Kemboy bows out

WILLIE Mullins has called time on the career of four-time Grade 1-winning veteran Kemboy at the age of 11.

He bows out after a win in the Bobbyjo Chase in February and will forever be remembered as Ruby Walsh’s final winner in the 2019 Punchestown Gold Cup.

McNally appeal

RONAN McNally will have his appeal against a record 12-year disqualification heard on May 29th, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has confirmed.

The Co Armagh trainer can continue to run his horses in the intervening period.

ITBA series

THE popular ITBA ‘Ask The Expert Series’ will commence via Zoom on Wednesday 12th April, with six sessions scheduled across April and May. Attendance is free but members are asked to pre-register for the various events by emailing hmarks@itba.ie or calling the ITBA on +353 (0)45 877 543.

The series schedule runs as follows (each session begins at 7pm):

APRIL

12th: Equine Nutrition and Supplements – with Lorraine Fradl, Connolly’s Red Mills

19th: Equine First aid – with Dr Karen Dunne, DKIT & Simon Hennessy, Anglesey Lodge

26th: Foal Developmental Issues – with Dr Wayne McIlwraith

MAY

10th: Equine Behaviour and its benefit for equine management - with Meta Osborne

17th: Parasite Control – with Dr James Gibbons, Iris Equine Centre

24th: TAMS Information Session

Breeders’ evening

THE ITBA Western Region also hosted a well-received Open Breeders evening in the Shearwater Hotel Ballinasloe, Co Galway on March 30th. Lively discussion took place with input from figures representing Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, the Irish Equine Centre, Weatherbys and the Agricultural Consultants Association, as well as prominent pundit/breeder Kevin Blake and other ITBA officials.

Stayers’ reversal

DASHEL Drasher has been reinstated as the runner-up in this year’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle after connections were successful in their appeal against a demotion to third by the raceday stewards over interference.

It meant that the Gordon Elliott-trained Teahupoo, who had been promoted from third to second on the day, was demoted back to third, much to the disappointment of Robcour owner Brian Acheson, who branded the three independent stewards’ decision as “absolute rubbish”.

Curragh partnership

THE Irish National Stud and Gardens will sponsor two maidens at the Curragh’s upcoming meeting Sunday 16th April as part of a partnership between the organisations announced this week.

Curragh racing and sponsorship manager Evan Arkwright said: “We have enjoyed a long, historic association together and are delighted to partner with the Irish National Stud to collaborate on a variety of exciting initiatives that encompass racing, tourism, membership, and benefits aimed at participants of their student programme. Their support of the Curragh is also part of our strategy to build and develop meaningful partnerships with local businesses.”

O’Regan out of luck

DENIS O’Regan’s bid to ride a winner at every track that stages National Hunt racing in Britain and Ireland will have to wait until Hereford’s next meeting in October after he was out of luck with two rides there on Thursday.

The multiple Grade 1-winning rider believes he would be the first jockey to ever complete the feat if able to notch a winner at the only jumping venue to have eluded him.