Supply is fine, demand is problem

Sir, - Over-what?

The phrase overproduction is used whenever sales prices wobble. What is the line we step over? It is virtually impossible to guess the level of demand for potential racehorses, especially two-to-three years in advance when decisions are made.

The level of production is still more than 30% below peak, which implies that the problem is ‘underdemand’, especially when we see short fields in races.

Where there is no doubt it is that there has never been a better time to own a good horse. The demand for top quality is very strong.

The way quality is measured may have changed. The Hong Kong vetting has strong influence on buyer behaviour. Sires are given quick damnation. Most traders want fewer and better. The racecourse remains the ultimate arbiter. In a year when so many dreams came true for smaller stables and unfashionable sires, the hope continues to spring. - Yours etc.,

JOHN OSBORNE

Chief Executive,

Irish National Stud

One race, three results

Sir, - Kevin Prendergast’s recent Group 2 win with Awtaad brought back happy memories.

In 1986 a group of golfers from Little Island in Cork bought a two-year-old in training with Kevin. The horse was by Main Reef and we called him Island Reef.

Kevin did a great job with him and he won a maiden at Navan, then a winners’ race at Limerick Junction and Kevin decided to let him take his chance in a Group 3 at the Curragh. In a rough race, with plenty of hard luck stories, he finished third to Darcy’s Thatcher and Quel Esprit who was, I think ridden by the late Pat Eddery.

A stewards’ enquiry was called and our horse was promoted from third to first place. His starting price was 14/1 so we had a good party on the train back to Cork.

The owners of Darcy’s Thatcher later appealed the result and were awarded the race and we were placed second. You could say we finished first, second and third in the same race.

There was further compensation for us the following year when Island Reef ran in a 2000 Guineas Trial at the Phoenix Park.

Gabriel Curran was again riding and we beat Bluebird - owned by Robert Sangster and trained by Vincent O’Brien - by a short-head. If we had kept that race at the Curragh the previous year we would have had a 3lb penalty to carry, so all was well.

And, yes, it was a nice feeling to be in the winner’s enclosure with the great Vincent O Brien next door!

Long life to Kevin Prendergast and good luck to Awtaad at Ascot next Saturday. - Yours, etc.,

TED DWYER,

Blackrock,

Cork.

Thank you

Sir, - We would like to thank Denis Coakley and The Irish Field for the great coverage given to pony racing. We on the southern circuit are very grateful for all your hard work. - Yours, etc.,

ERNEST & FRANCES TYNER,

Innishannon,

Co Cork.

Ireland’s glory

Sir, - I am full of admiration for the Coolmore/Ballydoyle enterprise, following last Sunday’s 1-2-3 in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe by horses sired by Galileo and trained by Aidan O’Brien.

I am obliged to most eminent Co Tipperary author Marjorie Quarton who informs me that 150 years ago Stockwell sired the first three in the Epsom Derby - Lord Lyon, Savernake and Rustic.

Aidan O’Brien’s horses won over €4 million in prize money last Sunday at Chantilly, yet there was not a word of his magnificent achievement on RTE until the following day. Why? - Yours etc.,

DONOUGH McGILLYCUDDY,

Hogan’s Pass,

Nenagh,

Co Tipperary.

Thank you

Sir, - On behalf of the Irish Pony Club I wish to express our appreciation for the opportunities made available to our members at the recent Irish Pony Club Race Day at the Curragh Racecourse.

Paul Hensey and Evan Arkwright from the Curragh, and Keith Rowe from RACE along with TRI, have devised a day out which has a mix of fun, excitement and education for our members. For some, this was their first time to go racing and their families expressed delight at the new experience. To all who made this day so enjoyable we send our sincere thanks and look forward to the next time. - Yours etc.,

BARBARA MICKS,

Chairman of the IPC Executive Committee,

Saggart,

Co. Dublin.

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