Death of Co Cork racehorse owner

FLOR Mahony, a racehorse owner from Douglas in Cork, has died. A skilled hurler and rugby player in his youth, it was his ownership of racehorses in later life that brought him immense satisfaction.

Three of his horses were named after characters in the film, The Last of the Mohicans: Colonel Monroe, General Montcalm and Major Hayward, with whom he had a lot of success.

Davy Russell’s first win as a professional jockey in Ireland came on Colonel Monroe at Limerick in December 2002.

General Montcalm won the Tetratema Cup in April 2004 and the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown the following year. In his final race, he won the 2006 Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Chase at Leopardstown.

Flor is survived by his wife Sue and four children.

Preakness move

THE Preakness Stakes, the middle leg of the US Triple Crown, could be moved to a slot a month after the Kentucky Derby. Traditionally the Preakness is run two weeks after the Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.

A spokesperson for Pimlico Racetrack said: “We believe it’s in the best interests of horses and horse safety to move the race four weeks after the Kentucky Derby. This would give horses more time to recover between races to be able to run in the Preakness. Horse safety is more important than tradition.”

Employee awards closing Monday

NEXT Monday, August 14th, at 5pm is the closing date for nominations for the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin. Nominations can be made online. The awards will be presented on October 16th.

Web: itiea.org

IHRB seeks help

THE Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is asking industry stakeholders and the general public for their views as the regulator begins work on its new strategic plan. Those interested are invited to answer a set of 12 questions via the IHRB website. Submissions can be made anonymously.

Web: ihrb.ie