IHRB continues search for new chief executive
THE Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is continuing to search for a new chief executive to succeed Denis Egan.
Cliodhna Guy is currently the interim CEO, after Denis Egan retired earlier this month. The IHRB has enlisted the services of recruitment consultants Mazars to handle applications for the position. The advertisement for the role, which can be read on page 111, says the IHRB “is seeking an ambitious, focused and energetic leader with multifaceted experience across the areas of corporate governance, regulation and commercially led business as it delivers on its strategic objectives.”
€17 million wagered for Ireland’s first World Pool
OVER €17 million was wagered through the first Tote World Pool initiative in Ireland at Leopardstown last Saturday as the Irish Champion Stakes fixture proved popular with international fans.
The World Pool was created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2018 and now includes Ireland among 20 other racing nations that customers can bet into on selected days. The final figure for Leopardstown’s meeting is comparable with some of the top fixtures in Britain this year, including Coral Eclipse day at Sandown which yielded £17.2 million.
The betting activity was likely helped by the earlier start to the card but four runners in the feature would probably have been a negative given the popularity of exotic bets in Hong Kong. Leopardstown CEO Tim Husbands said: “there was likely an increased global interest in the meeting because of World Pool.”
Altior retired
FOUR-time Cheltenham Festival winner Altior has been retired by owner Patricia Pugh. The 11-year-old will live out his days in the care of Mick Fitzgerald after a sterling career which saw him win 21 of his 26 races and amass over £1.3 million in prize money.
Writing in his Unibet blog, Nicky Henderson said: “We are all sad to have to say that Altior is going into honorary retirement after what has been a fantastic innings which was obviously highlighted by his 19 consecutive victories.
“His owners, Christopher and Pat Pugh feel that now he is 11, turning 12, they would like him to retire while still at his peak, fit, sound and healthy and ready for a new career.”
Owner Andy Stewart passes away
PROMINENT racing owner and businessman Andy Stewart has passed away at the age of 70. Stewart will be primarily remembered for his association with Big Buck’s, the four-time Stayers’ Hurdle winner, while his well-known red, white and black silks were also carried with distinction by the likes of Cenkos, Celestial Halo and Pacha Du Polder, all trained by Paul Nicholls. Stewart also won the Galway Plate in 2008 with Oslot.
He died peacefully in hospital in Guernsey last Friday following complications from a fall at his Barbados holiday home this year.
Battleground sold
GROUP 2 and Royal Ascot Chesham Stakes winner Battleground, a son of War Front and multiple Group 1 winner Found, is set to commence stud duties next spring in Turkey. The colt was runner-up last year in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, as well as being placed this year in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes. His purchase by the Jockey Club of Turkey comes alongside the news that they have also acquired the Group 1 sire Epaulette.