Claire Sheppard

Updated guidelines for the preparation and sale of thoroughbred breeding and young stock at public auction were published Wednesday by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA), Goffs, Tattersalls and the Federation of Bloodstock Agents, ahead of the forthcoming yearling sales season. Available digitally, the guidance aims to help new and existing participants navigate the sales preparation and selling processes for optimum equine health and welfare, whilst also providing transparency on thoroughbred care before, during and after the sale. "The British and Irish thoroughbred breeding industries remain...

The challenges and opportunities for the future sustainability of the thoroughbred breeding and bloodstock industry were explored in-depth by speakers, panellists and delegates at the annual TBA Bloodstock Conference, held on Tuesday at Tattersalls. Two hundred breeders, owners, enthusiasts and industry professionals convened at Park Paddocks for the full-day event hosted by leading broadcaster and racing journalist, Lydia Hislop. The conference was opened by TBA chairman Philip Newton, who discussed the current challenges facing the thoroughbred breeding industry and the need for transformational change to alter racing's finances. Newton also...

A five-episode educational video series on essential care for thoroughbreds has been launched on Breeders' Day at Sandown Park by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. The goal is to raise awareness of the high standards of welfare in the sector, while also providing guidelines on good practice. Topics covered include an overview of equine health parameters, paddock checks for horses on stud farms, transportation of mares and foals, care of the older horse and body condition scoring. The series is free to view for those who register on the TBA's online...