THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Assoication has appointed Michael Treacy as its first EU lobbyist in Brussels.

Formerly the Irish Farmers Association’s European Director, Treacy has been described by the ITBA as “a true giant of Irish and European agriculture”. Announcing the news, ITBA chairman Derek Iceton said: “This is a game changer for the Association, which now has permanent representation in Brussels at the very highest level with the objective of getting the Irish horse breeder on the radar.