THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association hit the ground running in 2017. We represented Irish breeders at the International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation (ITBF) in South Africa and hosted our annual National Breeding & Racing Awards last weekend.

Our National Seminar took place yesterday (Friday) in Clonmel. There will be a full report in The Irish Field next week.

The ITBA will be supporting the Mark O’Hanlon Memorial Quiz, which takes place on February 15th at the Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, with proceeds going to the Stella McGrath Fund.

The remainder of the year is sure to be busy and plans are afoot for events both regionally and nationally as well as an educational programme, supported by the Department of Agriculture.

Breeders are encouraged to contact ITBA chief executive Shane O’Dwyer with their suggestions for topics they would like to see covered in the ITBA’s educational programme.

The ITBA Next Generation Committee is also working on its 2017 events schedule.

PLANNED EVENTS FOR 2017

MARCH

ITBA Southern Region Awards & Cheltenham Preview, Adare, Co Limerick

ITBA Northern Region Veterinary Seminar

APRIL

ITBA North Leinster Region Breeders Raceday

ITBA Western Region Breeders Raceday

ITBA South Leinster Region Awards at Punchestown Festival

MAY

ITBA Northern Region Breeders Day at Balmoral Show

ITBA annual general meeting

JULY

ITBA educational programme (two weeks)

ITBA South Leinster Region Breeders Raceday

AUGUST

ITBA Western Region Awards at Galway Festival

SEPTEMBER

ITBA Breeders Racedays at Irish Champions Weekend

OCTOBER

ITBA trip to Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

ITBA veterinary lecture series

NOVEMBER

ITBA trip to Breeders’ Cup

ITBA Northern Region Awards, Down Royal

ITBA financial/tax seminar

ITBA veterinary lecture series

DECEMBER

ITBA North Leinster Awards & Christmas Party

*All events subject to confirmation