THE on-course bookmakers at Thurles Racecourse will sponsor the gate at the track’s fixture on Sunday week, January 18th. The card features the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase and the Grade 2 Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase.

Ray Mulvaney, chairman of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association, said: “Racing was very well-attended over Christmas and the new year. Business has been good in the betting rings too, so the on-course bookmakers are doing their bit to keep the momentum going by sponsoring free admission at Thurles next Sunday.

“We have done this at other tracks in the past and we are happy to work with more tracks in the future. It’s about rewarding punters for coming racing. You can place a bet anywhere but the ring is king, you can’t beat it.”

THE French racing and breeding authorities are extending an invitation to Irish breeders to visit some of the leading stallion farms in Normandy on Friday and Saturday, January 23rd and 24th.

The Route des Étalons covers 21 stud farms standing approximately 90 stallions. Further information is available by emailing info@fegalop.com or on the laroutedesetalons.com website.

BREEDERS are invited to sign up for the Irish Equine Reproduction Symposium in Tinakilly Country House in Wicklow on Wednesday and Thursday, January 28th and 29th. Organised by the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction and the Irish Equine Veterinary Association, the event will feature world-renowned national and international speakers sharing their expertise on practical and up-to-date guidance for getting mares in foal and maximising first cycle conception rates. Irish-led research designed with the breeder in mind will also be presented. Tickets and further information are available on irisheva.ie.

GERRY Duffy, formerly of Kildangan Stud, will become president of leading Kentucky stallion operation WinStar Farm on April 1st. He succeeds Elliott Walden in the role at the Troutt family’s farm. Walden will remain as CEO until October 1st, when Duffy will take over as both CEO and president.

A graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start programme, Duffy spent two years as stallion seasons director at Winstar about 15 years ago. He later served as Godolphin general manager, farm manager at Stonerside and Raceland Farms and most recently as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi.

THE Curragh looks set for another windfall as the Irish Oaks meeting has been shortlisted to be added to the this year’s series of World Pool racedays. The Curragh already has 24 races in the World Pool schedule and, according to betting industry estimates, each one of them could be worth €70,000 to the racecourse. Roughly 55% of World Pool revenue goes to the racecourse and 45% to the Tote/Horse Racing Ireland.

Launched in 2019, World Pool is effectively run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and they decide which racedays can take part. The criteria appears to include having at least one Group 1 race on the day and at least eight runners in each race, up to a maximum of nine races. Hong Kong-based punters typically account for around 70% of the money bet into the pool.

This year July Cup day at Newmarket (July 11th) and the Irish Oaks meeting (July 18th) may become full World Pool fixtures. Ascot’s Shergar Cup day (August 8th) does not have a Group 1 race but it too is being considered for World Pool inclusion.

THE annual Mark O’Hanlon Memorial Racing Quiz takes place at 9pm next Friday evening, January 16th, in The Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow. All are welcome, entry is free, and teams can be assembled on the night. This year’s event has been moved