ITBA

Ballylinch Stud's John O'Connor has been named the new Chairman of the European Breeders' Fund. He replaces Philip Freedman, who served two terms in that role. O'Connor, who has also been Chairman of the Irish EBF and ITBA in the past, said, "I am delighted to take on the Chairmanship of the EBF in its 40th year. The EBF plays a significant role in supporting the racing industry at many levels. Due to the calibre of stallions that now stand in Europe and through the commitment of stallion farms large...

Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland have committed support of €50,000 each over the next three years toward the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme, the ITBA announced. The support is in addition to the €100,000 from Horse Racing Ireland through the Foal Levy. Established in 2013, the scheme's aim was to enhance the prices of fillies at store sales and encourage breeders to return their fillies in training. The Weatherbys ITBA NH Fillies Bonus scheme pays out €5,000 to any eligible filly who wins their mares-only maiden bumper,...

In an industry where the hours and expectations fall far outside of the typical 40-hour work week, peers are also your biggest competitors, and the fine line of balance between work and life can be nonexistent, the struggle with mental health is prevalent among the Thoroughbred industry's participants. However, growth of understanding through research, increased discussion and an expanded network of resources is hoping to change all of that, as shared in the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA)'s Mental Fitness and Resilience in the Thoroughbred Industry online seminar, held Wednesday...

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) National Breeding & Racing Awards 2022 will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28. The annual awards recognise the success of Irish-bred horses, both Flat and National Hunt in 2022, as well as those who have made a lifelong contribution to the Irish Thoroughbred breeding industry. The ceremony will be streamed live from 10 p.m. on the ITBA's website.

The Breeding Season Preparation Workshop, which was attended by over 150, was held by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) this week. The event brought together a panel of industry experts that addressed relevant issues with the aim in making the coming season as successful as possible. Topics included, 'Postnatal Care' by Andrea Ryan, Veterinary Surgeon with Kilcash Equine Clinic; and 'Assisting During Foaling' by Olive O'Connor, consignor and breeder. Attendees also heard from Lorraine Fradl, Connolly's Red Mills, on 'Nutrition for Mares & Foals.' Finally, Micheal Orlandi of Starfield...

It is commonly known as the junior wing of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, aimed at educating students and aspiring breeders, and its chairperson Orla Donworth is predicting big things for the ITBA Next Generation in 2023.  Donworth is a digital marketing executive at Goffs who has been employed in the industry for 10 years and outlined plans for the ITBA Next Generation to become the go-to place for the future leaders of the industry to gain education and support. Fellow Goffs employee Conor Wixted holds the position as the...

The 2023 Education Programme, featuring Ask The Experts, Summer Series, Preparation Series, and Autumn/Winter Series, was unveiled by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) on Friday. Workshops will be either QQI or Veterinary Council of Ireland accredited wherever possible. In addition, most events will offer hybrid formatting, taking place at the ITBA headquarters or regionally, as well as virtually. Marking the first Education Programme of 2023 is a Breeding Preparation Workshop slated for Tuesday, Jan. 10. Some of the topics and speakers are: Assisting mares during foaling: Olive O'Connor, respected...

Una Tormey has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA). Tormey began her new role on Dec. 1. She joined the ITBA as a membership coordinator two years ago, and rose to the role of operations manager. Tormey also earned additional experience working with previous Chief Executive Shane O'Dwyer. Tormey, who will be supported by Membership Coordinator Danielle Deveney and Education Coordinator Hannah Marks, said, "I am really looking forward to working with Irish Breeders and with the members of the ITBA Council. The...

The first 2022 Autumn/Winter Veterinary Series begins on Dec. 12, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) announced on Tuesday. Tea and coffee will be offered at 6:15 p.m., with the event starting at 6:45 p.m. at the ITBA headquarters in Kill. The seminar will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person and is also available to EFTBA members. Dr. Emma Adam from the Gluck Equine Research Center will be the guest speaker on novel rotavirus in Kentucky, while Sharon O'Regan will discuss the Weatherbys ePassport functionality and...

Ahead of the yearling sales season, guidelines for the sale of Thoroughbred breeding and young stock were published through a partnership between the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA). These guidelines were created following consultation with industry participants and the support of both Tattersalls and Goffs. Available online, the aim is to help new industry participants navigate the sales preparation and selling processes for optimum equine health and welfare, while also providing transparency on Thoroughbred care before, during and after sales. Ted Voute, Chairman of...

The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations (EFTBA) and Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) held their annual general meetings--in a hybrid format--at the ITBA headquarters in County Kildare on May 25 and May 26, respectively. The EFTBA meeting was held in Ireland due to both the chairmanship and secretariat of the EFTBA being held by the ITBA. Cathy Grassick was named the new Chairperson of the ITBA, replacing John McEnery. ITBA CEO Shane O'Dwyer oversaw the proceedings, while the ITBA also welcomed Dr. Dean Harron as the new ITBA President.

The 2022 Ulster Bank Balmoral Show returned to its usual spot on the calendar, the middle of May, on Friday. The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association sponsored the Race Horse to Riding Horse Class, which featured guest judges WP Mullins and retired champion National Hunt jockey Richard Johnson. The winner was Felicity McConnell aboard Easy Pleased (Ire) (Mahler {GB}). The 5-year-old gelding was bred by Brendan Nolan. ITBA's Kerry Ryan said, "ITBA has proudly sponsored this class since 2017 as part of its welfare initiative. It's wonderful to see retired racehorses...