The Breeze-Up Consignors Association (BUCA) are delighted to announce the appointment of Amy Marnane of Bansha House Stables as its Chairperson with immediate effect.

Amy will be supported by Thomond O’Mara of Knockanglass Stables in his role as Vice Chairman. Amy and Thomond succeed Brendan Holland and John Cullinan, who step down after 11 years in their respective roles.

“I’m absolutely delighted and very proud to take on the role of Chairperson of BUCA,” said Amy Marnane. “The breeze-up sector has gone from strength to strength, producing more and more winners and, most importantly, top-level performers on the international stage. The quality of horses coming through the breeze-up sales continues to rise, and I think that’s a real testament to the talented horsemen and women involved in our industry.

“There’s a real shared ambition among our members to produce and sell horses that can go on to become top-class racehorses, and I think that’s what makes this sector so exciting.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Brendan Holland and John Cullinan, who between them initially established the Breeze-Up Committee. Their incredible leadership, professionalism, foresight and dedication, much of it behind the scenes, is something that all breeze-up consignors and purchasers can be hugely proud of and thankful for. Alongside their committee members, Con Marnane, Malcolm Bastard and Jim McCartan, they put an enormous amount of work into establishing and developing the Association, and I think we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude for the foundations they have put in place for us to build on.”

A new BUCA committee has also been voted in, with Mark Grant appointed the UK rep and joined by Roderic Kavanagh, Ger Kennedy and Norman Williamson.

Marnane added: “I’m really looking forward to working alongside our new Vice Chair, Thomond O’Mara, and the new committee members Mark Grant, Norman Williamson, Ger Kennedy and Rodgie Kavanagh. I think we have a great blend of experience and fresh ideas, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.

“I’d also like to thank Nancy Sexton and Kat Irmer, who play such an important role in the running of the Association through the social media, paperwork and so much of the work that happens behind the scenes. Excitingly we have launched a new breeze-up website highlighting the unbelievable amount of breeze-up graduates that end up in the winners’ enclosure around the world.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the continued support of the sales companies and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Their commitment to the breeze-up sector, and their ongoing support in promoting our sales and the horses that come through them, is hugely appreciated. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them and building on that relationship as we promote the breeze-up sector.

“Ultimately, our aim is to continue promoting the breeze-up sector and the incredible horses that come through it. I have no doubt that there are many more top-level horses to come from the breeze-up sales. The buyers know where to come, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future brings.

“Most importantly, I want to maintain the high levels of integrity, professionalism and success that the Association has been built on, while continuing to move the sector forward.”

The breeze-up sector has been showcased to great effect again this season thanks to an array of leading performers, among them the Group 1 performers Hotazhell, Ten Bob Tony, Senorita Bonita, Title Role and Libertango.