Horses stolen in Galway

TWO horses were stolen from a field in Ballygar, Co Galway, last month. One was a 10-year-old liver chesnut Connemara mare with grey around her eyes. The other horse was a nine-year-old dark brown thoroughbred mare with a star on her forehead. Anyone with information is asked to contact the owner in confidence on 087-7031441.

Equine census closes Monday

NEXT Monday (January 17th) is the closing date for submissions for the first equine census taken by the Department of Agriculture. All equine keepers are required to complete the census.

Shane O’Dwyer, CEO of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, said: “The census is very important from a traceability point of view. Following extensive engagement with breeders, the ITBA is confident that the majority of breeders have already returned census forms. We would encourage anyone who has yet to do so to file a return by Monday. The ITBA office is happy to assist if necessary.”

Web: agfood.ie

Grimthorpe to head Blue Diamond team

TEDDY Grimthorpe will replace Tony Nerses as racing manager for owner-breeder Imad Al Sagar’s Blue Diamond Stud. Grimthorpe stepped down as manager of the Juddmonte operation last summer. Al Sagar was the joint-owner of Derby winner Authorized and Irish 2000 Guineas winner Araafa. Ted Voute, Gerry Meehan and Nancy Sexton have also taken senior roles with Blue Diamond this week.

ITBA plans webinar series

THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association will host a series of national webinars over the coming weeks, the first of which will take place on Friday, January 28th. A full preview of the first webinar, which is open to all and free to attend, will be covered in next weekend’s edition.

Online auction of stallion rights

TATTERSALLS Online will offer a breeding right and nomination to Time Test and breeding rights to new sires A’Ali and Lope Y Fernandez next Wednesday (January 19th). Bidding opens at 10am and closed from midday.