THE ITBA’s must-attend seminar for National Hunt breeders to address the issues facing the National Hunt industry takes place at Tattersalls on Monday afternoon.

Two impressive panels include trainers Jessica Harrington, Willie Mullins, bloodstock agents Tom Malone and Michael Moore, Richard Pugh of Tattersalls Ireland and p2p.ie, and veterinary surgeons Des Barnwell and Walter Connors.

In the first session (starts at 2pm) the panel, under the chairmanship of Leo Powell, will provide an in-depth analysis of the marketplace discussing the highs and lows of both the November breeding stock sales and the summer store horse sales.

The panel also includes journalist Richard Forristal whose recent articles on the current state of National Hunt racing attracted plenty of attention.

The second session, also chaired by Leo Powell (5.15pm) will concentrate on race planning. Comparisons will be made between Ireland, the UK and France. Breeders’ incentives in these countries will be analysed.

Jason Morris, Director of Racing with HRI, and Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Racing Development with the BHA, will outline the race programme for mares in each jurisdiction.

ITBA general manager Shane O’Dwyer said: “We have two great panels put together and we’re expecting a full house. Anybody involved in National Hunt racing and breeding is welcome to attend - it’s free and you can register on the day. At the end of the day we want to be able to say ‘here is what the National Hunt industry wants to happen. This is the direction in which we want to go’.”

O’Dwyer noted that last week’s Oireachtas report on the equine industry recommended a tax incentive scheme for breeders. “If anyone has ideas on what form this scheme should take then Monday is the day to bring your ideas to the table.”