New Tipperary bloodstock operation up and running

A NEW family-run farm in Co Tipperary is open for business with the boarding and foaling of mares.

Knockcurra Stud, based in Thurles, is situated on 100 acres of land, with ample stables and turnout space. The operation also specialises in sales preparation, including two horse walkers, a lunge ring and four gallops.

Donal Commins is heading up the business, having gained international experience from time on a National Stud course in Britain, as well as working in New Zealand for Valachi Downs. He has spent time with Coolmore, worked as head stallion man in Yeomanstown Stud and later was involved with farm management at Ashtown Stud. More details can be found in the classifieds section of this week’s The Irish Field.

John Lowe dies aged 75

NEWMARKET trainer Roger Varian has paid tribute to former jockey and work rider John Lowe, who died aged 75 in Australia on Monday.

Lowe, who rode over 2,000 winners on the level before hanging up his saddle in 2000, continued to work in racing including a period as a race reader for the Press Association.

Lowe rode work for Sir Henry Cecil for a number of years before enjoying a spell with Varian at Carlburg Stables, eventually calling it a day aged 73 when he moved to Perth, Western Australia, to be closer to his family.

Varian said he was deeply saddened to hear the news that Lowe had died, four days after suffering a stroke while gardening. “It is really sad and he has left us far too young,” said the trainer. “He was a very good judge, as you would have expected him to have been. And he was one of racing’s great characters in my opinion.”

Chepstow announce changes

CHEPSTOW’S three-day Welsh Racing Festival (October 9th to 11th) will be run as all-hurdle cards after the chase track was found to be unsuitable for racing.

A statement from the British Horseracing Authority stated that “time has likewise run out for the chase course”, and changes have subsequently been made to other race programmes around this window, including Ludlow’s October 7th card being abandoned following “sustained dry weather since the end of last season.”

Dylan Browne McMonagle set for stint in Hong Kong

HE might be on the sidelines at the moment, but Dylan Browne McMonagle can hopefully look forward to a productive off-season with the news he will be competing in Hong Kong early next year.

Ireland’s champion jockey enjoyed a fruitful stint in Hong Kong last season, recording 10 winners, and he will return January 6th to February 28th 2027.

Hong Kong’s jockey ranks are set for a further injection of star power this winter, with the staggered arrival of three other highly decorated international riders – Saffie Osborne, Maxime Guyon and Rossa Ryan – each of whom has been granted a visiting jockey’s licence.

Gain The Advantage Series success for Denis Hogan

VICTORY for Majestic King at the Listowel Harvest Festival saw Denis Hogan clinch the Gain The Advantage Series for 2026, finishing two points in front of Andy Slattery in the six-leg initiative.

Hogan took home €5,000 worth of Gain Equine Nutrition products. Under the same series initiative, Westmeath’s Oliver Donlon, who bred Down Royal leg winner Numidia, was selected as the winning breeder of the draw for one tonne of Gain feed.

The winning grooms from each race in the series, were all entered a separate draw for a €250 Mount Juliet Estate voucher, with Mel Sheridan, groom of the Listowel winner on Monday, coming out on top.