THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association North Leinster Region hosted a well-attended and informative meeting in Mullingar Park Hotel last Thursday week, at which regional breeders’ achievements were also acknowledged.

ITBA chairman Cathy Grassick introduced the evening, which was the second in a series of planned regional evenings. She updated those in attendance on the ongoing work the ITBA is undertaking, a key priority being reigniting regional activity and committees, together with enhancing the Association’s communication. North Leinster Region chair Gay Veitch encouraged breeders to put themselves forward for regional committees.

Attendees heard from agricultural adviser John Hardy, who talked about the welcome inclusion of the equine farming sector in the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), and the grant options available for stud farms.

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing’s UK market manager Síle Hayes told breeders of the success of the IRE Incentive Scheme to date, while head of environment and nutrition with the Irish Equine Centre, Alan Creighton, discussed ongoing measures breeders should undertake to ensure farm hygiene and best practices on stud farms.

The IEC has a farm hygiene offer for ITBA members, and details can be found on the Association’s website, or by contacting the IEC directly on 045-866 266. Pedigree research manager with Weatherbys, Michelle Fogarty, talked breeders through the e-Passport concept.

Following the discussions, Gay Veitch acknowledged regional breeders who bred blacktype winners in 2021 and presented in excess of 30 awards to those celebrating their success at home and abroad.