 0.5% in 2018 to 8,987, from 9,044 at the same point in 2017. This slight decrease follows growth of 7% and 3% in 2016 and 2017 respectively,

In Britain the number of foals registered has grown to 4,726, up 1% from the 2017 figure of 4,674, following increases of 2% and 3% over the previous two years.

This annual tome contains key data across the mare and stallion population in Britain and Ireland.

• 8,667 mares at stud in Britain in 2018 as against 9,015 in 2017 (a reduction of 348), and 14,874 mares reported at stud in IRE in 2018 as against 14,434 in 2017 (an increase of 440).

• 7,409 mares in Britain (85.49% of mares reported at stud) and 13,193 mares in Ireland (88.70% of mares reported at stud) covered in 2018. Last year there were 7,533 British-based mares covered and 12,640 in Ireland.

• 21,297 total recorded coverings in Britain and Ireland combined in 2018, compared to 20,819 total recorded coverings of registered mares in 2017 - an increase of 478.

• The number of stallions in Britain has reduced by 10 to 158, but has increased by one in Ireland (252 in 2018 compared to 251 in 2017).

• 87 stallions covered 100 or more mares in 2018 compared to 92 in 2017 - a decrease of five. 11 stallions covered 200 or more mares in 2018 compared to 10 in 2017.

• Soldier Of Fortune covered the most mares - 281. He was also the most active stallion in 2017 with 341 total recorded coverings.

Web: bettrendsshop.co.uk

Tel: 045 879979

Email: Amy Burke (aburke@weatherbys.ie)

Copies (€80) will also be available at Tattersalls and Goffs this month.