Newtown Anner sponsoring Group 3

THE Regan family’s Newtown Anner Stud will sponsor a Group 3 race for two-year-old fillies at the Curragh in August. Newtown Anner is a major stakeholder in racing and breeding, both in Ireland and internationally. Their best horses to-date in Ireland have included Group 1 winners Fascinating Rock and Laganore, and Group 2 winner Beckford. The stud also co-owned Breeders’ Cup winner Caledonia Road and Grade 1 winner Off The Tracks.

Insurance cover for owners

RACEHORSE owners are being encouraged to avail of insurance cover being offered to members of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO). For a premium of €80, the AIRO insurance policy covers owners in the event of their horse causing damage to any persons or properties while in training at a licenced premises (including point-to-point handlers) or when racing worldwide. Owners can sign up by ticking the appropriate box when paying their annual account charges to Horse Racing Ireland. Further information is available from Regina in the AIRO on 045 878173.

Clare breeder wins December poll

GAY O’Gara from Dromoland, Co Clare, has won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month vote for December.

He bred Galvin, winner of the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

Robbie Dunne appeals riding ban

ROBBIE Dunne has appealed against his 18-month ban for bullying and harassing weighing-room colleague Bryony Frost.

The 36-year-old from Dublin was banned for 18 months, three of which were suspended. He was judged to have engaged in conduct at the track, online and in the weighing room that was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing following an independent British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel hearing in December. He has appealed against the findings of the disciplinary panel and the penalty imposed.