Chairman Dr Dean Harron’s address

WHEN we presented these awards 12 months ago we would not have envisaged the circumstances we find ourselves in today: sales disrupted, no spectators allowed at racing, 14-day quarantine for those who have been abroad, Irish sales reconvened to England, social distancing, et cetera.

Last year we highlighted the problems associated with Brexit – transport of horses, health checks being done at ports, tariffs, and the registration of our horses.

Brexit issues have not gone away. Sterling work is going on in the background with regard to digital passports which will incorporate traceability, welfare, biosecurity, antidoping, vaccination and medication records and registered ownership.

The various thoroughbred and sport horse authorities are working on solutions for frictionless movement of high health status horses, for access to the European Union, and between the EU and the UK.

Added to this we have the Covid-19 pandemic which is heading towards a second peak. I believe that this will have a major impact on next year’s breeding season.

However, at the present time we have plenty to celebrate. As usual the Northern Region of the ITBA punched well above its weight (we say this every year but it is true). In the past year 167 horses bred in our region have won £3.11 million, and all from a population of 372 broodmares.

Congratulations to this year’s winners who, as you can see on this page, have received a framed picture of their horse and its pedigree, compliments of Weatherbys.

Once again, I would like to thank the head office staff of Shane, Kerry and Regina for their support. In these difficult times they are organising a comprehensive series of web seminars which we can all join.

The ITBA, the Irish Equine Centre and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing continue to work for us, so continue to pay your foal levy.

I would like also to give a special thanks to Margaret Ervine, who collates the data every year for our awards, and The Irish Field for helping us with this alternative award presentation.

Fellow breeders, we face a difficult future. I wish you a every success and keep safe.