THE fascinating dynamic of global thoroughbred supply and demand will be among the topics discussed by an expert panel at next Thursday’s Gain Equine Nutrition and Alltech Equine Summit in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare.

Jim Bolger, Joe Foley, Richard Aston and Brendan Holland are taking part in one session which will be chaired by Lorna Fowler.

Brendan Holland, best known as a consignor to the yearling and breeze-up sales, said yesterday: “The bloodstock game is always changing and prodcuers, like me, have to react. Globally the market is expanding but demand is slackening in some countries. For example, I believe domestic demand in Britain has contracted but nobody is talking about it because it is being shored up by foreign trade.”

Lorna Fowler commented: “There are opportunities opening up all the time but so too are the challenges. I think the Equine Summit will be hugely relevant for anyone buying or selling horses. How often do you get so many people of influence and interest in one room to discuss pertinent issues without being sidetracked by sales or racing?”

Over 270 people have already booked their place at the event and only a small number of tickets remain available. The Equine Summit is being billed as a unique forum for Ireland’s thoroughbred and sport horse industry participants to share knowledge and opinions.

Speakers from the thoroughbred world include Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh and Turf Club senior steward Meta Osborne. The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, will also speak at the event which is being supported by partners Grant Thornton and The Irish Field.

It starts at 3pm on Thursday (registration from 2.15pm) and the €55 ticket includes dinner and choice of breakout session.

Web: Eventbrite.com (search for equine summit)