THE rate of growth in the Irish foal crop has slowed significantly in 2017, although it is up 3% on the same time last year, and the final totals will not be known until early next year when late registrations have been completed. Nonetheless, the Irish foal crop has exceeded 9,000 for the first time since 2009 and this year represents the fifth consecutive year of growth in numbers.

The number of foals born in Britain has also risen and a 2% growth brings their numbers to 4,674. This is half the number of Irish-born foals produced in 2017.

These figures have been issued ahead of the publication of The Weatherbys Return Of Mares next Thursday. The latest volume costs €80/£64 but this also includes the supplement which is made available next February and includes details of late registrations. The latest Return Of Mares will also be available from the Weatherbys offices at both Goffs and Tattersalls, or online at https://www.bettrendsshop.co.uk/