MARK Bolger has stepped down as director general of the Irish Horse Board (IHB), a position he has held since 2009. Bolger continues to serve as Horse Sport Ireland’s director of finance and operations and cited increased workload as reason for the decision.

Meanwhile, the Deloitte audit of Horse Sport Ireland will not be ready for next Tuesday’s meeting of the HSI board. It is almost a year after the Irish Sports Council were ordered by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to initiate the audit.

Death of Southern

THE founder and Co-Chairman of Spruce Meadows, Ronald D. Southern, passed away at his home in Canada on Thursday aged 85.

The Southern family officially opened Spruce Meadows in 1975 and as a result of the leadership and vision of Ron Southern, it became an iconic sports venue and is recognised today as one of the leading venues in the world for international show jumping.

CAS appeal

A COURT of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) spokesperson told The Irish Field yesterday that a panel: “Is still preparing the full reasoned judgement regarding its decision to dismiss the appeal in relation to an Olympic team place lodged by Horse Sport Ireland and Cian O’Connor.”

Brodie IHWT clinic

INTERNATIONAL former racehorse trainer Scott Brodie will host a one day clinic at Balcultry Stables, Swords, Co Dublin, on Sunday, February 7th next.

The cost is €25 per person. For more information and booking, please email events@ihwt.ie or telephone 0402 30773.

Classic sold

TIPPERARY show jumper Trevor Breen announced the sale of two of his horses this week.

The talented nine-year-old stallion Classic (by Armitage out of a Chin Chin dam), with whom Breen competed up to five-star level including the World Cup show in Lyon, has departed.

Breen has also sold the 10-year-old gelding Georgie d’Auvray EC (by Vancouver D’Auvray out of a Nabab De Reve dam). A winner up to five-star level, he will now be campaigned by American rider Karrie Rufer.

Breen told The Irish Field: “I would like to wish the new owners of both horses the very best of luck. I’m off to the Sunshine Tour with seven or eight horses soon so looking forward to that.”

Eamon McDonagh

THERE was much sadness this week over the sudden death of Eamon McDonagh, Rosscahill, Co Galway, national show treasurer.

Tong sponsorship

RYBROOK Holdings, one of Britain’s largest privately owned car dealer groups, announced their sponsorship of Roland Tong, 2015 Irish National Dressage Champion. His young international horse Ambience will now be known as Rybrook Ambience.

Roland Tong said: “I am absolutely delighted to be supported by Rybrook. My horse, Rybrook Ambience is co-owned with Sandra Kirkpatrick and we are very excited about his future.”