IDHBA sale

A HORSE and Pony Sale will be run by the Cork/Kerry branch of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association on Sunday, October 21st in Ballbrack Equestrian Centre (take Exit 17 (Watergrasshill) off the Cork/Dublin motorway.) There will be sections for Irish Draughts, foals, sport horses, ridden horses and ponies. The sale will be preceded by showing classes for the entered foals (Irish Draught, Sport Horse and pony foals) at 11am, with the sale due to commence at 12 noon. Entry forms are available on www.idhba.ie and the catalogue will be published online prior to the sale. Please contact Kitty on 0862782413 or Dee on 0874157557 for further details.

Two Irish horses bought by Kenny

IRISH show jumper Darragh Kenny has added two MHS-bred Irish Sport Horses to his string when purchasing the youngsters from Sinead Brennan. Kenny purchased the seven-year-old full-brother to Olympic show jumper MHS Going Global – MHS High Hopes (Quidam Junior x Cavalier Royale) – and the seven-year-old mare MHS Jersey Girl (Cardento x Quidam Junior). MHS High Hopes was produced by Francis Connors and competed at the Dublin Horse Show and the World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken this season, while Jack Brennan rode MHS Jersey Girl at both events.

Stockdale sick

BRITISH show jumper Tim Stockdale has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Announcing the news on his social media channels this week, Stockdale said he would be taking a short break from riding and thanked his owners and sponsors for their kind words and support during this difficult time.

Gleeson appointed

THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, announced the appointment of Brendan Gleeson as the new Secretary General of the Department, following approval by the Government.

Minister Creed said: “I am delighted to welcome Brendan Gleeson as Secretary General of my Department; he has been an important part of the Department’s senior management team for a number of years and I am confident that under his stewardship the Department can continue to deliver for the Irish agriculture, food and fisheries sectors.” Prior to this, Gleeson was assistant secretary.

Ballinasloe special

NEXT week’s issue will contain a report round-up, and more photographs from Ballinasloe. See photos from Ballinasloe on A80 and A81 this week.