Racing Certainty - AIRO Magazine 2016

RACINGCERTAINTYMAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

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2016

09Ballymacoll -

a kaleidoscope of racing legends

Relive the extraordinary racing

odyssey of 2015

Barry Connell on the highs and lows of

racehorse ownership

Get the inside track on AIRO

member benefits

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| WELCOME |

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| 1 | ASSOCIATION OF RACEHORSE OWNERS

I have pleasure in welcoming members to our

first annual magazine.

Racehorse ownership is exhilarating, at times

frustrating and testing, but always memorable.

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO)

which has over 2000 members is here to represent

owners in the halls of power and to improve and

enhance the race-day experience.

Our Council members are vibrant, energetic and

hard working. We initiated a public liability insurance

policy which protects owners in the event of third

party claims and recently we launched hospitality

suites at Punchestown, Galway and the Curragh

which have been well supported and appreciated. I

hope we see even more of you on these days in 2016.

Our first awards dinner was held in November at the

Killashee House Hotel and it was a huge success.

We are most fortunate in having a Government

who is cognisant and supportive of our industry and

appreciates the fact that it supports over 20,000

jobs and approximately half a billion Euro annual

investment, much from non-nationals. These facts

were appreciated in the two most recent budgets

when the Government subsidy to racing was

increased and this has improved prize money as

well as racecourse facilities. We can only hope that

as the levy on remote betting comes on song this

can improve further.

Ireland punches well above its weight in the

racing world and horsemanship is ingrained in

the national psyche. Our owners have ready access

to the best horsemen, trainers and jockeys, in the

world. However we are constantly frustrated by the

fact that we have some of the lowest prize money

returns in the world and that owners still contribute

about 27% of the prize money for which we compete. AIRO constantly strives to

make our elected representatives aware of this situation and hopes it can encourage

them to improve the funding model of Irish racing.

I hope you enjoy our initial annual and look forward to your continued support.

John WeldChairman

John WeldChairmanThe Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO)

Ireland punches well above its weight in the racing world and horsemanship is

ingrained in the national psyche.

001 AIRO 2016_Welcome.indd 1 08/02/2016 10:58

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CONTENTS09

PERFECT BALANCE

Donn McClean went to see

the stars, past and future, in

Ballymacoll and chatted with

Peter Reynolds about the stud’s

kaleidoscopic history.

14HORSE POWER

Jessica Lamb discovers the drive that turned Barry

Connell into a force in Irish racing.

312015 A RACE

ODYSSEYDonn McClean

relives the extraordinary odyssey that

Irish horses and racegoers enjoyed

last year.

39CREATING

CHAMPIONSFrom an idea to a high-performance racing event with a top-fl ight sponsor

in a few short years, Longines

Champions Weekend has

become a colossus in the racing

calendar.

7A DOZEN THINGS TO TRY IN 2016Some inspiration to help you enjoy even more horse-related activities this year.

18FILLIES FIRSTThe ITBA Fillies Bonus Scheme continues to progress the training and racing prospects of fi llies and mares in Ireland.

20LA NOIRE’S SHINING LIGHTSFrom a fortuitous gift grew a lifelong passion. Lissa Oliver talks to Gerry McGrath about La Noire and her talented progeny Jezki and Jered.

23OPEN SEASONJessica Lamb chats to Jessica Harrington, Brendan Duke and Gordon Elliot about their experiences of open days at their yards.

28TAKING THE REINSThe Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association outline their role in representing the interests of trainers.

36FIXTURES & RACE DAY BENEFITSDiscover the range of race day benefi ts for AIRO members with horses in training.

42STRAIGHT TO THE POINTBeloved of Irish racegoers, point-to-point meetings are the nursery and training ground of National Hunt champions, as Richard Pugh reports.

43INJURED JOCKEYSA spate of critical injuries to jockeys in recent times has led to an increase in demand for support. Irish Injured Jockeys works to provide that help when needed.

003 AIRO 2016_Contents.indd 3 08/02/2016 12:10

Fees 2016

Invincible Spirit €120,000Free Eagle €20,000Big Bad Bob €9,000Dragon Pulse €5,000Gale Force Ten €5,000Worthadd €5,000Famous Name €4,000Elusive Pimpernel €1,000Palavicini Private

*terms and conditions apply

Contact: John Osborne, Gary Swift, Sinéad Hyland or Helen BoyceTel: +353 (0)45 521251 Gary +353 (0)86 6031979 www.irishnationalstud.ie

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44CHAMPIONING CAREERSAFTER RACINGWhen a horse’s racing days fi nish, what next? The Irish Horse Welfare Trust offers a retraining programme to allow ex-racehorses to continue their sporting lives outside of racing.

46THE CRAFT OF COLOURSKathleen Kennedy crafts exquisite silks for racehorse owners in a career that has received recognition from both Mary McAleese and Queen Elizabeth II.

48CURRAGH CAMPAIGNSteeped in Irish racing history the Curragh is about to embark on an extensive redevelopment to ensure that it’s race-fi t for the future.

53INDIANTURF WARSAnil Mukhi reports on the hurdles preventing Indian horse racing making the grade.

56COURSE & DISTANCE WINNERSHit the road fora weekend away,a mid-week break or a circuit of Ireland and follow the action whereveryou go.

61IN THE KNOWInsider tips on how to get race ready and spring into summer in this season’s most talked about trends.

EDITOR:Mary Connaughton

ART DIRECTOR:Alan McArthur

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS:Anil Mukhi, Conor Forrest,

David Mongey, Donn McClean,Jessica Lamb, Lissa Oliver,

Orla Connolly, Rachel Murray,Richard Pugh

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY:Lorraine O’Sullivan

PHOTOGRAPHY:Lorraine O’Sullivan

Pat HealyJane Matthews

Getty ImagesThinkstock

INFOGRAPHICS: Flaticon

PRODUCTION MANAGER:Mary Connaughton

PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE:Nicole Ennis

SALES DIRECTOR:Paul Clemenson

MANAGING DIRECTOR:Gerry Tynan

CHAIRMAN:Diarmaid Lennon

Published by:Ashville Media Group,

Old Stone Building,Blackhall Green, Dublin 7

Tel: +353 1 432 2200Email: [email protected]

Web: www.ashville.com

On behalf of:Association of

Irish Racehorse Owners,Greenhills, Kill, Co Kildare

Tel: +353 (0)45 878 173Fax: +353 (0)45 878 174

Email:[email protected]

Web:www.irishracehorseowners.com

All articles © Ashville Media Group 2016. No part of this

publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system

or transmitted in any form or by any means without written

permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments

expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ashville

Media or the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners.

62STYLE STAKES Let minimalism take a backseat as this season’s colour surge is off to a fl ying start.

64LUXE LISTClassic pieces from sought after brands ensure timeless elegance.

66IRISH GOLD CUPFrom mellow spices to white fl owers, Irish whiskey’s nuanced fl avours are a treat to be savoured.

69CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREEDConor Forrest prefers horsepower of a different variety, read his top picks for the perfect combination of speed and staying power.

73DESTINY’S IMAGEThe incredible coincidence that led David Mongey to uncover an 1868 Punchestown painting.

75AIRO MEMBER BENEFITSGet a great overview of AIRO member benefi ts including automatic public liability insurance, hospitality exchange, discounts and free race day admission.

83AIRO AWARDSThe glitz and glamour on the spectacular evening of the 2015 AIRO awards.

88JUMPINGTHE FENCEFive-time Irish Champion Jockey, Johnny Murtagh, talks to Jessica Lamb about life out of the saddle.

003 AIRO 2016_Contents.indd 5 08/02/2016 12:10

2016Celebrate excellence and achievement in

the Irish horseracing industry at theAIRO Awards Dinner 2016

Join us for an evening of celebration and socialising on Saturday October 29 2016 in

the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare

To secure your tickets for this very popular event please contact

AIRO at 045-878173Email: [email protected]

AIROAWARDS

AIRO Awards 2016.indd 1 05/02/2016 17:25

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SAVE THE DATESeptember 13 2016

for the unique experience that is

the Laytown Races.

DON’T MISS THE THOROUGHBRED

TRAIL DURING CHAMPIONS WEEKEND.

Get back to your roots and bring the family to a

POINT-TO-POINT meeting.

Visit the NATIONAL STUD and see the stars. Make a day of it and take in the JAPANESE GARDENS, ST FIACHRA’S GARDEN AND THE HORSE MUSEUM.

Treat yourself to an annual badge (or drop heavy hints to your nearest and dearest) for your favourite track and give yourself the perfect excuse to never miss a meeting.

Check if your trainer is running an open day and make it a date to get a good

insight into the training process.

You might pick up a few tips too!

GET OUT ON THE GALLOPS!Make an early start to see your horse

on the gallops as dawn is breaking.

VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS

and some time with Riding for the Disabled

Association Ireland.

SPEND A DAY AT THE

SALES. Just because you

never know…WE DON’T GO IN FOR

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS MUCH, BUT WE DO THINK

IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO RESOLVE TO GET OUT AND ABOUT AND ENJOY MORE HORSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES

WHENEVER POSSIBLE. HERE ARE OUR TOP 12

THINGS TO DO IN 2016!

IN 2016A dozen

things to tryGet to both

days of Champions

Weekend

SPEND MORE TIME IN THE

WINNERS’ ENCLOSURE.

SAVE THE DATEOctober 29 2016

for the AIRO Awards

Dinner - don’t miss it!

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Islington

looks good, standing there in her box, unperturbed by the two human intruders. Nassau Stakes winner, dual Yorkshire Oaks winner, Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner. Equine royalty.

Her foal looks good too, at ease on the ground beside her. By Sea The Stars, already she is an exciting prospect. She has been given every chance in life, born at Ballymacoll Stud, set to be reared at Ballymacoll Stud, by a champion out of a champion. She stands up as the two intruders approach – just two days old and she stands up – nuzzles her mother’s tummy as the mare turns around to stand beside her, reassures the little foal. Guardian, protector, provider.

“All right girl,” says Peter Reynolds as he pats the mare on the shoulder. “This is Islington’s 10th foal, and it is her 10th filly. I mean, what are the chances?”

One in 1,024.

PerfectBALANCE

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Peter Reynolds with Islington and her foal

Peter Reynolds is tracing the history of Ballymacoll Stud. The farm was founded by Henry Hamilton, who died in 1844, and it was sold to Lord Nugent in 1911. There followed a series of tenants,

including Boss Croker, the Inchcape family and the Irish Army during the Second World War, before Dorothy Paget bought it in 1946.

Strangely, the eccentric Dorothy Paget never visited Ballymacoll. It was managed for her by Charlie Rogers, and her secretary visited often, returning to the owner with reports and with photographs of the farm.

Peter Reynolds produces one of the photographs. “That’s five years before the boss bought the place,” he says. “There’s Dorothy Paget’s secretary sitting on the front gate, with Charlie Rogers. He was a tremendous character, he was here when I first got here. His stud groom Danny Daly was a great help to me in the early years.”

On Dorothy Paget’s death in 1960 at the age of 54, there was a danger that the broodmare band that she had assembled would be dispersed. Her trainer Sir Gordon Richards endeavoured to put a deal together that would keep the status quo, have one owner take over the lot, including the horses that she had in training with him, which constituted more than half his total string. An initial approach to Stavros Niarchos was not successful, but a second approach to Michael Sobell and his son-in-law Arnold Weinstock was, and the Ballymacoll broodmare band was kept intact.

The new owners were successful from the start, first with Sir Gordon Richards, then with Dick Hern. Standards were high. Sunny Cove, a filly by Nearco and foaled in 1957, made her debut in the Sobell colours in the 1960 Irish Oaks, and finished second. Then she won the Park Hill Stakes and the Newmarket Oaks.

“We are down to 16 mares here now,” says Peter, “and 15 are descended from two of the Dorothy Paget mares, Sunny Cove and Country House. Islington and Hellenic are from the Country House family. It’s great to have that continuity, to be able to trace these mares back so far.”

As well as having a strong broodmare band – or perhaps because of having a strong broodmare band – Sir Michael Sobell and Lord Weinstock enjoyed great success on the racetrack with Sir Gordon Richards and Major Dick Hern. The stakes winners and Group 1 winners are pinned up on the walls, swirling around the Ballymacoll

offices like a kind wind that blows only good. Reform and Dart Board and Sallust and Sun Prince. Then in 1979, Troy won the Derby for Ballymacoll and Dick Hern, punched out to a seven-length victory by a youthful Willie Carson.

Reynolds himself joined Ballymacoll in 1971. His father was Clerk of the Scales to the Turf Club for 20 years and, even before he joined Ballymacoll, Peter himself was steeped in thoroughbreds. He was seven years at Egerton Stud in Newmarket, he travelled horses for the BBA and he worked for the American bloodstock agency Murty Brothers before he arrived at the front gates of Ballymacoll Stud in County Meath.

“The boss was tough, he demanded plenty from his employees, but he was fair,” recalls Peter. “I remember, not long after I started, he called me one Tuesday morning. ‘Where were you yesterday?’ he said to me. I said: ‘Lord Weinstock, it was a bank holiday in Ireland yesterday. I went to the races.’ He said: ‘Well, do the horses know that it was a bank holiday?’ That was the type of man he was. When he wanted you, he wanted you.”

The transition from Major Hern to Sir Michael

BALLYMACOLL STUD: AN OWNERS HISTORY...

FOUNDED BY HENRY HAMILTON

PURCHASED BY DOROTHY PAGET IN 1946

SOLD TO LORD NUGENT IN 1911

MICHAEL SOBELL AND AND HIS SON-IN-LAW, ARNOLD WEINSTOCK TOOK OVER IN 1960

A SERIES OF TENANTS FOLLOWED, INCLUDING BOSS CROKER, THE INCHCAPE FAMILY AND THE IRISH ARMY

IN 2010 BALLYMACOLL STUD CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS UNDER THE OWNERSHIP OF THE WEINSTOCK & SOBELL FAMILIES

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Stoute was relatively seamless. When Major Hern was passing the baton, he told the recipient that it would take him five or six years to get to know the Ballymacoll families, and that is how it panned out.

“Simon (Lord Weinstock’s son) called me one day here to ask me if I knew Michael Stoute. Dick Hern had been great for Ballymacoll, and he had been great to me, but Michael Stoute was a trainer on the up at the time. And he has been great to me too since he has started to train most of the Ballymacoll horses. Michael phoned Major Hern at the time to ask if he minded if he took over some of the horses. Of course, the decision had already been made, they both knew that, but to his dying day, Major Hern really appreciated the fact that Michael had called him.”

When Lord Weinstock died 13 years ago, he left Ballymacoll Stud to his six grandchildren, Simon’s three daughters and Simon’s sister Susan’s three children. Tragically, Simon had died in 1996 from leukaemia, just 44 years old, but his widow Laura still keeps a great interest in the farm.

Standards remained high, the big horses and the Group 1 winners kept coming: Prince Of Dance and Saddlers’ Hall and Spectrum and Hellenic and Helen Street.

“We sold Helen Street for some reason,” laments Peter. “Strangely, the boss decided that he wanted to sell an Irish Oaks winner. Of course, these things are easy in hindsight, but she turned out to be the dam of Street Cry and the grandam of Shamardal. These things happen.”

Golan and North Light and Conduit and Islington and Pilsudski and Sun Princess.

“We have been lucky enough to win lots of top class races all over the world, but the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the race that we want to win above all others,” says Peter wistfully. “We have gone so close.”

They have. Pilsudski was second to Helissio in 1996 and he was second to Peintre Celebre in 1997. Golan won the Prix Niel in 2001 and was fourth behind Sakhee in the Arc three weeks later, and Islington was only beaten by two lengths in the Arc in 2002. But 1983 really could have been Ballymacoll’s year, when Sun Princess finished second, beaten just a length by All Along, three weeks after she had run her heart out to land the St Leger on soft ground.

This year, Ballymacoll Stud will have just around 20 horses in training, but there is plenty of promise.

We have been lucky enough to win lots of top class races all over the world, but the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the race that we want to win above all others. We have gone so close.”


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Leading horses through the grounds of Ballymacol “Arab Spring injured his hock at Sandown in May when

he got beaten by Western Hymn,” says Peter. “Michael Stoute has infinite patience, he could have run at the back end of the season, but he said we’d leave him until next year. He is six years old now, but that family always needed time. He is a horse to look forward to this season.”

Yarrow looked like a promising filly early last season when she won her maiden at Leicester in May, but she was pulled up by Pat Smullen on her next run when well fancied for the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.

“Pat thought she had had it,” recalls Peter. “She got this irregular heartbeat and Pat did well to pull her up. We took her to Newmarket, to the best heart people there, and they said she was fine, so we allowed her take her chance at York. But it was soft ground there, and she hated it. She will hopefully be a summer horse this season, a staying type, and I hope she will get some black type for us again.”

Yarrow’s dam, Highland Gift, was a prolific broodmare. Her racing career curtailed by injury, Peter sent her to Spectrum for her first covering, and Golan was born the following year. Since then Highland Gift, who died last April, has produced Gift Range and Leocorno, as well as Tartan Bearer, winner of the Dante and runner-up in the Derby and Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

“I am convinced that Yarrow will be a decent filly this year,” Peter continues. “We had her back here for six weeks, and she blossomed. She got stronger. I have had fillies out of training here before, and they wouldn’t settle, but she did, and she thrived.”

Petrucci progressed nicely in three runs last season, winning his maiden at Chelmsford in September on his second run, and running well to finish a close-up third on his final run of the season at Windsor in October.

Yes, she is a filly we are looking forward to. She will probably prove to be very good, because I sold her dam Serres. Ask any breeder, when you sell the dam her offspring can take off!”

“He probably should have won that day,” says Peter. “He could be ready to go early enough this year. He could be our first runner of the season, and he could have a good year.”

Thetis is another filly to look forward to this season. She shaped encouragingly on her racecourse debut at Newmarket in August, and she won her maiden at Carlisle in September before running a cracker to finish second in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket in September.

“Yes, she is a filly we are looking forward to. She will probably prove to be very good, because I sold her dam Serres. Ask any breeder, when you sell the dam her offspring can take off! I was happy to sell her though at the time, we had Thetis and we had her half-sister, Liber Nauticus, who won the Musidora and finished fifth in the Oaks. You have to sell sometimes when you get the right offer.”

It has been thus since Lord Weinstock’s death. At the time, the executors told Peter to carry on running the place, but not to ask for any money. So he has. He reckons that he has to find about £1.5 million every year.

“That’s quite hard at times,” he says. “Nominations, a half a million. Running the horses in training, a half a million. Running this place, a half a million. So I have to pay for the operation by selling horses. We have had good years, we have had good sales and we have had good results on the racetrack, but sometimes it can be difficult. But we are lucky, we have a very good team of people around us and we have a great farm. And then you want to do a few things around the place, it mounts up. To keep the place right. You have to keep the standards up.”

Look around you. No sign of standards slipping here.

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Fairyhouse RacecourseEmail: [email protected]

Phone: (01) 825 6167Web: WWW.FAIRYHOUSE.IE

Navan RacecourseEmail: [email protected]

Phone: (046) 902 1350Web: www.navanracecourse.ie

LeopardstownEmail: [email protected]

Phone: (01) 289 0500Web: www.leopardstown.com

TipperaryEmail: [email protected]

Phone: (062) 51537Web: www.tipperaryraces.ie

Racecourses

We care about at ourOwners

We recognise the importance of the owners in our industry and our tracks Fairyhouse, Tipperary,

Navan and Leopardstown aim to offer a memorable experience. Each owner with a runner will enjoy a complimentary lunch , while winning owners will enjoy

a celebratory drink in the dedicated winners area and receive a copy of the race DVD

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Something most owners will identify with is, once you get bitten by the bug it’s

very difficult to get away from it.

Trace a line from Fairtown to Ballytobin, through Foxrock, Mount Benbulben and the Martello Tower and you will reach the Curragh.

You will arrive at a tall, electric, green gate, behind which resides the most promising jumping team the training mecca has seen in years.

It’s not one trainer who has built this professional operation, but one owner, Barry Connell, and his journey through three eras – and decades - of racehorse ownership began with Fairtown.

“Fairtown was my first horse,” he says. “I got him nearly 30 years ago, back in the late 80s. He was trained by Tony Mullins and he ended up winning a handicap hurdle on Galway Plate day at the 1989 Galway festival.”

It was his first winner and the beginning of a relationship with Mullins that would lead to many more firsts. “A very good owner of mine, Oliver Freaney had a son called Eamon, and it was him who introduced me to Barry,” remembers Mullins. “I bought him Fairtown and then he had another filly with me called Milly’s Song.

THE MESMERISING RISE OF BARRY CONNELL FROM FIRST TIME OWNER TO MAJOR PLAYER MAY APPEAR LIKE EXTRAORDINARY

LUCK BUT HIS PASSION, PRECISION AND FOCUS ARE THE HORSEPOWER DRIVING THIS POWERHOUSE OF RACING.

POWERHorse

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“We bought her as a hurdler and she didn’t make the grade as a jumper, but many years later she ended up being the dam of Rock And Roll Kid.”

Adorning the study wall in Connell’s Foxrock home is a portrait painting of Rock And Roll Kid. He grew into a talented Flat handicapper, right up there with his other Flat stars Minsk and Inis Meain. He won three times at the Curragh and took a major handicap at the Galway festival (yes, he does have a lot of winners there). “He was a smasher,” says Connell. “He was a 7f to 1m horse, none of the family ever stayed so we didn’t send him jumping. He was too good to send over hurdles anyway.”

Rock And Roll Kid became a stalwart to the Mullins yard, earning a place in their family with his odd character. “He was like a pet dog with me,” his trainer smiles. “He’d follow me around the yard without anything on him. I loved that horse.” He adds: “Barry was lucky he got into Danehill Dancer just before he hit the big time, because you wouldn’t have paid the price he went to for a cover for a mare like her. It’s all about timing.”

That it is. After Fairtown and Milly’s Song, Mullins and Connell didn’t meet for a few years. By the time they did, the owner had struck up a partnership with trainer Ted Walsh and, at 39, had gone from the uninitiated to riding racehorses on the gallops. “It was a progressive thing,” Connell explained. “I started taking lessons then riding out on weekends and about 10 years after first sitting on a horse I rode in a charity race.”

Riding his own Bushman’s River, trained by Walsh, he won at Punchestown. It wasn’t the plan to progress further from there, but in 2000 the Dublin stockbroker set up his own business, making his time more flexible. “I was able to start riding out most mornings,” he says. “Before I wouldn’t have had the time, so after that charity race I took out an amateur license.”

“It was around 1999,” remembers Mullins, “and when we met again he said, ‘if you have a horse that might suit me, give me a call’. As it happened I did.”

It’s a trick question - what was Barry Connell’s first winner as a jockey – because his first winner finished second. Trained by Walsh, Kilcrea Shyan was beaten seven lengths by Curraheen Chief at the Listowel festival, but a banned substance was later found in the son of Little Bighorn’s sample and Connell lost his maiden tag. That’s not the horse that Mullins found him though. Looking back at the map of Connell’s ownership experience you’ll see that after Fairtown comes Ballytobin.

That son of Shahanndeh was the first to give Connell a buzz he has been savouring ever since. He won at Limerick back in 2003 and a few months later another of Mullins’s finds carried the owner to victory in the prestigious Listed bumper at Cheltenham’s November meeting. “I thought I had a very good horse in Electric Flower,” Mullins explains. “When he was beaten by this yoke called The Posh Paddy at Clonmel, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t see my horse getting beaten. I rang Barry when I got home.”

Connell rode The Posh Paddy to win at Cheltenham and went on to double that tally with the Paul Nolan-trained Shinrock Paddy - Mullins saddling Pedrobob to give the owner his first Cheltenham Festival winner in the 2007 County Hurdle in between, and Shinrock Paddy going on to become his first Grade 1 winner when taking the 2008 Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle.

By the time he finished riding six years ago, he had ticked a hell of a lot boxes on the owners’ dream list, but what he was lacking was quality and chasers.

It’s no coincidence that his stock has changed and the likes of Foxrock and Mount Benbulben have emerged as chasing talents, with Martello Tower also giving him his first Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival win in last year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. “When I was riding I was trying to buy sharp bumper types,” he explains. “Nowadays we’d still buy a few of those, but a lot of the horses would be bought with a view to making chasers down the line. It’s a horse with a bit more scope and size to go jumping.”

He adds: “The idea is to try to keep the quality up and the numbers at a manageable level. Most of the horses we buy now we aim to try to turn into Graded horses or high-grade handicappers.”

When he was riding he also had horses everywhere; Tony Mullins, Ted

The idea is to try to keep the quality up and the numbers at a manageable level. Most of the horses we buy now we aim to try to turn into Graded horses or high-grade handicappers.”

TOP HORSESVELVET MAKERTrainer: Alan FlemingAge: 7yo gSire: Policy Maker Dam: Evasion

de l’Orne

He looks a nice prospect for two-mile chasing. He just found the ground a bit deep when third behind Douvan at Leopardstown. He’ll be a better horse on better ground and will go to Leopardstown for the Irish Arkle then hopefully on to the Arkle at Cheltenham too.

MARTELLO TOWERTrainer:Mags MullinsAge: 8yo gSire: MilanDam: Johnsalice

He won the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last year and came back with a good run at Leopardstown at Christmas. The plan would be to go back for the World Hurdle this year. He’ll probably have one more run in the Galmoy and then on to Cheltenham.

FOXROCKTrainer:Ted WalshAge: 8yo gSire: FlemensfirthDam: Midnight

Light

His third in the Lexus Chase behind Don Poli at Christmas was great and he goes back to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup. He was a very high-class handicap chaser, our first, but he has become very competitive in those Grade 1 chases.

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Walsh, Jessica Harrington, Paul Nolan, Mags Mullins, Shark Hanlon, the late Dessie Hughes, even Nigel Twiston-Davies in England.

He had been involved in almost every major yard in Ireland and had even had horses in training with Jonjo O’Neill at the mighty Jackdaws Castle. The knowledge he absorbed from being in those yards had to go somewhere. He had transformed from a racegoer to a successful owner, then winning jockey and now there was one last area to experience: being a trainer.

“When I retired from riding I had it in the back of my mind to do something like this,” he says, standing in his new operation on the quiet side of the Curragh. “The idea was to get someone who could oversee the operation. I enjoy being down here and being part of it, but you need somebody here full-time. I really haven’t got the time to do that.

“I had known Alan Fleming for years because he served his time at Ted Walsh’s. He then went to train for owner Oliver McKiernan and then for Andrew Waites, so he had already been a trainer in the position I was offering him.”

BECOMNG AN OWNER

Make sure you enjoy going racing, because owning horses is all about enhancing the day out at the races. It’s an opportunity to learn a bit more about the racing game. You get to go to the trainer’s yard, see it exercise at home and then run on the track. You don’t have to do that, but hopefully you do get a bit more involved than just turning up on the day because that’s what it’s all about. I would say to anyone, definitely aim to get as involved as you can in your horses.

The yard is pristine and modern, with a sand arena, water treadmill, paddocks and offices. Attached is a sizeable house, occupied by the trainer, Fleming, and across the road is the secret to their success.

“We were lucky to find any land to buy around here, so to get 18 acres over the road was perfect,” says Connell. “On it we built our circular gallop, a road around the outside, an all-weather jumping lane and more paddocks. It’s made such a difference.

“We found the horses got revved up before, because when they left the yard they could be going anywhere, schooling, working, cantering. Now when they walk out they know what’s happening. They are far more relaxed.”

French-bred Gwencily Berbas opened the yard’s account when winning a Grade 2 hurdle on his Irish debut last February and Connell tips him to go on to be his next big star, but what he’s keen to stress is that the real

harvest of his new venture is in the distance.

“We have 15-20 horses that haven’t run yet,” he says. “It’s a two to three year project this, and we’re just feeling our way with it at the moment. There are no hard and fast rules and I still have horses in-training elsewhere, but the majority are now concentrated here.”

He adds: “I’m down here most of the time, riding out and getting to know the horses and seeing them coming along from when they arrive. You can monitor their progress very closely and I’m enjoying being involved in every aspect.”

Everything he has picked up from riding out his own horses in yards across the country and the Irish Sea, from meeting trainers, jockeys and other owners and from constantly going racing has evolved into this; a yard with a strike rate this season that hovers at 30 per cent.

That’s on par with that of champion trainer Willie Mullins – in less than two seasons – and it began with Fairtown.

“It’s addictive really,” Connell concludes. “Something most owners will identify with is, once you get bitten by the bug it’s very difficult to get away from it.”

DEALING WITH LOWS

It’s part of the deal and the more involved you get, the more horses are going to get injured – those disappointments are hard to cope with when you get closer to some of the horses. But that’s the deal and you have to really enjoy the good days.

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The Irish Thoroughbred

Breeders’ Association

(ITBA) NH Fillies’ Bonus

Scheme, now in its third

year, is an industry self-

help scheme to encourage a greater

participation of National Hunt bred

fillies and mares on the racetrack.

The scheme adds a €5,000

bonus to the winning owner of

National Hunt fillies’ maiden races

programmed in Ireland. Every filly/

mare has the opportunity to win

€15,000 if she wins her mares

only bumper, maiden hurdle

and beginners chase and once

registered to the scheme she is

THE SUCCESS OF THE IRISH THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION NH FILLIES BONUS SCHEME HAS BEEN MANIFOLD, IT HAS INCREASED THE NUMBERS OF FILLIES IN TRAINING, GENERATED ADDITIONAL FILLIES’ ONLY RACES AND HELPED UPGRADE THE PADDOCK VALUE OF MARES FOR MANY OWNERS AND BREEDERS.

eligible for her racing career.

The scheme is open to fillies

entered in sales as well as non-sales

fillies. Fillies have to be unraced

as at 30th September of their

three-year-old year but are

permitted to have participated on

the point-to-point circuit. This is

designed to encourage point-to-

point handlers to race their fillies on

the track for that extra incentive of a

€5,000 bonus.

Since its inception three years

ago, the number of fillies’ only

races has increased from 76 to 91

thus resulting in an increase in

the number of fillies returned in

training. Of particular interest is

the fact that approximately 60%

of the bonuses are won by owner/

breeders, of which some of those

may not have been returned in

training if there was no self-help

incentive to do so. There have

been a number of fillies who

have collected a double bonus of

€10,000, and the highly versatile

Carrigmoorna Rock — a black

type winner — has landed the

€15,000 for her owners the Old

Fools Partnership and breeder Tom

McCarthy.

Emcon, Give Her Bach, Marygale

Bridge, Myska, Myztique, Ten Times

FilliesFIRST

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Carrigmoorna Rock wins €15,000 in ITBA Bonuses for her Owners The Old Fools Partnership

For further information on the scheme please contact Regina Byrne on [email protected] or 045-877543

Better, The Brock Inn and Whistle

Dixie are all fillies who have secured

their double bonuses and all are

odds on to maximize their bonus

(€15,000) this year.

The ITBA try to encourage quality

production and our National Hunt

Committee are conscious of the

need to continuously improve

our broodmare band. The day is

gone where breeders can throw

generations of fillies out in the

paddock and send them to the

covering shed.

One of our objectives is to

protect the middle and lower tiers,

provide ample opportunities for

them and ensure “the small man”

can compete.

There are a lot of skilled and

experienced professionals who have

to manage sales rejects and home-

breds that have little resale value,

which can prove to be a difficult

proposition and rarely equates to a

viable, long-term business model.

Without being the panacea,

it is schemes like the ITBA Fillies

Bonus Scheme that provide an

opportunity for such breeders to

stay in the game, upgrade the

paddock value of their mares and

as such generate a better price for

their filly at sale.

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THE GIFT OF A HORSE FROM A FATHER TO A SON IS A WONDERFUL THING. WHEN THAT HORSE HAPPENS TO BE LA NOIRE, DAM TO CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE WINNER JERED AND THE MULTI-GRADE 1 WINNER JEZKI – IT’S A WONDEROUS THING.

“I first got involved in racehorse ownership when my father gave me a horse,” explains Gerry McGrath. A gift that introduces someone to a hobby and interest that may absorb them for the rest of their life is always one to be treasured, but this particular gift horse turned out to be slightly more than that.

La Noire became the foundation mare of Athdara Stud, Gerry’s home in Co Meath, and he has personally bred, raised and raced her progeny and family ever since.

For those of us who occasionally dip into the ‘outside’ world beyond thoroughbreds, a saying about giving a man a fish or a fishing rod springs to mind. Gerry has been in the enviable position of never having bought a horse to race and the dynasty established by La Noire includes her first foal, daughter Miss Squiff, now among Gerry’s broodmare band; Jered, winner of the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown; Jetson, winner of Punchestown’s World Hurdle; and the multi-Grade 1 winning Jezki.

The family involvement began in 1984, upon his father’s retirement, horses never having figured prior to that. As “a townie” Gerry admits to having been a little nervous and afraid of the first horses he met, in those early days, “but they soon win you over.” It seems to have been a fortuitous base for the future. His parents’ first mare was the incredibly successful

Arctic Run, while their first runner, Brandante, won on his debut by 15 lengths!. “That was probably the worst kind of start as it gave my parents the wrong idea!” Gerry laughs.

Being more interested in racing than breeding, the arrival of a filly to Arctic Run led to Michael McGrath directly involving his son in the unexpected delights and perils of ownership, through the gift of La Noire. She provided a more realistic introduction for Gerry, running only four times and placing twice, but troubled throughout by bad knees, which eventually led to her premature retirement. At that point the luck of the McGraths kicked in!

Everyone dreams of owning a top-class horse, but Gerry is one of the lucky few who can provide an insight into how it feels. “Before Jezki I was always looking forward, hoping for that good horse to come along,” he admits. “Once you’ve tasted success, it’s very hard to repeat it, but the expectancy is always there. We grow old looking for the next good horse and waiting for it!”

Gerry is very much hands-on and

SHINING LIGHTSLa Noire’s

Pat

Hea

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La Noire with Gerry McGrath

his horses are family. He chooses the stallions for his mares and manages their daily care, as well as that of the youngstock. “It’s like waiting for your kids’ first day at school!” he says of the youngstock still waiting in the wings. Jezki’s full-sister Jelan, the four-year-old Jetz and the year-younger Jetez are among the more immediate racing prospects, with a two-year-old Milan filly on her way through and two younger fillies the current babies of the family.

Gerry takes great care over the choice of trainers, much like a parent selecting a suitable school, and he doesn’t like to see his horses pushed too hard. With Jessica Harrington he seems to have found the perfect match. “Jessica is not just a great trainer, she is first and foremost a horse person who knows them inside out,” he says in praise. “For her the horse comes first and the owner second.” His advice to owners when speaking with trainers is “basically, ask questions. Trainers are not infallible and if you think something’s going wrong, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Things do go wrong and as any owner will tell you, there are often more bad days than good, but Gerry is philosophical. “If you get disappointments you have to keep telling yourself it’s going to get better. We planned to get lots of runs with Jett, but he had a cough, then a stone bruise, then the ground was too bad. It can be disheartening, paying for horses and not getting a run. So many things can go against you, the ground, balloting.” He also points out that it can often cost more to keep a bad horse in training than a good one, “with extra schooling needed and all that it takes to try to bring him along.”

It’s an expensive business, he says, “like any sport, you aim to buy the best golf clubs you can, to join the best tennis club you can.” You have to be prepared to invest, for no return other than the thrill and pleasure of the experience. Financial return is a bonus.

A day at the races as an owner, however, is hard to match. “Unless it’s a social day out, I don’t go racing much

unless I have a horse running,” he says. “Going to the races as an owner is so totally different, you go there and enjoy the hospitality and once you’ve tasted that, it’s not the same when you don’t have a runner.”

He acknowledges that Irish racecourses are starting to up their game when it comes to hospitality for owners, but there’s still more to do. He points out simple things, often over-looked. “There is no point simply having an Owners’ & Trainers’ Bar and tucking it away somewhere. The Owners & Trainers’ is where you should always be able to see the parade ring and racecourse.”

When it comes to visibility, Gerry has no trouble spotting his colours of black and orange, chosen because “you can see them in a fog!” He recalls after one win mischievously thanking the stewards for their support, “dressing all the ground staff in my colours. They were all in their high-vis’ orange jackets!”

For the first time since he became involved in owning and breeding, he’ll have no runners at the Cheltenham Festival this year, but will enjoy the racing and atmosphere from his local pub each day. “Our local organises betting and viewing, but I don’t know how we’ll cope on St Patrick’s Day with all the extra buggies and prams!”

It sounds as though the Festival atmosphere will be suitably matched, but Gerry does find it lacking on most racecourses these days, away from the major festivals. “The crowds are definitely thinning out,” he observes. “At a mid-week meeting you only find the die-hards. With everything televised, it’s too easy to sit at home and watch the racing, especially

when National Hunt racing doesn’t tend to get good weather.”

Something currently seen as possibly increasing racing’s profile or putting potential owners off, depending on your view point, is the dominance of a handful of owners. Gerry has been fortunate enough to compete, but if he was only starting out now it would put him off, he admits. “If you decide the leading trainer is the best trainer, do you give him a horse?” he asks. “It might not get preferential treatment. And if your horse does well, a dominant owner will come looking for it.”

He believes the way forward for smaller trainers is to syndicate horses and retain a controlling interest. “Syndicate half the horse, so there’s not too much cost involved, and provide more interest for owners. It’s also easier for the trainer to keep the horse, should bigger stables come looking for it. Racing needs syndicates to keep it going.”

For Gerry, there’s only one way to sum up the levelling experience of racehorse ownership. “It only needs one little bit of success to wipe out years of misery and disappointment.”

020 AIRO 2016_Owner.indd 21 08/02/2016 11:24

SUMMER FESTIVALMonday 25th July (E) Tuesday 26th July (E)

Wednesday 27th July (E) Thursday 28th July Friday 29th July (E) Saturday 30th July Sunday 31st July

AUTUMN MEETINGMonday 5th September (E) Tuesday 6th September (E)

OCTOBER MEETINGTuesday 11th October

OCTOBER BANK HOLIDAY MEETING

Sunday 30th OctoberMonday 31st October

THE RACING, THE TRILL AND ATMOSPHERE AT GALWAY RACES 2016 GALWAY RACES 2016

For Further details contact: Michael Moloney, Manager

at (091) 753870 • Fax: (091) 752592E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.galwayraces.com

EXPERIENCE...

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Untitled-1 1 08/02/2016 10:02

OPENSEASON

OPEN DAYS AT TRAINERS YARDS PROVIDE A PERFECT, WELL PLANNED OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAINERS, OWNERS AND PROSPECTIVE OWNERS TO MEET IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE AND SPEND TIME EXPLORING THE YARD, CHAT TO THE STAFF AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HORSES IN TRAINING. JESSICA LAMB CHATTED WITH THREE TRAINERS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES OF OPEN DAYS.

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Open days are never more open that at the Curragh yard of Brendan Duke. In his days in the British training centre of Lambourn, Duke was introduced to the initiative through the famous Good Friday Lambourn Open Day, where several hundred people would pass through his yard throughout the day. Now he is part of the

Longines Irish Champions Weekend Champions Trail and regularly runs his own events. “I love doing it and find it stress free,” he says. “I think it’s a great way of giving the general public and racegoers an insight into the daily running of a racing yard, and what actually goes into getting a horse to the track. “It gives the lads in the yard a bit of a buzz as they can talk to the people who are coming about their horses, and it gives the guests a focus; they can follow the horses they’ve met in the yard.” He adds: “I see people taking pictures of the horses and taking notes and that’s what it’s all about.” There are no secrets when Duke is showing off his horses, and every horse is taken out of it’s stable to be inspected. “The only preparation that has to go into it is organising getting them to the gallops, because you don’t want to take all the cars up to the Curragh,” he explains. “I’ve had anything from five to 35 people so I try to organise my own car and a minibus to get them over there.” Duke puts an emphasis on the educational side of the morning and has seen guests pick up on an unexpected point. He says: “People generally associate racehorses and racehorse ownership with wealth. They come here and see it’s not actually that expensive at all to get involved in a horse and the fees are very manageable. “I’ve had quite a bit of success with people that have come to open days and bought and eighth or a tenth in a horse, and they always come back.” This year Duke hopes to run his popular pre-Punchestown open day, as well as one on Irish Guineas weekend in May and during Irish Champions Weekend in September.

It gives the lads in the yard a bit of a buzz as they can talk to the people who are coming about their horses, and it gives the guests a focus; they can follow the horses they’ve met in the yard.”

BRENDAN DUKE

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Jessica Harrtington believes open days could begin bringing trainers a return again as early as this year. The Kildare-based trainer has been

running at least one annual open day for her owners, and their friends and family, for years and has recently also been hosting Horse Racing Ireland guests, after the governing body set aside a budget through Irish Thoroughbred Marketing for assisting trainers’ open days. “HRI help with providing a loudspeaker and with promotion,” says Harrington. “We actually print our own leaflets, but the help is there if we want it and it’s appreciated. “I think it’s a good exercise and once you’ve done the first one they actually aren’t that much of a big deal.” When Harrington opens her doors, guests get to see horses on the gallops and get talked through the past, present and future of each horse. They are free to roam around the yard and ask questions and are kept going with coffee and finger food. “People are interested in seeing your place,” she says. “They enjoy getting to know the horses better, and it’s a social occasion too, giving owners the opportunity to meet new people.” During an open day, the yard is on show and on sale, revealing all in an attempt to entice new owners in to it and into racing. The social and educational elements of an open day have been dominant during the economic downturn, but Harrington feels that could be changing. “I think now, with the economy improving, they just might be interested in owning a horse,” she says. “That hasn’t been the case for a few years, but I think now it might be.” This year Harrington hopes to run her open day before Punchestown, giving guests a double stable tour, effectively. She explains: “If I have one in the spring then we will have all the Flat horses in as well as the good jumpers.”

If I have one in the spring then we will have all the Flat horses in as well as the good jumpers.”

JESSICAHARRINGTON

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Gordon Elliot’s state-of-the-art yard in County Meath is one of the biggest in Ireland to open its doors to the public. Bought by

the trainer in 2011, the farm now has more than 100 stables, its own gallops, schooling grounds, top-of-the-range horse wash bays, walkers and soon an outdoor equine swimming pool. “When we run open days here, it’s not all about the horses,” says Elliott. “Obviously I always go through the horses, say what they’re doing and where they’re going and answer the questions, but people also want to walk through all the barns, see the improvements that are always going on and watch what happens on a routine morning.” Elliott’s laid-back attitude means he is well-suited to the hustle and bustle of an open day morning, and his yard has been designed to make it easy to go from yard, to warm up, to gallops and cool-down. That’s not just for the horses - and it means guests don’t miss anything. “We used to do them at our old place in Trim too,” says Elliott, “and I think at one point we had 400 people down. “It’s great to see that many people interested in what you’re doing, and now we do mornings for our sponsors guests, owners, the press - we seem to be always open! It’s part of the job and goes hand-in-hand with being lucky enough to get the good horses we have.” The group Elliott has the most open mornings for is the Gordon Elliott Racing Club, an ownership experience initiative set up last year. “It’s part of the deal with the racing club,” he explains. “You’re only leasing a horse, you don’t own it, but you do get all the ownership benefits and experiences, including visiting the yard regularly. “It’s making racehorse ownership affordable and is a real social thing.”

GORDON ELLIOTT

It’s part of the job and goes hand-in-hand with being lucky enough to get the good horses we have.”

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DID YOU KNOWAshville Media Group is Ireland’s largest publishing and events company.

You’ve almost certainly read our magazines or attended our events.

Our mission is to connect your brand with the largest audience in Ireland.

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Ashville LAM 2016 Ad.indd 1 26/01/2016 09:04Ashville Iceburg Advert.indd 1 05/02/2016 17:23

| THE IRISH RACEHORSE TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION |

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The Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association (IRTA)

was founded in September 1950 in a world far

removed from todays racing industry. When

those 12 good men and true signed the Articles

of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association in

1950, little did they realise the importance of their decision,

and the positive impact their Association would have on

the future of Irish racing

The legendary trainer, Michael Vincent O’Brien was

the junior member of the original twelve ‘subscribers’ to

the Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association, incorporated in

Foster Place, Dublin, on Monday, 5th September 1950. The

date chosen because it was a blank day in the Irish racing

calendar, as was Monday 10 July, the occasion on which the

founding 12 inscribed their signatures to the original draft.

Outlining nineteen founding ‘Objects’, the fourth of

which clearly encapsulates the mission of the IRTA now

and then, “To consider all questions affecting the interests

of the profession and to initiate and watch over and if

necessary to petition Dáil Éireann or promote deputations

in relating to matters affecting the profession and to

procure changes of laws or regulations affecting the

IRISH TRAINERS PLAY A CRUICIAL ROLE IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RACING. IT IS THE REMIT OF THE IRISH RACEHORSE TRAINERS ASSOCIATION TO REPRESENT THEIR INTERESTS AT GOVERNMENT LEVEL, ENSURE THEIR DAY-TO-DAY CONCERNS ARE ADDRESSED AND PROVIDE A SAFETY NET IN TIMES OF NEED.

profession and the promotion of improvements in matters

relating thereto.“

Beyond this overarching vision, the primary objective of

the newly formed association was to lobby the Department

of Agriculture to facilitate the importation of Canadian

oats, in a post-war era when Ireland looked inward in an

effort to develop a self-sufficient domestic economy. As

a result a tariff system on imports made sourcing from

overseas prohibitively expensive or simply unviable. The Irish

Racehorse Trainers’ Association had no desire to denigrate

Irish cereal growers, but was acutely aware of and intent

on exposing the impossibility of producing sufficient

quantities of quality oats in our climate.

Today the IRTA represents approximately 370 licensed

trainers from all 32 counties of Ireland. The 12 council

members of 2016 include; Noel Meade, Chairman; Michael

Halford, Vice Chairman; DK Weld, Jessica Harrington, Eoin

Griffin, Andrew Oliver, Patrick Prendergast, Jim Gorman,

Eric McNamara, Andrew McNamara, Tom Hogan and

Henry De Bromhead. Michael Grassick was appointed Chief

Executive in 2013.

Michael is the principle point of contact to all

ReinsTAKING

the

028 AIRO 2016_Trainers Association.indd 28 08/02/2016 12:35

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Irish Racehorse Trainers AssociationCurragh HouseDublin RoadKildareCo Kildare

T: 045 522981M: 087 2588770E: irishrta

@eircom.netwww.irta.ie

Michael Grassick

association members, offering assistance with

any queries or issues they may have. The office

headquarters are located within the RACE training

academy in Kildare and the day-to-day running of

it is managed by Aoife Hanratty.

The IRTA is the representative body for licensed

trainers within the thirty-two counties of Ireland.

The association’s objective is to represent its

members to the benefit of both members and

the broader racing industry. One of the major

objectives of the IRTA is to enable a viewpoint to

be collectively rather than individually expressed.

The Association plays a major role in helping to

make training as successful as possible by solving

issues that arise. Ultimately its function is to listen

to the needs and problems of trainers and to

address them.

Trainers having difficulty with rules or issues

in the Turf Club or HRI can approach the IRTA

to act on their behalf to help resolve these

issues. The IRTA has played a major role in the

progress of Irish racing and has set up an

excellent communication network with those

concerned in the administration and running of

the Irish racing industry.

The Association’s commitment to protecting

the interests of trainers extends to a worthwhile

and important benevolent fund for trainers and

their families who fall on hard times,

and a death in service benefit for trainers,

both retired or licensed holders. The Association

also makes generous annual contributions

to generously RACE, Irish Horse Welfare Trust

and Blue Cross Horse Ambulance. Advice is

offered from the association on health & safety

issues, employer insurance and other issues

relating to employment.

Over 60 years on, the IRTA continues to build

on the significant achievements it has made in the

industry and to improve conditions for trainers in

Ireland. The IRTA is represented on the following

bodies: Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Thoroughbred

Marketing, European Trainers Federation,

Leopardstown Racecourse, Navan Racecourse,

R.A.C.E., Stable Employee Pension Plan. It also

represents trainers on both the National Hunt and

Flat programmes and the fixtures committee.

The IRTA has prepared and submitted

a strategic plan to Horse Racing Ireland

outlining the view of trainers on the future of

racing in Ireland.

An annual general meeting takes place

each November, at which any member of the

association is invited to bring forward any industry

relevant grievances, opinions or suggestions that

the association can address.

The ongoing activities engaged by the IRTA include An IRTA representative is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all members

• Offering legal advice to members on various matters

• Representing trainers (at Turf Club enquiries when requested)

• Managing the IRTA benevolent fund

• Death in service benefit

• Assisting members or former members of the IRTA in Ireland and their families in times of need.

• Advising on health & safety, employment and contract issues

• Management of the stable staff employee pension plan

• Lobbying the government on the ongoing betting tax and prize money issues

• Ensuring car park permits for racecourses are available to all members

• Informing members of developments and ongoing issues via monthly newsletter

• Providing information on changes to government legislation affecting trainers

• Providing updates from Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club

• Partnering with British Racecourses to organise entrance tickets for Irish trainers

FUNCTIONSOF THE IRTA

028 AIRO 2016_Trainers Association.indd 29 08/02/2016 12:35

Anywhere in the world, when the conversation gets

around to horses, it inevitably centres on Ireland.

Horse Racing is a sport where Ireland commands the

height of respect as a world leader.

We are to racing what France is to wine and Brazil is

to coffee.

This success story has created huge revenues for

Ireland, widespread employment in many directly and

indirectly related industries, earnings from tourism

and the sale of horses abroad, and hard-to-beat

entertainment for hundreds of thousands of fans

every year.

The horse racing industry is a major contributor to

Irish life, both socially and economically, and will

continue to win the world over.

A Race Apart.

26 racecourses across the

country

Annual attendance of

1.39 million

Europe's largest producer

Racing accounts for 70,000

tourist visits each year

of foals - approx 11k per

annum

Over 16,500 employed

Total value of assets

employed €2.5 billion

facebook.com/goracing twitter.com/@goracing @horse_racing_ireland

RACINGIN IRELAND 2016GO

238022_1C_HRI_JR_AIRO.indd 1 05/02/2016 17:29

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DONN MCCLEAN RELIVES THE EXTRAORDINARY ODYSSEY THAT IRISH HORSES AND RACEGOERS

ENJOYED LAST YEAR, FROM MULLINS’ ALL-CONQUERING BATTALION TRIUMPHING AT CHELTENHAM TO THE LIGHTENING RAIDS ON

ASCOT, FEW FRONTIERS WERE LEFT UNBREACHED.

A RACE ODYSSEY

2015:

Last year was another remarkable year for Irish horses: eight winners at Royal Ascot, 13 at the Cheltenham Festival, a couple of Breeders’ Cup heats and, if the (oval) ball had hopped a little more kindly, the Melbourne Cup could have been winging its way to this part of the world for the first time in 13 years. That’s Irish horses and international stages for you.

And Sole Power was at it again, going abroad and bringing back the swag. Only this time he brought it back from Dubai. Before this year, Sabena and David Power’s evergreen gelding had raced in Dubai seven times, and he had never won. He had gone close in 2012 when he was beaten a short head by Invincible Ash in the Meydan Sprint, and he had finished second again in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint three weeks later. However, at eight years of age, the prospect of that Dubai success appeared to be slipping away.

The Eddie Lynam-trained gelding could only finish 12th in the Meydan Sprint on his 2015 debut in March, but he didn’t have much luck in the race, and he left the impression then that, even as an eight-year-old, he had retained lots of his ability.

In the Al Quoz Sprint three weeks later, he delivered. Brought with an irresistible and perfectly-timed run by Richard Hughes, he hit the front deep inside the final furlong and went on to win by a half a length.

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then went and won three Group 1 races, more of which later), while Sir Isaac Newton was a little unlucky in the Jersey Stakes and Kingfisher was probably the best horse in the Gold Cup.

The Dermot Weld-trained Free Eagle was brilliant in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, and Pat Smullen was brilliant on him. Off a sedate early pace, Smullen manoeuvred his horse into position, up on the outside and a half a length behind the leader, the perfect position from which to control the race.

But it isn’t enough just to manoeuvre yourself into the perfect position. You have to know what to do with that position once you have it. With great power comes great responsibility. Smullen knew all right. He went for home just at the right time, early enough so that he could kick and take a couple of lengths out of his rivals, late enough so that they wouldn’t have time to catch him before he reached the winning line.

And he got it spot on. He kicked clear, and got to the winning line as The Grey Gatsby closed, with just a short head to spare. Perfect positioning, perfect timing.

It was a great victory for Moyglare Stud, who bred the High Chaparral colt out of their mare, Polished Gem, whom they also bred, a daughter of their Irish 1000 Guineas winner Trusted Partner. It was also a great one for the Irish National Stud, who stand Free Eagle as a stallion this year.

As well as that, it was a fine training performance by Dermot Weld. It wasn’t really the plan to have Free Eagle make his seasonal debut at Royal Ascot. That was just the way it panned out. Events conspired to cause him to miss intended targets, prep runs for Royal Ascot, so Weld improvised, and look what happened.

Cuvry beat Pleascach in the Ribblesdale Stakes, the pair of them clear.

In one sense, it was Coolmore v Godolphin,

Sole Power ticked another box in 2015. Before this year, the Kyllachy gelding had not raced in Ireland since August 2011, when he finished second in the Group 3 Flying Five at The Curragh. The five-furlong races just weren’t there in the Irish sprint programme for him. This year, the Flying Five was elevated to Group 2 status, and the Powers and Eddie Lynam nominated the race as a target early in the year.

He raced at The Curragh in the Greenlands Stakes over six furlongs in May, then returned there in September, as promised, in the Flying Five (over five) and got up to beat Maarek by a head in a thriller.

Eight Irish winners at Royal Ascot equalled the best ever haul. There were eight Irish winners in 2014 and in 2013 as well, and in 2012 and 2008. One of these years we will have nine winners, and we can have a proper party.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained horses excelled at Ascot, as they usually do. Gleneagles won the St James’s Palace Stakes in Michael Tabor’s orange and blue colours, Washington DC won the Windsor Castle Stakes and War Envoy won the Britannia Stakes in Sue Magnier’s navy silks, while Waterloo Bridge won the Norfolk Stakes and Aloft won the Queen’s Vase racing in Derrick Smith’s purple and white colours.

Fantastic and all as Royal Ascot was for Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore/Ballydoyle axis, if things had panned out a little more kindly (there’s that hop of the ball again – see above), it could have been even better. Air Force Blue finished second in the Coventry Stakes on just his second ever run (the War Front colt

Eight Irish winners at Royal Ascot equalled the best ever haul. There were eight Irish winners in 2014 and in 2013 as well, and in 2012 and in 2008. One of these years we will have nine winners.”

Pat

Hea

ly

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there to be jumped. (Ref: National Hunt racing.) Then on Thursday, Vautour won the JLT Chase doing handsprings.

Glens Melody was the prime beneficiary of Annie Power’s tumble, staying on strongly, as she did, up the run-in to beat Polly Peachum by a head. In so doing, she rewarded owner/breeder Fiona McStay’s decision to keep the King’s Theatre mare – already a Grade 1 winner – in training last season, with the specific objective of winning this race.

Un De Sceaux landed the Arkle for Edward O’Connell and his orange-and-blue-scarf-touting friends and family, and Killultagh Vic won the Martin Pipe Hurdle for his trio of owners, Rose Boyd, Marie Armstrong and James Boyce Anderson. Wicklow Brave, owned by Nick Peacock’s Wicklow Bloodstock, turned the County Hurdle, one of the most competitive handicap hurdles on the calendar, into a veritable rout.

Mullins’ eighth Cheltenham Festival winner in 2015 was Don Poli, who danced in the RSA Chase. Don Poli races in the maroon and white silks of Gigginstown House Stud, whose colours were also carried to victory at Cheltenham last year by the Tony Martin-trained Rivage D’Or in the Cross-Country Chase.

but in another, it wasn’t at all. Curvy in Sue Magnier’s navy silks, Pleascach in Godolphin blue but, with the former trained by David Wachman and the latter by Jim Bolger, this battle did not have any of the Galileo/Fantastic Light resonance. More than anything, it was an Irish 1-2.

This was a case of two top class fillies going toe-to-toe, as prior and subsequent event proved. Pleascach had won the Irish 1000 Guineas before Royal Ascot, and she would go on to land the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks, while Curvy rounded off her season by landing the Grade 1 E P Taylor Stakes at Woodbine in Canada in October, the first Irish filly to do so since Timarida won it for HH The Aga Khan and John Oxx in 1995.

Clondaw Warrior won the Ascot Stakes and provided a National Hunt feel, with Ruby Walsh and David Casey celebrating. Not only is Clondaw Warrior trained by Willie Mullins, but he is owned by the Act D Wagg Syndicate, which is comprised of Gillian Walsh and Aine Casey (yes, the clues are in the surnames) as well as Aisling Gannon and Tamso Doyle.

There was also a National Hunt feel about Cheltenham last year. Willie Mullins was there too, with his eight winners, more than he had ever had at a Cheltenham Festival before, more than any trainer had ever had at a Cheltenham Festival before.

There was a mix of owners too among the Mullins triumphants. Susannah Ricci’s horses blasted out of the traps, Douvan won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Faugheen won the Champion Hurdle before you had had your afternoon tea on the first day. Annie Power should have won the Mares’ Hurdle, but the jumps are

Trainer Henry de Bromhead’s dad Harry had gone close in the Plate in 1996 with Bishop’s Hall, and the race was always high on his son’s radar. It was fitting that he should win it with a horse in whom he had always retained faith.”

Pat

Hea

ly

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imagination was Blue De Vega. Impressive winner of his maiden at Naas in September, the Michael O’Callaghan-trained colt made his debut for his new owners – Qatar Racing, Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Suhaim and Mohd Al Kubaisi – in the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown in late October, and he won easily. He is an exciting three-year-old for this year.

There were many other top performances on the flat last year both at home and further afield. The Dermot Weld-trained Fascinating Rock battled on gallantly to land the Qipco Champion Stakes on British Champions’ Day at Ascot in mid-October for Maurice Regan’s Newtown Anner Stud, while Diamondsandrubies landed the Cheshire Oaks and the Pretty Polly Stakes for owners Róisín Henry and Sue Magnier.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Qualify stayed on well to win the Epsom Oaks for owner Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez, getting up to beat Legatissimo by a short head. Legatissimo herself, winner of the 1000 Guineas a month earlier in the Michael Tabor colours, went on to win the Nassau Stakes and the Matron Stakes for trainer David Wachman, before giving best only to Stephanie’s Kitten in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland at the end of October.

There were two Irish winners at that Breeders’ Cup meeting at Keeneland, both trained by Aidan O’Brien. Hit It A Bomb got up close home to land the Juvenile Turf for owner Mrs Evie Stockwell while Found, racing in Michael Tabor’s colours, gained the top level victory as a three-year-old that her talent deserved when she beat Derby and Arc de Triomphe winner Golden Horn in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

In the staying division, Order Of St George turned the Irish St Leger into a procession, coming home 11 lengths clear of his closest pursuer. There is no telling how good he could be, and he could easily drop down in distance. Then, on the first Tuesday in November, before most Irish people had rolled over once in their beds, the Willie Mullins-trained Max Dynamite got to within a half a length of landing a famous victory in the Melbourne Cup for owner Susannah Ricci.

The trainer and owner have combined to win some of the top National Hunt prizes in Ireland and Britain, and they landed the Nakayama Grand Jump in Japan in 2013 with Blackstairmountain, so why not a Melbourne Cup too? The Irish never saw international frontiers as boundaries.

Dr Ronan Lambe did not win the Gold Cup last year, Lord Windermere just could not repeat his 2014 heroics, but the owner still got on the Cheltenham board when the Dermot Weld-trained Windsor Park landed the Neptune Hurdle.

JP McManus saw his colours carried to victory twice at Cheltenham last year, by the Gordon Elliott-trained Cause Of Causes in the National Hunt Chase, and in the Foxhunter by the Enda Bolger-trained On The Fringe, while Barry Connell’s horse Martello Tower, trained to the minute for the race by Mags Mullins, dug deep to land the Albert Bartlett Hurdle.

There were other highs over jumps last season. Shanahan’s Turn’s victory in the Galway Plate for Ann and Alan Potts was one. Trainer Henry de Bromhead’s dad Harry had gone close in the Plate in 1996 with Bishop’s Hall, and the race was always high on his son’s radar. It was fitting that he should win it with a horse in whom he had always retained faith.

Thunder And Roses’ victory in the Irish Grand National was another, not just because it was Gigginstown House Stud’s second Irish National, and first since 2008, but also because it was one for the girls: a first Irish National for amateur rider Katie Walsh, and a first for fledgling trainer Sandra Hughes, a poignant one, less than five months after the death of her greatly lamented father Dessie.

Hurricane Fly retired last year, but not before he added another Grade 1 contest, the Irish Champion Hurdle, to his extraordinary collection. That brought George Creighton and Rose Boyd’s remarkable hurdler’s Grade 1 tally to 22, more than any other racehorse ever, and it is a tally that may not be beaten for some time.

The two-year-olds started to sparkle towards the end of the season, as they often do. The afore-mentioned Air Force Blue rattled off a hat-trick of Group 1s, the Phoenix Stakes, the National Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes, and he is now an even money shot for the Guineas.

The Coolmore/Ballydoyle fillies Minding and Ballydoyle (sic.) between them filled the first two places in the Debutante Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes. After that, the pair of them went their separate ways. Both travelled abroad, but to different destinations. Minding landed the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket, while Ballydoyle won the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp. This duo occupy the first two places in the betting for both the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks, well clear of their peers.

Another juvenile to capture the public’s

In the staying division, Order Of St George turned the Irish St Leger into a procession, coming home 11 lengths clear of his closest pursuer. There is no telling how good he could be, and he could easily drop down in distance.”

031 AIRO 2016_Review.indd 34 08/02/2016 11:27

Birchfi eld House, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Quality

Racing

Josephine O’BrienEstablished 1973

y

We have been manufacturing racing colours for over forty years.

We use fabrics which are:

over forty yeay rs.

Need Colours in a Hurry?Emergency Service Available

Hi-Speed service available for when you Must have your

racing colours for the next Meeting - even if it’s tomorrow

• the fi nest quality• tough, durable• very hard-wearing

• long lasting colours• can be fully washed• suitable for tumble dryingying

We manufacture Superior Quality Lightweight Racing Colours.

Colours

JB Equestrian Servicest/a

Tel/Mobile:045 86 3778/087 271 9913 Email: [email protected]

The Curragh Racecourse is committed to making an owner’s experience,

a memorable one

Date Feature Race (s)Sunday 20th March Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes/Tote

Irish Lincolnshire

Sunday 3rd April Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes

Monday 2nd May Newbridge Parishes Family Race Day

Saturday 21st May Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas

Sunday 22nd May Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas/Tattersalls Gold Cup

Saturday (evening) 4th June TRM Race Day

Friday (evening) 24th June DoneDeal Derby Friday

Saturday 25th June Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

Sunday 26th June Sea The Stars Pretty Polly Stakes

Saturday 16th July Darley Irish Oaks

Sunday 17th July Kilboy Estate Stakes

Sunday 7th August Keeneland Phoenix Stakes

Saturday 20th August Debutante Stakes

Sunday 21st August Galileo Futurity Stakes

Sunday 28th August Tote Irish Cambridgeshire

Sunday 11th September Longines Irish Champions Weekend

Sunday 25th September Juddmonte Beresford Stakes

Sunday 9th Octber Tote Irish Cesarewitch

Monday 10th October Finale of the 2016 season

The Curragh Racecourse is committed to Date Feature Race (s)

Join in 2016 for 19 world class race days

Frutiger

curragh.ie@curraghraceTheCurraghRacecoursefContact: 045 441205 or Email [email protected]

• We write to every owner at time of entry to offer them additional admission tickets and access to a designated Owners Car Park

• All owners with runners on the day receive a complimentary meal in our Owners Lounge

• All winning owners receive a trophy, complimentary DVD and photograph of the race and the opportunity to join a member of our team for a celebratory drink following the race.

• We work closely with ITM and AIRO on free admission days for all owners

Untitled-1 1 08/02/2016 10:20

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A IRO has secured agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses to have free entry to race meetings on selected dates for racehorse owners who currently have a horse in training but do not have a runner on

the day. Free admission applies to a total of 107 meetings in 2016 and AIRO expresses its appreciation to the racecourses throughout the country for this gesture. Details of the meetings are highlighted on this calendar.

RACECOURSE HOSPITALITY FOR MEMBERSIn 2013 the Association introduced a new initiative of providing a

One of the great benefits of being a member of AIRO is the access to ourexclusive racecourse hospitality marquees at designated meetings. There is also a growing number of free race days, highlighted below, at courses around Ireland for owners with horses in training.

RACEDAY BENEFITS FOR AIRO MEMBERS

MARCH

Wed 2 Downpatrick

Thu 3 Clonmel

Fri 4 Dundalk (e)

Sat 5 Gowran Park

Sun 6 Naas

Fri 11 Dundalk (e)

Sat 12 Limerick

Sun 13 Limerick

Sun 13 Navan

Mon 14 Cork

Thu 17 Down Royal

Thu 17 Wexford

Fri 18 Dundalk (e)

Sat 19 Gowran Park

Sun 20 Curragh

Sun 20 Downpatrick

Wed 23 Dundalk (e)

Thu 24 Thurles

Sat 26 Cork

Sun 27 Cork

Sun 27 Fairyhouse

Mon 28 Cork

Mon 28 Fairyhouse

Tue 29 Fairyhouse

Thu 31 Clonmel (e)

JUNE

Wed 1 Punchestown (e)

Thu 2 Fairyhouse (e)

Fri 3 Leopardstown (e)

Fri 3 Tramore (e)

Sat 4 Tramore

Sat 4 Curragh (e)

Sun 5 Kilbeggan

Sun 5 Listowel

Mon 6 Gowran Park

Mon 6 Listowel

Wed 8 Fairyhouse

Thu 9 Leopardstown (e)

Fri 10 Clonmel (e)

Sat 11 Navan

Sat 11 Limerick (e)

Sun 12 Cork

Sun 12 Downpatrick

Mon 13 Roscommon (e)

Tue 14 Roscommon (e)

Wed 15 Wexford (e)


Fri 17 Down Royal (e)

Fri 17 Limerick (e)

Sat 18 Down Royal

Sat 18 Gowran Park

Sun 19 Gowran Park

Mon 20 Kilbeggan (e)

Tue 21 Ballinrobe (e)

Wed 22 Naas (e)


Fri 24 Curragh (e)

Sat 25 Curragh

Sun 26 Curragh

Tue 28 Sligo (e)

Wed 29 Fairyhouse

Thu 30 Bellewstown (e)

Thu 30 Tipperary (e)

APRIL

Fri 1 Dundalk (e)

Sat 2 Navan

Sun 3 Curragh

Sun 3 Limerick

Tue 5 Fairyhouse

Wed 6 Leopardstown

Thu 7 Limerick

Fri 8 Dundalk (e)

Fri 8 Wexford (e)

Sat 9 Gowran Park

Sun 10 Leopardstown

Sun 10 Tramore

Mon 11 Tramore (e)

Tue 12 Tipperary (e)

Thu 14 Limerick

Fri 15 Ballinrobe (e)

Fri 15 Dundalk (e)

Sat 16 Cork

Sun 17 Navan

Wed 20 Fairyhouse (e)


Fri 22 Dundalk (e)

Fri 22 Kilbeggan (e)

Sat 23 Limerick

Sun 24 Gowran Park

Mon 25 Naas (e)

Tues 26 Punchestown (e)

Wed 27 Punchestown (e)

Thu 28 Punchestown (e)

Fri 29 Punchestown (e)

Sat 30 Punchestown

JULY

Fri 1 Bellewstown (e)

Fri 1 Wexford (e)

Sat 2 Bellewstown (e)

Sun 3 Limerick

Sun 3 Naas

Mon 4 Roscommon (e)

Tue 5 Roscommon (e)


Fri 8 Cork (e)

Fri 8 Navan (e)

Sat 9 Tipperary

Sun 10 Fairyhouse

Sun 10 Sligo

Mon 11 Killarney (e)

Tue 12 Dundalk

Tue 12 Killarney (e)

Wed 13 Downpatrick

Wed 13 Killarney (e)

Thu 14 Killarney



Sat 16 Curragh

Sun 17 Curragh

Sun 17 Tipperary

Mon 18 Ballinrobe (e)


Wed 20 Naas (e)


Thu 21 Limerick (e)


Fri 22 Wexford (e)

Sat 23 Wexford

Mon 25 Galway (e)

Tue 26 Galway (e)

Wed 27 Galway (e)

Thu 28 Galway

Fri 29 Galway (e)

Sat 30 Galway

Sun 31 Galway

MAY

Sun 1 Sligo

Mon 2 Curragh

Mon 2 Down Royal


Thu 5 Clonmel (e)

Fri 6 Cork (e)

Fri 6 Downpatrick (e)

Sat 7 Wexford

Sun 8 Leopardstown

Sun 8 Limerick

Mon 9 Roscommon (e)

Wed 11 Naas (e)


Fri 13 Dundalk (e)


Sat 14 Punchestown

Sun 15 Killarney

Sun 15 Navan

Mon 16 Killarney (e)

Tue 17 Killarney (e)

Wed 18 Dundalk (e)

Thu 19 Clonmel (e)

Fri 20 Cork (e)

Fri 20 Downpatrick (e)

Sat 21 Curragh

Sun 22 Curragh

Mon 23 Sligo (e)

Wed 25 Gowran Park (e)



Sat 28 Navan

Sun 29 Naas



036 AIRO 2016_Fixtures.indd 36 08/02/2016 11:28

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hospitality marquee for its members at the Punchestown Racing Festival. This was very well received and it was decided to expand on the initiative in 2014 by providing the same type of facility at the Galway Racing Festival. In addition to this a hospitality suite was made available to members at the Curragh on Pretty Polly Stakes day. Having these hospitality facilities was made possible with the support of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, At The Races, Punchestown, Galway and Curragh Racecourses. The Association also entered into a hospitality exchange arrangement with the UK and French Owners Associations and details of this can be read on page 79 of this magazine. The Association will provide hospitality for its members at the following race meetings in 2016:

Punchestown Racing Festival April 26th to April 30th Marquee, where complimentary refreshments will be available. Marquee located in Reserved Enclosure.

Curragh Pretty Polly Stakes Day Sunday 26th June Free admission to the Racecourse and complimentary refreshments in the Curragh Rooms Suite, which overlooks the parade ring.

Galway Racing Festival July 25th to July 30th (excluding Thursday 28th) Marquee, where complimentary refreshments will be available. Marquee located close to Parade Ring.

SEPTEMBER

Fri 2 Kilbeggan (e)

Sat 3 Navan

Sun 4 Dundalk

Mon 5 Galway (e)

Tue 6 Galway (e)

Thu 8 Clonmel (e)


Sat 10 Leopardstown

Sun 11 Curragh

Sun 11 Listowel

Mon 12 Listowel

Tue 13 Laytown

Tue 13 Listowel

Wed 14 Listowel

Thu 15 Listowel

Fri 16 Listowel

Sat 17 Listowel

Sun 18 Gowran Park

Tue 20 Ballinrobe

Wed 21 Naas

Fri 23 Downpatrick

Fri 23 Dundalk (e)

Sat 24 Navan

Sun 25 Curragh

Mon 26 Roscommon

Tue 27 Fairyhouse

Wed 28 Sligo

Thu 29 Clonmel

Fri 30 Gowran Park

Fri 30 Dundalk (e)

OCTOBER

Sat 1 Gowran Park

Sun 2 Tipperary

Tue 4 Tipperary

Wed 5 Navan

Thu 6 Tramore

Fri 7 Dundalk (e)

Sat 8 Fairyhouse

Sat 8 Limerick

Sun 9 Curragh

Sun 9 Limerick

Mon 10 Curragh

Tue 11 Galway

Wed 12 Punchestown

Thu 13 Punchestown

Fri 14 Downpatrick

Fri 14 Dundalk (e)

Sat 15 Cork

Sun 16 Cork

Sun 16 Naas

Tue 18 Gowran Park

Wed 19 Navan

Thu 20 Thurles

Fri 21 Dundalk (e)

Sat 22 Punchestown

Sun 23 Leopardstown

Wed 26 Dundalk (e)

Thu 27 Clonmel

Fri 28 Dundalk (e)

Sat 29 Wexford

Sun 29 Leopardstown

Sun 30 Galway

Mon 31 Galway

Mon 31 Wexford

AUGUST

Mon 1 Cork

Mon 1 Naas

Tue 2 Cork (e)

Tue 2 Roscommon (e)

Wed 3 Sligo (e)


Thu 4 Sligo (e)

Fri 5 Tipperary (e)

Sat 6 Kilbeggan (e)

Sun 7 Curragh

Sun 7 Downpatrick




Thu 11 Tramore (e)

Fri 12 Tramore (e)

Sat 13 Tramore (e)

Sun 14 Dundalk

Sun 14 Tramore


Tue 16 Sligo (e)

Wed 17 Killarney (e)

Thu 18 Killarney (e)


Fri 19 Killarney (e)

Sat 20 Curragh

Sat 20 Killarney

Sun 21 Curragh


Wed 24 Bellewstown (e)

Thu 25 Bellewstown (e)



Sat 27 Wexford

Sun 28 Cork

Sun 28 Curragh

Mon 29 Downpatrick



NOVEMBER

Thu 3 Thurles

Fri 4 Down Royal

Fri 4 Dundalk (e)

Sat 5 Down Royal

Sun 6 Cork

Sun 6 Naas

Tue 8 Fairyhouse

Wed 9 Dundalk (e)

Fri 11 Dundalk (e)

Sat 12 Naas

Sun 13 Navan

Wed 16 Fairyhouse

Thu 17 Clonmel

Fri 18 Dundalk (e)

Sat 19 Punchestown

Sun 20 Cork

Sun 20 Punchestown

Tue 22 Wexford

Thu 24 Thurles

Fri 25 Dundalk (e)

Sat 26 Gowran Park

Sun 27 Navan

DECEMBER

Thu 1 Thurles

Fri 2 Limerick

Fri 2 Dundalk (e )

Sat 3 Fairyhouse

Sun 4 Fairyhouse

Thu 8 Clonmel

Fri 9 Dundalk (e)

Sat 10 Navan

Sun 11 Cork

Sun 11 Punchestown

Thu 15 Tramore

Fri 16 Dundalk (e)

Sat 17 Fairyhouse

Sun 18 Navan

Sun 18 Thurles

Fri 23 Dundalk (e)

Mon 26 Down Royal

Mon 26 Leopardstown

Mon 26 Limerick

Tue 27 Leopardstown

Tue 27 Limerick

Wed 28 Leopardstown

Wed 28 Limerick

Thu 29 Leopardstown

Thu 29 Limerick

Sat 31 Punchestown

036 AIRO 2016_Fixtures.indd 37 08/02/2016 11:28

Westgrove Hotel and Conference Centre, Clane, Naas. Co Kildare. 045 98 99 00 [email protected] www.westgrovehotel.com TW

E

Enjoy 2 nights Bed and Breakfast,with dinner on one evening

Take time out at

From Only€110.00

Per Person Sharing(Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.)

Package also includes:

10% discount at Spa Haven at the WestgroveVIP Card to Kildare Village Shopping Outlet

20% discount off admission to the Irish National StudFull access to our award winning leisure club with 20m pool

At Clonmel Raceswe appreciate the

support we receive from Irish Owners,

Trainers & Breeders.

We are only a phone call away if there is

something you would like us to do for you.

052 6188508

Carolyn Alexander

Iverk House Stud, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, IrelandTel: 00 353 51 643104 • Fax: 00 353 51 643125

Carolyn Mobile: 00 353 86 2715144 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.carolynalexander.ie

AZAMOUR picture property of Mr & Mrs John Oxx

SAIK AND HER LAST FOAL a filly by Dark Angel

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Champions Weekend and the plans for its future. Q: What were the logistical and strategic challenges of organising an event on this scale?A: The initial challenge was to assemble the race programme and prize-mon-ey structure and this was managed through HRI’s Jason Morris and the Racing Department, securing the necessary adjustments to the pattern. The main stra-tegic challenge was to create and market one event at two venues, which was a new concept in Irish racing.

The key to both areas was a strong steering group representing the key players. This was established under the chairmanship of Harry McCalmont with Brian

Initially the brainchild of Joe Foley, Manager of Ballyhane Stud, the idea for Champions Weekend was formed by his experience at the British event combined with the realisation that the September racing programme

held a group of races of sufficient quality to create an Irish Champions weekend. But it would require certain adjustments.

Thinking it and making it happen are two different things. Once the idea had taken root with Foley he felt galvinised and presented the idea to the European Breeder Fund who saw the merit in it and got HRI involved. The Curragh and Leopardstown came on board and an industry steering group was formed to realise the plan.

Leopardstown and the Curragh were the chosen venues as they already hosted the programme of races including the Champion Stakes and the Irish St Leger that became Longines Champions Weekend (LICW).

Joe Foley’s idea brought together the firepower and muscle to make it reality. But to see it catapulted into the upper echelons of international racing in just two years, with the Quipco Irish Champion stakes now the joint fourth best horse race in the world, is quite remarkable.

Micheal O’Rourke, Marketing Director of Horse Racing Ireland explains how the journey unfolded and talks about the logistical hurdles that were overcome in the making of

FROM THE SEED OF AN IDEA TRIGGERED BY THE BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES TO FULLY FORMED HIGH PERFORMANCE RACING EVENT IN THE SPACE OF A FEW YEARS IS NO MEAN FEAT. MARY CONNAUGHTON SPOKE TO MICHAEL O’ROURKE, MARKETING DIRECTOR OF HRI TO FIND OUT HOW IT CAME TO PASS.

Kavanagh, Jason Morris, Jane Davis and myself from HRI, the two racecourses represented by Pat Keogh from Leopardstown and Paul Hensey with Evan Arkwright from the Curragh. Neville Byrne, then senior steward of the Turf Club, along with Joe Foley and John O’Connor, made up the full panel which brought together a comprehensive set of skills and experience to oversee the project.

We also set up a marketing committee to unite the HRI Marketing and the Leopardstown and Curragh teams. This was essential in agreeing the overall strategy and positioning of the event and creating a single budget and activity plan. A dedicated PR

CHAMPIONSCreating

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company was appointed and all marketing activity was managed through the HRI marketing department.

The unified structure showed its worth in the negotiation and management of the Longines sponsorship deal that confirmed Longines Irish Champions Weekend as a global blue-chip sporting event.

Q: How important is the prize fund in ensuring the top international and home-grown horses come to compete? A: Very important, effective-ly it has become a European Triple Crown of racing when you look at it in relation to British Champions in the UK and the Arc in France. As racing is becoming increas-ingly international it may be the case that international owners decide to campaign horses in Europe for the duration of these events.

The main attraction of Champions Weekend is the excellent prize fund, which was very competitive to begin with and has continued to increase. We’re optimistic that that prize fund will increase further for 2016.

sponsors and the general public to get behind it. We treated Britain and Ireland as one market for this event and actively marketed owners and trainers in GB as well. The level of support has been exceptional and gives us a base to build on for future years.

Q: What are the main attractions of Champions weekend from an owner’s perspective?A: Aside from the excellent prize-money on offer, own-ers can also enjoy excellent hospitality at both race-courses, which is generously sponsored by Darley. There is a sense that they are part of something great, a huge sporting event that is inher-ently Irish taking on the best horses in Europe. There are sponsored marquees and reception rooms for owners, which are very positive additions to ensure people are well looked after and these have attracted more owners of runners and potential runners to attend. Also, Leopardstown has significantly upgraded its owners and trainers lounge and that is a huge enhancement.

Then we ensure we get that message out to owners nationally and internationally. We’ve travelled to America and Japan and at other international conferences to network for Champions Weekend and build up confidence in it. If you have a top class international horse you need to feel confident in travelling to an event, with two successful years behind us now that assurance is there.

We already attract a sizeable number of British owners running their horses and anticipate having even more international runners this year. The American horses are more of a challenge to attract as the Breeders Cup campaign clashes with the European racing schedule to a certain extent.

Q: How important was it to get the support of trainers and owners for an event like this?A: They were identified as the most important supporters from the outset. Without buy-in from owners and trainers and indeed ev-eryone involved in racing we could not hope to persuade

We also offer all Irish owners who don’t have a runner on the day the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

Q: The event seems to draw a significant number of racegoers from the UK along with a strong home crowd, was this a significant part of the strategy?A: Its unique positioning, which is capturing a bit of attention, is the idea of one event at two different locations and there is a tourism aspect to this so we are working very closely with Tourism Ireland on this, principally in the British market but it is working further afield as well.You can enjoy quite a breadth of racing experiences by coming to Leopardstown and the Curragh. It is very much a racing weekend and it’s sold on the quality of the top class international racing. The additional attractions like the Thoroughbred Trail at the Curragh add to and enrich the experience.

The two locations have very different personalities and attract two different crowds along with their core



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communities, which we were very pleased to see. There was a different feel to both days. Leopardstown attracted quite a young urban crowd and had quite a chic feel to it, while the Curragh had more of a family and community feel to it and the Kildare racing community came out in force

And yes, it’s been part of our strategy from the outset to treat Britain and Ireland as one market. The interest in flat racing in Britain is huge, if we can tap into this market where there are over 6m attendances at race meetings there every year it will be very fruitful. We’ve been to Newmarket, Chester, York and Cheltenham campaigning on the ground and we’ll continue with that approach.

Q: Did you ever worry that attendance would fall short of expectations? A: Yes! That’s a constant worry and one that will never go away. We had a great start in year one followed by a weather-influenced hiatus in 2015. That broke our momen-tum so we will be back to the market with renewed vigour and determination in 2016. Given the reception from

event but gives a balance of commercial and racing industry involvement which is essential in creating wider public appeal. We have also been successful in attracting partnership sponsors who want to be part of the success story. Jaguar, Louis Copeland, Kildare Village, Merrion Hotel, Louise Kennedy, Tote Ireland, TRI Equestrian and these sponsors are important to the immense success of Champions Weekend.

Q: What other attractions are there outside of the main event?A: We promote the overall experience of the weekend. It’s a unique opportunity to see two of our premier race-courses over one weekend. Goffs host the Champi-on’s Sale before racing on Saturday at Leopardstown and the Curragh host the Thoroughbred Trail before racing on the Saturday. We also partner with local attractions to enhance the visitor’s experience.

We also tie the weekend into the surrounding fixtures, offering the ultimate Irish Racing experience; last year’s Laytown was on the

home and abroad so far, we are very optimistic that we can take this event on to a new level.

Q: Given the success of the weekend over the last few years are the sponsors committed to it for the long-term?A: We were very pleased with Longines arriving as a title sponsor from the outset because they are a very discerning brand and it’s a recognition that Champions Weekend is up there with the top events they sponsor world wide. It’s a world-class sporting event. They came over from Switzerland and experienced the event and they felt it matched everything they wanted. So we expect more involvement with Longines in promoting the international profile of the event. It’s a very good fit for both of us.

Sponsors have been delighted with the profile the event has achieved. Many have increased their support within the existing contracts and others have signed up to longer-term agreements. The arrival of Longines, as mentioned earlier, not only raises the international profile of the

Thursday before and the Listowel Festival began on the Sunday.

There is also the Champions’ Dinner, which has been hosted in the Intercontinental for the last two years; it has been a huge success, drawing the national and international racing industry together.

Q: What can racegoers look forward to in 2016?A: This year we anticipate bigger attendances, bigger buzz and more international runners. Competitive racing remains at the heart of LICW. More sponsorship partners will bring more benefits to racegoers and the Leopard-stown upgrades will have progressed creating major improvements for racegoers. Longines Prize for Elegance, Moyglare Kids Zone, Parade of Champions, Kildare Food Village, Thoroughbred Train, music and entertainment — there is so much fun planned for LIWC 2016. We’re very ex-cited already, you can sense the momentum building and the level of interest from all sectors is incredible. We’ve committed to it for the long-term and we’re determined that it develops to the very best it can be.


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L awlor ’s H o t e l Novices ’ Hurdle at Naas.

It was not just i n t h e Graded races that Irish Point-to-Point graduates performed extraordinarily well, as within that same Christmas holiday period, 73 races were won by graduates of racing between the flags. Covering a period of just 9 days of racing, that gives an average of 8 winners per day for horses whose careers kicked off at Point-to-Points.

It is not just the equine graduates that are the stars of the show however, as Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd continue to set ever higher standards for jockeys within the amateur ranks. Codd enjoyed a tremendous 2015

Irish Point-to-Point racing is currently in the strongest position it has

attained in recent years in terms of the level of success being achieved by its graduates. Almost one-in-four — or 24% of horses which ran at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, the very peak the sport, graduated from the Irish Point-to-Point circuit.

Last Christmas is one period of racing that particularly highlighted the impact that graduates from the Irish Point-to-Point fields are having at the very top of the National Hunt scene in the UK and Ireland. Of the 24 Graded races which were run in the two countries between St. Stephen’s Day and January 3rd, half were won by Irish Point-to-Point graduates. This incredible tally includes 6 Grade 1’s, Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, Flemenstar in the Paddy Power So Quick So Easy App Chase, Prince Of Scars in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle, and No More Heroes in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase, all at Leopardstown, in addition to the successes of Yorkhill in the 32Red Tolworth Hurdle and Bellshill in the

MOST IRISH RACING ENTHUSIASTS DEVELOP THEIR DEEP LOVE OF THE SPORT ON THE MISTY AND MUDDY POINT-TO-POINT CIRCUIT. WHILE RIGHTLY THOUGHT OF AS THE GRASS-ROOTS OF THE NATIONAL HUNT WORLD IT’S ALSO THE NURSERY AND TRAINING GROUND OF CHAMPIONS AS RICHARD PUGH REPORTS.

Festival, claiming two of the three races in the Cotswolds confined to Qualified Riders, whilst big names across the industry Davy Russell, Gordon Elliott and Tony Martin are others to have previously competed here between the flags.

These returns illustrate the sheer strength and depth that is to be found within Irish Point-to-Point racing at present, not just in the four-year-old maiden winners, but right across the spectrum, be it the placed horse’s right through to the older maidens. These graduates are high performers at all levels, and it is something that the industry should be immensely proud of. Irish owned, bred and trained horses are beginning their careers in a very remarkable environment, one that takes place on tracks which for 51 weeks of the year, may simply be fields grazed by livestock, yet for one week each year, are transformed by a group of dedicated local volunteers from each hunt to produce a track fit for future Grade 1 stars to compete on as they make their first foray into competitive action.

That is one of the great traditions of the sport, one which brings together an amateur ethos in which so many roles are filled by voluntary and unpaid individuals, to put on a show which has such professional returns.

TO THE POINTStraight

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The Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) is a dedicated charity that supports jockeys who have been critically injured during their racing career. Race injuries

can often be seriously debilitating and end a jockey’s career or seriously affect his or her capacity to earn a living. The IIJ announced prominent jockey Ruby Walsh as the first chairman of the board in 2014 and, at that time, Walsh highlighted the need for suitable structures to be firmly in place when a jockey came in need of aid. The IIJ provide much needed assistance to jockeys on an a case-by-case basis in co-operation with existing Turf Club charities the Drogheda Memorial Fund, the Jockeys Trust and the Jockeys Emergency Fund.

While there are insurance providers equipped to meet the needs of jockeys

if they are injured for a period of time, sometimes it’s not enough. Helping those in need when this happens is the core function of the fund according to Michael Higgins, General Manager of the IIJ. “It could be a case of somebody who needed an operation or needed medical attention and they might not be covered by private health insurance or others may not, or it might be outside the scope of their plan. So we would look to help,

with the Jockeys Trust.” However, you would be mistaken in

thinking the IIJ is just a one trick pony. While the help they provide to injured riders is invaluable, they remain aware that there are other ways of aiding a jockey in rebuilding their future. For Michael and IIJ this can mean retraining a jockey for a new vocation as he states, “if we thought that a retraining course would benefit them when they’re finished riding and help them to have a career for themselves, that’s something that ourselves and the Jockeys Trust would try to support.”

One of the most substantial causes the IIJ assists is the Jockeys Emergency Fund. This organisation, supported from a percentage of owners’ prize winnings and jockeys annual licensing fees, is in place to help jockeys who have suffered permanent paralysis as a result of injury sustained during a race. At present there are three riders receiving the benefits from the resources of the Jockeys Emergency Fund. These are JT McNamara, Jono Bright and Shane Broderick.

IIJ is run entirely on donations from the public and the fundraising efforts of the organisation.

Michael is often overwhelmed by the generosity of both the public and people in the industry and credits them for keeping the organisation alive. “People are ingenious when it come to fundraisers, I’d struggle to be able to go through the number of things people do including pub quizzes to sponsored runs, we’ve had people run the Dublin City marathon for us and people run the Great North Run for us,” reveals Michael. The IIJ wouldn’t be able to function without the generosity of these donations but Michael insists that there are other ways of making a significant contribution. “It’s not all about money, money is important, we need it to help people out but we’re looking for people to either volunteer on a personal level or people who can give their expertise if they’re professional people, that’s as good as money to us in real terms.”

Michael is confident that the coming year will see further growth and awareness of the need for the IIJ and organisations like it. With several events already planned he’s ready to inspire the racing community to support their athletes in need. “We want to help people in every way we can, help jockeys in every way we can. Whatever form that takes. It’s a matter of trying to let people know we’re here.”

To make a donation to Irish Injured Jockeys or learn more about their work visit or contact [email protected]

IN RECENT YEARS, THE OCCURRENCE OF

CONSIDERABLE CRITICAL INJURIES HAS LED TO A DEMAND OF FURTHER

SUPPORT FOR WOUNDED MEMBERS OF THE RACING

COMMUNITY. IRISH INJURED JOCKEYS WORKS TO PROVIDE JUST THAT, A HELPING HAND FOR IRISH

JOCKEYS IN NEED.

AHelping

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INJURED JOCKEYS

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| HORSE WELFARE |

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A t the peak of their prowess, racehorses are attended to like all-star athletes. Treated to a

specialised high protein diet and a vigorous daily exercise routine, their health is considered a top priority to their trainers and owners. From infancy the care of any racehorse showing promise is micro-managed to ensure that they reach their full potential on the racecourse. However, as with any career athlete, physical injury or failure to meet expectations can end the prospect of a racing career and result in early retirement.

Some will find homes with many of the excellent breeding operations in Ireland, others may have owners who choose to keep them if they have access to land or stables, but many horses retain the potential to lead active sporting lives with retraining. This was recognised by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) when they initiated their ex-racehorse retraining programme.

When the IHWT was founded in 1999 there were no dedicated

IN ITS RACING PRIME A HORSE RECEIVES A SUPERB LEVEL OF CARE AND ATTENTION TO ENSURE IT’S KEPT IN TOP CONDITION, RACE FIT AND CONTENT. YET WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A HORSE’S RACING DAYS DRAW TO A CLOSE?

charities in place to care for horses. Once they began to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home injured and neglected horses the IHWT began to recognise the immediate need for facilities to deal with the mounting number of ex-racehorses, some of whom had been abandoned.

Each year the IHWT take on an estimated 15 racehorses, but due to the overwhelming popularity of their services they must be very selective about the animals they agree to retrain. Sharon Power, Director and co-founder of IHWT, explains, “Most have come from trainers and owners where they know the horse and they know the horse is a nice horse and has the potential to go on and do something else.” The organisation will then spend the next month assessing the temperament and talent of the horse before taking full possession to begin a nine month retraining program. This re-schooling allows ex-racehorses to re-hone their skills and be put to use in a new discipline. With over 200 ex-racehorses re-homed over the past ten years it’s clear that the IHWT programme is definitely successful.

After recently returning from an international forum in Kentucky regarding the after care of retired racehorses, Sharon is stunned by how far behind the Irish racing community is compared to our global counterparts. Unlike with other horse racing associations, such as those she encountered while in the the USA, she feels there are limited opportunities in Ireland for retired racehorses to enter any other area of the equestrian industry. She attributes this to the equestrian community’s unwillingness to take a chance on a retired racehorse, but with the help of the IHWT she plans to raise awareness for the retraining of racehorses in the coming year. “We have some plans next year to try and promote ex-racehorses for equestrianism more and show what they can do because they’re very athletic animals and they would do well in a lot of disciplines, as I saw when I was in America. So we want people to give them a bit more of a chance”, says Sharon. But without the equestrian community’s support, utilising a retired racehorse in different areas will remain a challenge.

AFTER RACING

Championing Careers

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Once the team at IHWT have succeeded in retraining an ex-racehorse their work continues to ensure each horse is carefully placed with a suitable owner. There are of course restrictions on the activities that horses are allowed to participate in once they leave the IHWT for the good of their health. “Well not that we get very many mares but we don’t allow breeding from them and obviously they can’t go back into racing. So we re-home all our horses under a legal loan agreement which states that they can’t be used for racing or go back into breeding,” Sharon explains. She notes for most owners there wouldn’t be a desire to return these horses to racing again but eliminating that possibility is important to the IHWT.

One notable name to once reside at the IHWT is famed ex-racehorse Moscow Flyer. When Moscow Flyer retired, he had landed numerous Grade races that including two Champion Chases and an Arkle Chase at Cheltenham. He had won 26 times, including an impressive 13 times at Grade 1 level and amassed almost €1,750,000 in prize money. He is considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of his time. While he has resided at the National Stud in County Kildare since 2012, he remains an ambassador of the IHWT. Although Moscow Flyer is certainly the most illustrious equine athlete to ever reside at IHWT he’s not the only noteworthy name. The organisation’s past residents, that include Golden Hop, Jaguar Claw and Sparkling Harmony, have all gone on to have successful careers in new disciplines such as show jumping and riding club activities.

This year you’ll see more of the IHWT than ever before as Sharon and her team are dedicated to holding a number of major

fundraising charity events around the country such as their annual golf classic. She says, “We’re planing a major capital appeal because we are trying to reduce our mortgage on the farm and we will be having a number of events.” Along with these fundraisers, the IHWT are committed in their drive to shine a national spotlight on the talents of their equine athletes.” We need to promote their athleticism and their adaptability. So we’re looking at running some events around the country after we establish a thoroughbred club for owners and loaners of off the track horses.” The IHWT believes that with these efforts they can raise the profile of retired Irish horses and assist even more of them in their careers after racing.

To contribute to the IHWT or to find out more about their activities visit www.ihwt.ie

We need to promote their athleticism and their adaptability. So we’re looking at running some events around the country after we establish a thoroughbred club for owners and loaners of off the track horses.”

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Kathleen Kennedy, born and raised in the Curragh, Co Kildare, has been immersed in the Irish horse racing

industry from infancy thanks to her father, a well respected jockey for 25 years and subsequently a trainer for a further twenty fi ve years. After meeting her husband Vivian, also a jockey and trainer, she settled into her new role as wife and mother. All fi ve of her children have close ties to the racing community following in their long and proud family tradition.

Kathleen’s skill in making colours is widely praised within this close-knit community. From the moment trainer Eddie Harty fi rst approached her when she was only 29 years old to make him a set of colours Kathleen found she had a taste for this artful craft. “I said right, I love a challenge, so I did them for him and then I started to make a few for my father and then word of mouth got around”, she recalls. With word of Kathleen’s talent gradually spreading she soon began to build a lasting business. One where she has been requested to make silks for every level of apprentice, jockey and owner in the industry.

After her lifetime in the industry Kathleen has the expertise to produce any intricate set of silks with ease but she does confess that star patterns aren’t her favourite and often take the

longest to complete. Yet, all she needs is a pattern and her sewing machine to get the job done.

Many of her commissions have been for world famous owners including HRH, Aga Khan IV and JP McManus. Kathleen understandably fi nds it diffi cult to pinpoint the highlight of her career. One outstanding moment that she does remember fondly is having the opportunity to make a special set of silks for HRH Queen Elizabeth of England. She explains, “I made a set [of miniature silks] for the Queen and sent them over to her. I got a lovely letter back and she was thrilled with them, so that was lovely. My son William had ridden a winner for her so she put that in the letter too, she was delighted that we were his parents.”

However this isn’t the only notable work of Kathleen’s to be recognised by people of importance. Another

THROUGHOUT HER LIFE KATHLEEN KENNEDY HAS DEDICATED HER TIME AND TALENT TO CRAFTING THE MOST EXQUISITE SILKS IN THE IRISH HORSE RACING INDUSTRY, A WORK THAT HAS RECIEVED RECOGNITION FROM BOTH FORMER PRESIDENT MARY MCALEESE AND HRH THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND.

TheofCraft

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set of her miniature silks has proudly resided on the walls of Áras an Uachtaraín since the presidency of Mary McAleese. Kathleen says that miniatures such as the ones she sent to President McAleese and HRH the Queen are quickly becoming a speciality of hers and she has plans to continue crafting these in demand silks throughout 2016.

Like any member or spectator of the racing community Kathleen is often exhilarated at the prospect of her horse winning a race. And for her, knowing that they’re wearing silks she has carefully taken the time to craft and sew, it’s all the more meaningful. “It’s lovely to see, especially in a big race, that your horse has won. I made Bobbyjo’s colours when he won the National”, she recalls. Along with making silks for champion Bobbyjo’s jockey, Kathleen has proudly lent her

talents to other winners like Sea the Stars and of course, Sinndar during his victory at the Prix L’arc de Triomphe.

Even after considerable success and having achieved recognition as a well regarded fi gure in Irish racing, Kathleen describes her achievements in modest terms. She still feels absolute relief when a new set of colours have been successfully completed! However those at the core of the racing industry will be well aware of the fi rst class service she provides to owners and the fi ne quality of her work.

For Kathleen, 2016 brings with it a new set of races to look forward to and more work to get through. Her only goal outside of her business is for her racing family to remain healthy and happy, and that her son William has a really good year at Cheltenham of course.

HOW TO DESIGN AND REGISTER YOUR OWN SILKSTo avoid confusion on the track no two owners are allowed to posses the same colours and pattern. Each owner must register the chosen design for their silks with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). They are given the option of choosing three possible designs from a total of twenty-seven jacket patterns, twelve sleeve templates, nine cap choices and eighteen colours. However, if all three colour/pattern combinations are unavailable, HRI will suggest silks for them. An owner can use a generator on www.goracing.ie to design the colours and patterns of their silks. Typically, block colours with no pattern are the most valuable. Once a design has been approved by HRI, the process of making silks can begin.

www.goracing.ie/HRI/Get-Involved/Design-your-own-colours/

It’s lovely to see, especially in a big race, that your horse has won. I made Bobbyjo’s colours when he won the National.”

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The Curragh is steeped in Irish history. From its earliest days as a meeting place of Celtic kings and chieftains, to the modern day glamour and excitement of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, the Curragh is without doubt the beating heart of Irish racing.

From March to October every year, the cream of the crop descend on the Curragh to partake in or enjoy the spectacle of five classic races — the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby; Darley Irish Oaks; Tattersalls Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas; and the Palmerstown House Estate St Leger at Longines Irish Champions Weekend, as well as many more great races. The home of Irish flat racing and the largest horse training-centre in the country, the Curragh has been host to all the great names in racing such as Sea The Stars, Vintage Crop, Galileo, High Chaparral and Nijinsky.

The next few months will be spent tracking the new stable of superstars with a shot at this year’s Irish Derby on Saturday

CENTURIES OF IRISH RACING HAVE UNFOLDED ON THE CURRAGH CULMINATING IN THE WORLD-CLASS SPECTACLE THAT IS THE IRISH DERBY. NOW THE RACECOURSE IS ENTERING A PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE IT’S RACE-FIT FOR THE FUTURE.

CAMPAIGN Curragh

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Derby day 2015; William Buick and Connections of Jack Hobbs celebrate winning the 150th Irish Derby; Opening of the new race stand in the 19th century

June 25. From the moment you arrive you know it’s going to be special. The finest racehorses in the world competing for the Irish Derby crown — you can’t help but be swept away by the thrill of this infectiously exciting social occasion of outstanding glamour and an electrifying atmosphere.

2016 is a milestone year for the Curragh marking the 275th anniversary since the first officially documented race took place there. This follows the celebrations in 2015 marking the 150th running of Ireland’s greatest horse race, the Irish Derby. Jack Hobbs, the first British trained horse to win since 1993, triumphed in emphatic style.

Interesting personalities abounded on the day

including Cash Asmussen, Michael Kinane and Lester Piggot along with actress Mary Crosby, daughter of Bing Crosby who owned Meadow Court, winner of the 1965 Irish Derby. Bing famously celebrated by regaling racegoers with his rendition of ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’ in the winners’ enclosure.

The Curragh marked the occasion with a commemorative book written Sean Magee in conjunction with Guy Williams, Frances Hyland and Jacqueline O’Brien and the installation on the course of a sculpture, Irish Derby Globe of Fame, created by the Irish School of Farriery. The Gallop, a piece of public art by Paul Finch, commissioned by Kildare County Council, was installed on the Ballymany roundabout.


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The Irish Derby actually stretches back further than 150 years, as for eight years in the early 19th century the O’Darby Stakes was run at the Curragh and 24 years later in 1848, the Curragh Derby was run for the first time. But it didn’t really begin in earnest until 1866 when the Irish Derby that we know today was created by the 3rd Earl of Howth, the 3rd Marquess of Drogheda and 3rd Earl of Charlemont.

The first occasion attracted just three runners and it saw the English raider Selim beat Tom King by three lengths with Fire Eater back in third. Back then, the Derby was run on the second day of a four-day meeting and Selim won on each day! In its first six years the Irish Derby was run over a mile and six furlongs but from 1872 onwards it has taken place over the traditional distance of a mile and a half.

In 1907 Orby, owned by Richard ‘Boss’ Croker, became the first-ever Irish-trained horse to win the Epsom Derby and in what was a significant boost for the Irish Derby at the time became the first horse to attempt the Epsom/Irish Derby double, doing so at 1/10 which remain the shortest-ever odds for an Irish Derby winner.

A real game changer in the history of the race came in 1962 when Joe McGrath, the founder of the Irish Hospitals’ Sweepstake, linked the sweepstake to the Irish Derby. This led to the prize money being increased from £8,000 to £50,000, transforming the race from a domestic showpiece to a contest of international significance.

In recent years the Irish Derby has been dominated by Aidan O’Brien who trained his first Derby winner, Desert King in 1997, a victory he has repeated on nine subsequent occasions with racing

luminaries Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Dylan Thomas (2006), Soldier of Fortune (2007), Frozen Fire (2008), Fame and Glory (2009), Cape Blanco (2010), Treasure Beach (2011), Camelot (2012) adn Australia (2014). As impressive as that is in itself, O’Brien also saddled the first three home in the race in 2002, 2007, 2010 and 2011! Camelot’s win in the 2012 Irish Derby garnered his trainer a unique accolade when Aidan’s son Joseph rode Camelot to victory making them the first father-and-son team to win the race.

The next chapter in the history of the racecourse will commence later this year with a major redevelopment that will include construction of a new grandstand, weigh-room and parade ring, while the arrivals and reception area of the racecourse will be extended to incorporate a museum of Irish racing. The existing stable yard will be completely refurbished and a separate investment programme will be put in place for the training ground.

The overall investment in the project will be in the region of €65 million, which will be financed jointly by HRI and private investment. The objective is to complete the redevelopment without any debt. Three groups of shareholders will form the Board of the new company, which will be chaired by Kildare native, former CEO of the ESB and current chairman of Eir, Padraig McManus.

It is hoped that the new Curragh Racecourse will be completed in 2018 and the intention is that racing will continue throughout the development period. The new development will bring the facilities into line with the quality of the racing — world class.

SUPPORTING OWNERSThe Curragh is committed to giving owners with runners a great experience and last year launched a variety of significant initiatives to benefit owners. These include:

• Letter to every owner at time of entry

• Access to the Owners’ Lounge on the race day

• All owners with runners on the day receive a complimentary meal in our Owners Lounge

• Owners can avail of four additional complimentary general admission tickets on days their horse runs

• Owners have access to a designated Owners’ Car Park on days their horse runs

• Owners receive a discount on restaurant and private suite hospitality

• Winning connections will be offered a celebratory drink following the race

• All winning owners will receive a trophy, complimentary DVD and photograph of the race

• Owners who do not have runners on the day have privileged access to the Balcony Bar & Premier Level on the second floor of the grandstand as well as the Curragh Members Bar on the first floor.


DECLAN LANDYFENCING

Specialist in All Weather gallops, Land Drainage, Plant Hire and

Paddocks and lungeing rings

internal road making

Supply and erection of V Mesh

Competitive quotations for Postand Rail Fencing

wire fencing products Competitive quotations on request

Pluckerstown, Kilmeague, Naas, Co. Kildare

Telephone: 087 2591718

Fax: 045 860804

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.declanlandy.com









Fax: 045 860804




Telephone: 087 2591718 Fax: 045 860804

Email: [email protected]: www.declanlandy.com






wire fencing products

Competitive quotations on request



Fax: 045 860804











Fax: 045 860804











Fax: 045 860804











Fax: 045 860804











Fax: 045 860804



Specialist in All Weather Gallops, Paddocks and Lunging Rings

Land Drainage, Plant Hire and Internal Road Making

Competitive Quotations for Post and Rail Fencing

Supply and Erection of V Mesh Wire Fencing Products

COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST

235321_1C_Declan Landy_JR_GOFFS.indd 1 24/08/2015 14:35

Cleveragh, Co. Sligo Tel/Fax: +353 71 9162484

E: [email protected] Follow us on twitter and facebook

www.countysligoraces.com

E Evening D Day N National Hunt F Flat

2016 RACE DAYS

SLIGO

RACES

• Sunday 1st May (D F) • Monday 23rd May (E N)• Tuesday 28th June (E F)• Sunday 10th July (D N) - Family Day • Wednesday 3rd August (E F)

• Thursday 4th August (E N) - Ladies Day • Tuesday 16th August (E N F) • Wednesday 28th September (D N) - Steeplechase

238245_4C_SLIGO RACES_IB_AIRO 2016.indd 1 28/01/2016 11:43

Owners welcome at Navan Racecourse For Restaurant bookings call the team

T: 0469021350, E: [email protected] W: www.navanracecourse.ie

Newbawn, Foulksmills, Co WexfordPhone: 051-565625 • Fax: 051-565758

Eoin Banville: 086-8558907 • Peter Nolan: 086-1569089

ARCTIC TACK STUDARCTIC TACK STUD

ALL STALLIONS ARE AN OUTCROSS TO THE SADLER’S WELLS LINESALES PREPARATION & FOALING FACILITIES AVAILABLE

AIZAVOSKI ARCADIO LE FOU JET AWAYBay 16.2hh 2006 Bay 16.2hh 2006

by Monsun-Arlesienne (Alzao)Bay 16.1hh 2002Bay 16.1hh 2002

by Monsun-Assia (Royal Academy)Bay 16.1hh 1999 Bay 16.1hh 1999

by Polish Precedent-Floripedes (Top Ville)Bay 16.1hh 2007 Bay 16.1hh 2007

by Cape Cross – Kalima (Kahyasi)

Eight Time Winning Stakes Winner of almost

€500,000By leading

National Hunt Influence Monsun

EXCITING YOUNG SIRE OFThe Game Changer,

Imada, Mad Jack Mytton, Chapel Hall,

Walk To Freedom, etc

From small initial crops of only 132 foals

of racing age

A Group placed half-brother to

outstanding sires

MONTJEU & GOLD WELL

SIRE OF Grade 3 winner

DOLATULU & exciting novice hurdler

MA DU FOU

High Class RacehorseBy CAPE CROSS -

sire of SEA THE STARS& GOLDEN HORN

FIRST CROP 2-YEAR OLDS

OF 2016

First Crop foals in 2016

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By world standards, horse racing in India is something of a “strange beast”. On the one hand, the country has a sizeable Thoroughbred breeding

industry – larger than Germany, for example – and nine active racecourses, which enable racing round the year. Decent levels of prize money and significant wagering activity are signs of health. On the other hand, the country’s horsemen have to bear the cross of studied indifference, if not outright hostility, from both the Central and State Governments – which remain blissfully unaware of the industry’s potential.

Outrageous levels of taxation on wagering, prize money and breeding services, lack of infrastructure, manmade restrictions on participation and spiraling inflation form a toxic cocktail that provides the backdrop against which breeders, turf administrators, punters and horse professionals alike must conduct their activities. That said, form holds up remarkably well in the major races in India, despite vast differences in external factors like climate, track surfaces, and the like in such a huge and diverse country.

It is the so-called joint Turf Authorities of India that must carry the can for the bulk of the internal ills that bedevil the sport. Lack of credibility is writ large in the public mind, as witnessed by the pathetic live attendance at some tracks in what is after all the world’s second most populous country.

For a start, the racing programme that is offered annually is a patchwork quilt of many authors and is seriously out-of-sync with modern requirements. Given that the country had at one time been in the vanguard of progress – for example, it saw the advent of starting gates even before Great Britain, the introduction of simulcasting before the USA, the verification of pedigrees using DNA well before other Asian countries – it is incredible that no one has thought it worthwhile to rewrite the programme to fit the racing population as it ought to be, rather than accepting it as it is. After all, is it not the avowed aim of horse racing to improve the breed?

Overall, the Indian Turf has positively excelled at diluting excellence! For evidence, note the following:

• The framing of 39 so-called “classics” annually – any halfway decent horse can be hailed as a “classic winner” in India. Worldwide, each country has no more than half a dozen races that merit this distinction.

• The introduction of additional races for really low calibre horses; these useless nags are pandered to so much that the era of giants like Adler, Elusive Pimpernel, Own Opinion, Royal Tern, Squanderer, etc., appears to have virtually disappeared! It would be stretching credibility to suggest

INDIA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A REAL FORCE IN INTERNATIONAL RACING. HOWEVER ITS EFFORTS ARE STYMIED BY GOVERNMENT INDIFFERENCE AND AN UNDERCURRENT OF HOSTILITY THAT PREVENTS IT ATTAINING THE LEVEL OF CREDIBILITY TO COMPETE ON AN INTERNATIONAL STAGE.

IndianTURF WARS

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that Antonios, Autonomy, Diabolical, Hotstepper, Super Storm, etc., to name a few recent Indian Derby or Invitation Cup winners, were anywhere in the same league (In The Spotlight in 2012 was a rare, but nevertheless welcome, exception!).

• The insidious reduction in distances of races, contributing to the decline of the breed. Very few trainers can school long distance runners and the fraternity is well aware that when such races fail to fill, the race clubs will conveniently frame substitute events at half the distance!

• The lack of serious disincentive to doping offences (which are running into double digit numbers annually, mainly for medications such as pain-killers), the turning of a blind eye to non-triers, and the meting out of laughable punishments for proven offences.

• The comical ratings given to runners in a formulaic manner based on “guidelines” devised by stewards rather than on expert assessment of form by independent-minded handicappers.

• The restrictions placed on visiting runners (i.e. those trained at a venue other than where the race is taking place), except in a fraction of the higher class races. Such restrictions may well violate the law of the land, and in any case isn’t racing supposed to be about competition?

The need for turf administrators round the world to fill fields is understandable. The larger the field, the greater the wagering turnover. Even in Great Britain, the British Horseracing Authority has programmed a large number of All Weather cards, particularly during the winter months, a move which has drawn criticism. As one commentator put it: “Have a look at the vast majority of All Weather cards (and some of the fifth and sixth ranked turf cards) and tell me the BHA isn’t pandering to mediocrity. I do not want to decry the connections of the horses because it is the breeders who are the problem. They have urgently to be put under some sort of control.”

The desire to “put (breeders) under some sort of control” is echoed by some amongst the fraternity in India as well. That goes against the grain and is anathema to those who strive for excellence – after all, no one can predict where the next Mill Reef or Secretariat will come from. A superior solution is not to card races for low calibre horses. It may take a couple of years or more but breeders of rubbish will soon get the message – nothing hurts more than a tight pinching of the pocket.

On to the sport! The present season, which commenced on November 1st of 2015, has seen some sterling performances from the products of the Kunigal Stud, near Bangalore in South India, which alone has been responsible for almost a third of the stakes races run so far! Owned and operated by Dr. Vijay Mallya’s United Racing and Bloodstock Breeders Pvt. Ltd., Kunigal is a conventional European-style set-up dependent on excellent management, scientific nutrition, well-performed broodmares and a proven stallion (Fairy King’s admirably tough Irish-bred son Burden Of Proof) on a large farm steeped in history – it’s said to have been used for horse breeding for some 250 years.

Unfortunately, Kunigal’s second stallion, Admiralofthefleet (by Danehill), formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle, is no more. Excellent performers like Admiralty, Cameron and Captain Cook showed that he will be seriously missed. Clearly, then, there will be high hopes for his replacement, the Claude McGaughey-trained multiple Gr.2 and Gr.3 winner Air Support (by Smart Strike), whose first crop yearlings will come up for sale later in 2016.

The best of the current Kunigal brigade is undoubtedly Desert God (ex Running Flame), who travelled to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) to annex the Calcutta Derby on January 10th. He is back at his home base in Bangalore and holds a realistic chance in the McDowell Indian Derby in February, should his connections choose to ship him to Mumbai.

Next on the leading farms’ list, albeit only in a technical sense, is the Chettinad Stud which has been farming the big races at Chennai (formerly Madras) during the era of its owner, the late Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, who passed away in December. His departure from the scene leaves a huge void and it will be interesting to see if the stud continues in its present form.

A couple of other leading nurseries this season are the Hazara Stud, near Ambala in the North Indian state of Haryana, and the Nanoli Stud, near Pune in Western India. Incidentally, the varied locations of the leading farms show that a good horse can be bred just about anywhere in the country so long as it is done right.

The contrast between these two operations could not be starker. The former relies for its excellent results on a combination of extensive acreage in a fertile belt allied to rough-and-tough, natural upbringing, while the latter’s purpose-built set-up and management ethos would be more familiar to an international breeder. Both annually import sizeable drafts of broodmares, and

The desire to “put (breeders) under some sort of control” is echoed by some amongst the fraternity in India as well. That goes against the grain and is anathema to those who strive for excellence.”

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their owners are familiar visitors at Goffs Bloodstock Sales in Co. Kildare each year.

Hazara’s pride and joy in the first half of last year was the Irish-conceived Be Safe (by Holy Roman Emperor), winner of the 2015 McDowell Indian Derby in national record time of 2:27.71. He suffered a loss of form in the middle of last year leading to his connections giving him a long rest; he has since returned successfully to competitive action in mid-January. His absence from the scene for several months left the way clear for the grand five-year-old Quasar (by Seeking The Dia) to occupy centre stage. Coincidentally another product of the Hazara Stud, Quasar had the scalp of Be Safe in last year’s Invitation Cup under controversial circumstances but has since proved virtually invincible. The chestnut, trained by Mallesh Narredu, is the highest earner in the land.

Both the Indian 1000 Guineas and the Indian 2000 Guineas were run at the sweeping Mahalakshmi Racecourse in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in December and both fell to the progeny of high-class former inmates of Warren Place. An astounding burst of acceleration saw Myrtlewood check in well clear of her rivals in the “1000”. She is an attractive daughter of the Irish-bred Multidimensional, a product of the Niarchos breeding operation, who holds court at the Usha Stud near Delhi. A week later, the Juddmonte home-bred Phoenix Tower, who stands at the Manjri Horse Breeders Farm in the Western Indian city of Pune, came up with the first two home in the “2000”, namely Phoenix Tiger and Costa Del Sol.

Both are said to be headed to the McDowell Indian Derby, where stamina will play a role. Potentially they could be joined by Myrtlewood who followed up her Guineas triumph with an imperious effort in the Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks.

Punjab’s Dashmesh Stud enjoyed a quick stakes double in the third week of January, the second leg of which saw Angel Dust (by Win Legend) scoring a last-gasp win in the Bangalore Winter Derby. Meanwhile, the fortunes of the Western India-based Poonawalla breeding empire have taken an upward swing with the grand-looking Arazan (by Anabaa), formerly a stablemate of Sea The Stars in the barn of trainer John Oxx, churning out a vast number of winners. However, he has not yet made a great impact at stakes level.

With racing for two-year-olds restricted to the months of November and December, not many of that ilk have been seen out as yet. Notable runners, of whom more will undoubtedly be heard in the future, include Multidimensional’s daughter Devoted Eyes whose back-to-back victories in richly-endowed events strongly points to Classic success later in the year. A shock winner of the Gr.3 Gool Poonawalla Million – at 20 to 1 – on her debut was the Nakul Stud-bred Serenity, by the Irish-born Whatsthescript.

Anil Mukhi is a bloodstock consultant based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and can be contacted at [email protected]

Incidentally, the varied locations of the leading farms show that a good horse can be bred just about anywhere in the country so long as it is done right.”

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Every racegoer has their supreme course, loyalty and passion born from

magnificent winning day celebrations, the perfect spot to track the

action, grazing on lazy picnics, warming frozen fingers around a hot

whiskey in the owners’ bar, jostling to nab the value before the off, huddled

chats after a major upset or plotting the next step in the campaign. Intrigue

and drama set against a stunning backdrop and pulsating emotions. Once

you’ve been bitten there’s no going back.

Effervescent glamour fixtures segue into the laid back party atmosphere

of evening meetings that morph into muddy midweek afternoons at

bottomless tracks. The changing faces and pace of Irish racing keep

racegoers enthralled through the seasons, I doubt there is one amongst us

who wouldn’t know exactly how to spend a windfall. Here’s a taster to whet

your appetite.

RACING’S HEADY MIX OF SPECTACLE AND A BURNING COMPULSION TO SOLVE THE RECURRENT ENIGMAS OF EVERY CARD, INTOXICATE AND ENTRANCE RACEGOERS AS THEY TRAVEL THE LENGTH AND BREATH OF THE COUNTRY IN PURSUIT OF VICTORY.

WINNERSCourse & Distance

056 AIRO 2016_Travel.indd 56 08/02/2016 11:47

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Galway race week is a colossus in the

Irish fixtures calendar. For seven days

the Ballybrit track becomes an epic

battleground where the cream of Irish and

UK racing wage war to win the Galway

Guinness Handicap Hurdle, the richest

hurdle race in Ireland with a prize fund

of €300,000, and the coveted Galway

Plate. Imbued with the atmosphere of a

summer fun fair the Ballybrit track attracts

140,000 racing enthusiasts and thrill

seekers bringing a freewheeling, carnival

atmosphere to the city of the tribes.

Hosting race meetings

since 1885, Roscommon

has seen its fair share of

racing luminaries including

Imperial Call and Enzeli,

winners of the Cheltenham

Gold Cup and Ascot Gold

cup respectively. Both

tried their luck at the

Roscommon course while

advancing their careers. The

track is ever popular with

trainers and you’re certain

to see many a promising

upstart being put through

their paces at any of the

course’s evening meetings

throughout the summer

months, The season

culminates in the €40,000

Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice

Chase in late September.

STAY:For peace and tranquility in opulent surroundings try the recently refurbished Ashford Castle. If you prefer to be in the thick of it Galway has a raft of good hotels including the Raddison Blu; House Hotel; G Hotel. Glenlo Abbey if you’ve packed your clubs or The Twelve in Barna if you fancy taking the sea air.

EAT:Anair, JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffney’s temple to the produce of the western seaboard, contemporary, inventive cooking and a daily tasting menu. City eateries worth trying include The Latin Quarter, Oscars Seafood Bistro, Ard Bia at Nimmos and Anair’s little sister Cava Bodega.

DRINK:Of Foam and Fury a citrusy and refreshing IPA or Galway Hooker a subtle, stylish, locally brewed light ale. Traditional pubs Tigh Neachtain and Tig Coili both serve a decent pint and Freeney’s while not glamorous will at least be showing the racing!

TRY:Native oysters in September or Connemara smokehouse wild smoked salmon.

STAY:For a helping of old school luxury Kilronan Castle will provide a well-upholstered spot to rest. The Abbey is a perennial favourite with racegoers and is centrally located as is the characterful Gleeson’s Townhouse.

EAT:Try Molloy’s Bakery or Rogue & Co for an early tea pre racing, enjoy a relaxed post racing dinner in Gleeson’s Townhouse or spice things up in Mother India.

DRINK:Sheep Stealer, a traditionally brewed Saison from Black Donkey Brewery. Good pubs to round off the evening include JJ Harlow’s for live music or the aptly named Down the Hatch for a swift nightcap.

TRY:Roscommon handmade chocolates or Molly’s selection of toffee and fudge.

Visit K C Blakes, Galway City, for delicious seafood. The sea trout is highly recommended.”Brendan Doyle, Hon. Treasurer, Association of Irish Racehorse Owners

The steak is very good at The Ewe Tree Restaurant but they’ve good staff and there’s good service which is really important.”Adrian Brendan Joyce, Trainer

GALWAY:

ROSCOMMON:

DATES:• July 25-31 • Sept 5, 6• Oct 11, 30, 31

DATES:• May 9; June 13, 14 • July 4, 5• Aug 2, 15, 29 • Sept 26

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The spectacular National Hunt festival in April is a showcase

of prime Irish and UK jumps racing that attracts a mass of

racing enthusiasts to witness 12 Grad 1 contests and quality

card of depth and breadth over 5 days. The prize fund is

exceptionally competitive and the racecourse support the

prize money to ensure it remains so attractive. Owners with

runners on race day receive four complimentary tickets,

other facilities for owners include a designated car park,

a bar on the ground floor of the Panoramic Stand and a

lounge in the de Robeck rooms. Connections of winning

horses are treated to a celebratory drink and rerun of the

race in a private suite. A major upgrade of the facilities will

take place over the next two years.

Running a mix of steeplechase,

hurdle and flat races

throughout the year, the course

is popular with locals and

visitors. A mere 15 years old,

the course provides excellent

facilities for racegoers and

runners. A special owners’

and trainers’ package for the

Panoramic restaurant includes

a reserved table and lunch for

€30 per person for connections

with a horse running that

day. Race days have a strong

family atmosphere and

family fun days are a regular

feature of the calendar with a

riot of entertainment for the

younger racegoers. Evening

meetings have a party vibe

with barbecues and post

racing live music.

STAY:The Kilashee Hotel is a perfect base for racing in Punchestown, relax in its secluded location and luxurious surroundings. The Keadeen Hotel is always popular with the racing community; both the K Club and Carton House offer a five star experience and a spot of golf.

EAT:Try Hanged Man’s restaurant near Newbridge, an excellent choice for a post race meal, experience superb cooking and a well thought out menu in an atmospheric setting in this traditional pub. Beat the pre-race traffic and grab brunch in Elms Gourmet Pantry on the doorstep of Punchestown racecourse.

DRINK:There are craft breweries aplenty in this neck of the woods — try the wittily named Sabotage pale ale and Dark Arts porter from Trouble Brewing.

TRY:Dentists look away now. The irresistible and exotically packaged Hadji Bey Turkish delight is now produced in Newbridge along with childhood favourites Iced Caramels, Cleeves Toffee and Macaroon bars. When in Rome…

STAY:The Limerick Strand Hotel for a central location. One Pery Square is a period townhouse with restaurant and spa. Adare Manor — luxury, golfing and angling.

EAT:Cornstore is popular, fun restaurant with great food. The Locke is a cosy gastro pub with great mussels, oysters and a legendary roast. For fine dining head to the Mustard Seed in Echo Lodge, Ballingarry.

DRINK:The Locke brew their own stout and the Blind Pig serves Treaty City’s brew — Harris pale ale named for the hellraiser of the county.

TRY:The Milk Market for exquisite confectionary, cheeses, preserves, chutneys and gourmet pies. You’ll probably need to stay the week!

For a first class steak, done to your liking, pay a visit to the Hanged Mans Restaurant, Milltown. You will enjoy the experience.”Caren Walsh, Council Member, Association of Irish Racehorse Owners

A good racing hotel, Dunraven Arms Hotel, belonging to Brian Murphy, one of the most popular spots, they’re renowned for their beef. It’s a very comfortable luxurious space about 10 minutes outside Limerick City.”Enda Bolger, Trainer

PUNCHESTOWN:

LIMERICK: DATES:• March 12, 13 • April 3, 7, 14, 23 • May 8 • June 11, 17 • July 3, 21 • Oct 8, 9 • Dec 26, 27, 28, 29

DATES:• April 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 • May 14; June 1• Oct 12, 13, 22 • Nov 20 • Dec 11

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Probably one of the oldest courses on this island, Downpatrick

has been associated with racing for over 300 years. A mile

from the town centre, this course won a prestigious AIRO Merit

Award for best facilities for owners. Good to know! In the judges’

opinion the course was the most improved under the direction

of manager Richard Lyttle. It now boasts top class facilities

offering complimentary lunch with wine for all owners with

runners on the day. Winning connections are invited to the

winning connections box for champagne and are presented

with a DVD of the race and a photograph. Even if you’re not

lucky enough to have a runner the excellent atmosphere, great

racing and friendly staff make it an enjoyable outing.

If you’re lucky enough to

be spending summer in

Kerry then ensure your visit

coincides with one of the

three summer festivals at

Killarney. Racing at what

must be Irelands’ most

scenic racetrack is a short

hop from the town and a

terrific crowd. The Panoramic

restaurant is the ideal spot

to linger over a meal and

watch the action against

the magnificent backdrop

of the MacGillicuddy Reeks.

The buzz of the holiday

atmosphere that permeates

the town combined with

cracking racing and a mix of

day and evening meetings

ensure a memorable

meeting.

STAY:Denvirs, the oldest surviving coaching inn in Ireland retains its charm and ambience. The Cuan guesthouse has a good range of accommodation and the option of a holiday cottage if you’re travelling in a group.

EAT:Denvirs promises something for everyone for lunch or dinner. Try Balloo House Bistro which boasts a masterchef finalist as its chef!

DRINK:It would be madness not to sample a tot of Bushmills 10, 16 or 21 year old single malt.

TRY:Six Down pubs have made the Michillin Eating Out In Pubs Guide, so try one of them – Poachers Pocket, Comber; The Pheasant, Annahilt; Coyles, Bangor; Pier 36, Donaghadee; The Parsons’ Nose and The Plough Inn, Hilllsborough!

STAY:The Dunloe’s idyllic setting and fabulous facilities make it must. Muckross Park Hotel offers five star luxury. In town choose old world charm in the Arbutus Hotel or the modern Killarney Plaza or International Hotel.

EAT:Kerry mountain lamb at the Smokehouse; Mareena’s for seafood dishes; For French patisserie nip into Petit Delice; try Rozzers at the Killeen House, Aghadoe.

DRINK:Look out for cask-conditioned beers from the West Kerry Brewery. Adventurers might like Tom Crean’s refreshing, crisp lager.

TRY:Murphys’ ice-cream in some pleasingly surprising flavours — Dingle sea salt, gin, Irish coffee, butterscotch…

Racegoers travelling back south should not miss the opportunity of calling to Donegan’s Monasterboice Inn just a couple of minutes off the M1 and near Drogheda. Steaks are sumptuous and the scampi is fantastic.”Aiden Burns, Manager, Association of Irish Racehorse Owners

The McSweeney Arms Hotel is a fine hotel, especially if you’re in the racing world but they cater for everyone.”Charles Coakley, Trainer

DOWNPATRICK:

KILLARNEY: DATES:• May 15, 16, 17 • July 11, 12, 13, 14• Aug 17, 18, 19, 20

DATES:• March 2, 20 • May 06, 20 • June 12, 13• July 13 • Aug 7, 29 • Sept 23 • Oct 14

056 AIRO 2016_Travel.indd 59 08/02/2016 11:48

| COMMERCIAL PROFILE |


F amed for the warmth

of its welcome, Dublin

is arguably one of

Europe’s most popular

cities. Around 50 minutes

away in County Kildare and

less than 30 minutes from

the K Club, Kildare Village,

is where the concept

of hospitality is taken

seriously in what is Ireland’s

leading luxury shopping

destination.

In the heart of Ireland’s

horse-racing country,

Kildare Village is home to

over 80 designer boutiques

and is designed to capture

the charm and scale of the

region’s stud farms. Anya

Hindmarch, Lulu Guinness,

Molton Brown and

Hackett are among the

thoroughbred European

brands showcased there,

including celebrated Irish

designer Louise Kennedy

with her only outlet

store worldwide. Their

stablemates include such

renowned international

names as Coach, DKNY,

Hugo Boss and Wolford –

with reductions of up to

60% on the recommended

retail price, all year round.

Other winning features

include the authentic

Italian cuisine served

at L’Officina restaurant,

elegant boulangerie Le

Pain Quotidien, whilst

Starbucks coffee provides a

It’s a winner every time at Kildare Village in the ‘Thoroughbred County’

quick caffeine fix and snack

if the shopping is simply

too good to interrupt for

long.

Getting to Kildare

Village is easy. Irish Rail

operates a regular daily

train service from Dublin

Heuston station and the

Kildare Village Shopping

Express coach service

operates daily departures

from Dublin airport and

Dublin city centre.

Within striking distance

of the Village, Kildare is

also home to the world

famous Irish National

Stud, Gardens and Horse

Museum, offering visitors

the opportunity to explore

this fascinating aspect of

Ireland’s heritage.

Kildare Village, steeped

in Ireland’s renowned

tradition of warm

hospitality, has established

itself as a favourite

destination for shoppers

seeking exceptional savings

from a stable of luxury

brands and a memorable

day out.

A UNIQUE IRISH EXPERIENCEThis year, Kildare Village

will launch SóCollective, a

new home for Irish fashion,

craft and culture.

Inherently Irish,

SóCollective’s creative

direction, interior design,

visual identity and voice

is collectively imagined

by Irish designers and

creatives.

‘Só’-A Gaelic word

meaning treat or luxury

| ‘Collective’ - A group of

people with shared ideals

and vision. This retail

project aims to meet

a growing demand for

contemporary, forward-

thinking Irish design

and to offer a curated

space for Irish designers,

makers and craftspeople,

both emerging and

established, to show

their work. It also offers

a cultural programme of

in-store exhibitions and

installations, celebrating

the work of Irish artists and

creatives. This project is

a must-see for domestic

and international visitors to

experience something truly

unique.

A WORLD OF LUXURY SHOPPING If Ireland is the first stop

on a visit to Europe, why

not think about taking

in one or more of the

other eight Villages, for

Kildare Village is part of a

Collection of Villages, within

easy reach of some of

Europe’s favourite gateway

cities – London, Paris,

Madrid, Barcelona, Milan,

Bologna, Brussels, Antwerp,

Cologne, Frankfurt and

Munich. And if that is not

exciting enough, in 2014,

the Collection expanded to

China with the opening of

Suzhou Village, a relaxed

and enchanting shopping

destination located in the

heart of historic Suzhou. The

second Village, Shanghai

Village, will be located in

the Shanghai International

Tourism and Resorts Zone

(SITRZ), which includes the

Shanghai Disney Resort,

and will open in the spring

of 2016. As with other

members of the Collection

of Villages, Suzhou Village

and Shanghai Village will

be defined by their offer

of international luxury

fashion and lifestyle

brands, together with

an exceptional level of

service, and will be the

most important shopping

tourism destinations in Asia.

Visit KildareVillage.com for more information.

KildareVILLAGE

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We have

over 50

different

brands in Vanity Fair

including Irish home-

grown talents Aideen Bodkin and

Caroline Kilkenny, and a new label

from Co Wexford called Kymaia.

We also stock labels from all over

Europe. We have a Croatian label,

Xenia, which customers love, a

Greek label, Badoo, Indies from

France, Italian brands Marella and

Save the Queen and lots more.

You won’t be short of choice!

Dresses are still taking centre

stage this spring/summer, but

each designer has gone above

and beyond. Lots of prints, colour

and wonderful new fabrics. It’s all

in the detailing too. Dresses with

capes or long sleeves and dresses

with the back being the most

interesting part. But trousers are

making a little comeback too

Trousers that are more works

of art than trousers, fabulous

designs. It’ll be interesting to see

what customers make of the

trousers this season.

Visit www.vanityfair.ie for Nessa’s boutique buys. You can find Nessa’s millinery designs at www.madhatterhat.ie.

WE SPOKE TO TWO WOMEN WHO KNOW ALL ABOUT WINNING LOOKS. MILLINER NESSA CRONIN, OWNER OF MAD HATTER AND VANITY FAIR, A WELL-KNOWN BOUTIQUE IN NEWBRIDGE, CO KILDARE AND NATALIE SVIKLE, PERSONAL SHOPPING CONSULTANT IN KILDARE VILLAGE.

More than half of

our boutiques

offer a variety of

options for anyone who is

into racing. For gentlemen

there is Hugo Boss, Hackett,

Savoy Taylor’s Guild, Thomas

Pink, Jaeger, Aquascutum,

Brooks Brothers, Church’s and

Barbour.

Ladies can indulge in

Louise Kennedy, LK Bennett,

Gucci, Hobbs, Karen Millen,

Reiss, Kate Spade and

complete the looks with

accessories from Anya

Hindmarch, Mulberry, Coach

or Furla.

This season we will see a

lot of trends that can be easily

translated into race day attire. Victorian-inspired

ruffles, voluminous sleeves, abundant florals, pleats

and X-shaped halter necks are all trends that can

be incorporated into a race day look.

Spanish culture seems to have been an

inspiration for a lot of designers as the nod

towards all things Spanish is very prominent – from

Flamenco-inspired full length gowns to off-the-

shoulder cuts and a strong presence of vivid red.

The Kildare Village personal shopping service is a complementary service that is delivered by appointment only and is subject to availability.

NATALIE ON TRENDThe easiest way to create a beautiful racing ensemble is to use the season’s hottest colours. Rose Quartz (soft cool-toned pink) and Serenity (clean light blue) will be huge this summer along with Fiesta (vibrant red), Peach Echo (coral peach), Green Flash (soft but vibrant grass green), Limpet Shell (light aqua) and refined Lilac Gray.

NESSA ON TRENDMy national hunt wardrobe staples are a stylish warm wool coat, a felt hat/headpiece and I always try to keep warm with some leather gloves.

NATALIE SVIKLEPERSONAL SHOPPING CONSULTANT, KILDARE VILLAGE

NESSA CRONINMILLINER AND OWNER OF MAD HATTER AND VANITY FAIR

INTHEKNOW

Outfit by Elenora Amadei

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StyleStakes2016’S HOTTEST TRENDS ARE SOME OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS WE’VE SEEN ON THE CATWALK. MINIMALISM HAS FINALLY TAKEN A STEP BACK AND COLOUR IS AT THE CORE OF ALL TRENDS.

Flamenco ruffles, off-the-shoulder details and shocks of red have us dreaming of Barcelona in the spring.

The pyjama suit is tipped to be the biggest trend of spring/summer 2016, continuing right through into autumn/winter ‘16. WHITE

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

RUFFLED COTTON-

POPLIN TOP, €1,435, Rosie Assoulin at

Net-A-Porter

BLACK RUFFLED SILK MAXI SKIRT, €1,550,

Johanna Ortiz at Net-A-Porter

JANETA PRINT SILK TROUSERS,

€340, Diane Von Furstenberg at Brown Thomas

VINLEY DAISY BUD

SILK BLAZER,

€413, Diane Von

Furstenberg at Brown Thomas

BEADED CHOKER, €21, ASOS

RED LEATHER

CROSS BODY BAG,

€102, Hiptipico

NAVY BLUE STRAPPY STILETTO SANDAL,

€96, French Connection

BLACK FRINGED SANDAL,

€150, Kurt Geiger

BLUE SHOPPER, €155, Calvin Klein

at Arnotts

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Ladylike frocks with English garden patterns and Victorian ruffles in full length chiffon.

Let the ladies shine at race meetings by keeping your attire sharp but simple.

FLORAL PRINT MODAL SCARF,

€345, Dolce & Gabbana at Brown Thomas

VALENTINA FLORAL-PRINT JERSEY MAXI

DRESS, €1,085, Erdem at Harvey Nichols

NUDE PENELOPE HANDBAG,

€670, Longchamp

NUDE TWIST FRONT SANDALS,

€68, Topshop

SUNGLASSES, €290, Miu Miu

SUNGLASSES, €165, Ray Ban

MULTISTRIPE POCKET SQUARE, €70, Paul Smith at

Brown Thomas

GOLD PLATED ADJUSTABLE

WATCH, €1,001, Givenchy at Harvey Nichols

COLONIA EAU DE COLOGNE SPRAY,

€80, Acqua Di Parma

BROWN ‘LONGFORD’

BOOTS, €450, Dubarry

POLISHED SQUARE CUFFLINKS, €145, Lanvin

BEIGE IRISH LINEN THREE PIECE SUIT,

€950, Magee

TROPICAL FISH PRINT SHIRT,

€132, Simon Carter at Arnotts

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“Whenever I was upset by something in the papers, Jack always told me to be more tolerant, like a horse flicking away flies in the summer.”

JACKIE KENNEDY

Jackie Kennedy and former Taoiseach, Mr Jack Lynch, at The Curragh, in 1967.

LISTLuxe CHOOSE CLASSIC PIECES FROM THE MOST

SOUGHT AFTER BRANDS THAT KEEP THEIR HERTIAGE AND STYLE AT THE FOREFRONT SEASON AFTER SEASON.

ECHO CREAM AZURE TWEED JACKET, €395, LK Bennett

ROSE AMAZONE,

€150, Hermes

MULTI PRINT SLEEVELESS TOP,

€677, Caractere at Arnotts

TEAL RIBBON PRINT SILK SCARF,

€85, Susannagh Grogan

WHITE PEPLUM SHIRT, €360, Orla Keily

LAUREL SHIRT DRESS, €120, Barbour

CREAM MILITARY STYLE JACKET,

€610, Tara Jarmon

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“I’m half-Irish, half-Dutch, and I was born in Belgium. If I was a dog, I’d be in a hell of a mess!”

AUDREY HEPBURN

Bing Crosby’s horse Meadow Court won the Irish Derby in 1965 at the Curragh. Bing was there to see it and sang ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’ in the winner’s enclosure.

Audrey Hepburn rides a horse dressed in chaps, 1959.

Bing Crosby holds the reins of his horse, Don Bingo, at Belmont Park, New York.

SHORT MINK GILET, €3,900, N Peal

OFF-WHITE FRINGE CHUNK CARDI,

€125, Mint VelvetBURGUNDY WIND

AND WATERPROOF COAT,

€69.99, Jack Murphy

BLACK HIGH NECK WRAP SCARF TOP,

€99, Cos

NAVY KNITTED LAMBSWOOL

JUMPER, €89, Dubarry

ROSE AMAZONE,

€150, Hermes

TAN LEATHER BOUND HIP FLASK,

€60, Dubarry

STERLING SILVER SHOOTING BEAKERS HAND ENGRAVED CASED SET OF 10,

POA, Theo FennellNATURE TREK BINOCULAR, from €157.80, Hawke Optics

SAGE WATERPROOF JACKET,

€435, Dubarry

BLACK MUHLE SHAVING SET,

€150, James Fox

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Irish whiskey’s roots can be traced back to sixth century Ireland when Celtic Christian monks encountered the principles of distillation in Moorish Spain and put this new-

found discovery to excellent use. It took off. By the 18th century the country had over

200 distilleries, producing whiskey, gin, poitín and even absinthe. Following 1916, England closed its markets to Irish exports as a punitive measure. This, combined with the introduction of prohibition in the US, led to a serious decline in distilleries. Today they number less than one tenth of that.

Irish whiskey is recognised for the craft, passion and expertise deployed in creating unique varieties of whiskey, each with a distinctive taste and complex flavours imparted by the provenance of its ingredients and method of distillation.

The characteristics and nuanced flavours come from the aging process, which is completed in wooden casks that have previously stored wine, sherry or bourbon. Each type of wood brings its own component flavours and the amount of time spent in each cask adds further layers of complexity. Here are our top picks of whiskeys to savour the various styles.

FROM THE SIXTH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT DAY IRISH WHISKEY’S RICH HERITAGE HAS EVOLVED FROM THE DISTILLING TRADITIONS OF MOORISH SPAIN VIA CHRISTIAN MONKS TO BECOME A SPIRIT IMBUED WITH EARTHY ROMANCE AND A GLOBAL REPUTATION AMONG AFICIONADOS AS A DELICACY TO BE SAVOURED.

WHISKEY STYLESINGLE

POT STILLSingle pot still is

unique to Ireland; it’s made from a mash of malted and unmalted

barley and tripple distilled in copper

vats to yield a complex whiskey with spice notes

and a creamy mouthfeel.

SINGLE MALTMalt whiskey is

made from 100% malted barley that produces a sweet smooth whiskey

with a full, velvety mouthfeel. Single

malt refers to a malt or blend of

malt whiskey from a single distillery.

BLENDEDBlended whiskey means a blend of two or more

whiskey types from pot still; malt and

grain varieties.

SINGLE GRAIN

Grain whiskey uses a maximum of

30% malted barley and unmalted cereals such as

maize, wheat and barley to produce. It produces a light, soft, sweet whiskey. Single grain refers to a grain whiskey

from a single distillery.

THE TEELING 26-YEAR-OLD

WHISKEY€695

IrishGOLD CUP

The rarity of this beauty is reflected in the price. Just 1,000 individually numbered bottles were made. But if you’ve a significant occasion to celebrate it’s a pretty good start. The Teeling Family have been crafting Irish whiskey since 1782 and this generation, Jack and Stephen carry on the family tradition. This double distilled whiskey is aged in American white oak bourbon casks followed by Burgundy wine casks. This combination yields tropical fruit notes with pineapple, kiwi and melon giving way to a lush sweet roll that ends in a wash of spice. A big price. A very big whiskey.

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WILD GEESELIMITED EDITION€62.99

KILBEGGAN21-YEAR-OLDLIMITED EDITION BLEND€125

From the award winning Cooley Distillery the Wild Geese limited edition is a blend of double distilled malt whiskey and grain whiskey aged only in bourbon casks. The quality is best defi ned in the Whisky Bible (2009), Jim Murray gave this a very impressive score of 93, commenting: “simply stunning; just so light, the clarity of the barley sugar and vanilla leaves you purring; a limited edition of unlimited beauty.’’

First up from Ireland’s oldest distillery, Bushmills, a special edition launched in 2008 to mark 400 years of Bushmills. The company was born when King James I granted Sir Thomas Phillips, governor of Antrim, a licence to distil. The grain mix in this special issue includes crystal malt, more traditionally used to add colour and fl avour in brewing. Here it brings a rounder fl avour and mature caramel sweetness with back notes of rum off set by aromas of ginger, cinnamon and almond.

The creation of Master Blender, Noel Sweeney, Kilbeggan 21 is a blend of malt and grain whiskies from the oldest stocks in the Cooley distillery. Matured in bourbon, sherry, port and madeira casks giving it a quintessentially mellow spice aroma, complex and delightful drift from vanilla ice to honey and lemon. The heady aroma is matched with the beautiful deep resin colour. A real treat.

YELLOW SPOT12-YEAR-OLD SINGLE POT STILL€80BUSHMILLS 1608

400TH ANNIVERSARY€125

GLENDALOUGHDOUBLE BARRELSINGLE GRAIN€34

One of Midleton Distillery’s single pot stills that continues to grow in popularity among whiskey afi cionados around the world. A step up from the well regarded Green Spot, Yellow Spot’s careful aging in bourbon and sherry casks with a stint in PX casks that add depth of fl avour, weighty aromas and intense colour that set it apart. The notes of buttered toast leading through a spritz of spices to sweet, sticky, ripe fruit fl avours. The ageing of this gem was 12 years well spent!

The Glendalough Distillery was set up by fi ve friends from Wicklow and Dublin who share a deep passion for craft distilling. This double barrel is a single grain Irish whiskey that has been aged in both bourbon and oloroso sherry barrels imbuing it with notes of butterscotch and candied fruit. Young, light and soft with delicate fl avours of vanilla, citrus and stem ginger and a touch of sappy oak towards the fi nish. This took the Gold Medal at both the 2015 Irish Whiskey Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

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The UltimateDriving Machine

Colm Quinn

colmquinnbmw.ieThe Ultimate

Driving Machine

Colm Quinn

colmquinnbmw.ie

COLM QUINN

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MUSTANG 2.3L ECOBOOST

BRAKE HORSE POWER:

310PRICE: €48,000 (RRP)

0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds

STATED EFFICIENCY: 8L/100km (35.3mpg)

CO2 emissions: 184g/km

CARS, IT COULD BE ARGUED, ARE A LOT LIKE HORSES. THEY CAN BE TEMPERAMENTAL AND DIFFICULT TO HANDLE, BUT THEY CAN ALSO PUT A HUGE SMILE ON YOUR FACE. THE TROUBLE IS, WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE? CONOR FORREST PICKS OUT THREE MOTORS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2016.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE PONY – it might be slower than its more exotic colleagues, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an extraordinary amount of fun. This particular class was inspired by the 1964 Ford Mustang, something a great many car enthusiasts would give their right arm for, and possibly the left – cheap, cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable. Though more modern (and more expensive), the 2016 edition of the iconic Ford doesn’t disappoint.

It’s a beast designed with fun in mind – Line Lock, for example, is a standard feature that allows you to spin the rear wheels for 15 seconds to increase traction and catapult you forward once the front wheels are released. The 2.3L EcoBoost version produces 310bhp and shoots forward from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds, the 5.0L V8 is another matter entirely. The central console features aircraft-style toggle switches, while the speedo is labelled as ‘Ground Speed’. And then there’s the sound – the 5.0L V8 might be a tempting splurge but its little brother is no disappointment, with a noticeably throaty growl when you put the foot down; even though it’s a noise accentuated in the cabin by the car’s sound system, it’s an aural experience you won’t get

RightBreed

CHOOSINGTHE

POWERFUL

sick of in a hurry. It’s a beauty – a design that hearkens back to the Mustangs of the early days, not a copy but just enough inspiration to tug at your heartstrings.

As the right hand drive Mustangs prepare to arrive on this side of the world, it’s time to stop and consider the options. The petrol-guzzling V8 will set you back €64,000 – a more attractive option in the US where a tank of petrol doesn’t necessitate a bank loan, but it’s a different story over here, even with falling petrol prices. The 2.3L is priced at a more reasonable, although still thought-provoking, €48,000 (€6,000 more for the convertible). Alongside the engine options, the new ‘Stang is available in Fastback and Convertible styles – the latter for more relaxed drives, built to purr along smooth tarmac taking in scenic views (Glendalough on a sunny day springs to mind). Although the idea of the EcoBoost might seem like sacrilege to the Mustang purists, to the rest of us it represents an opportunity to drive a flashy pony car that’s a little less severe on your wallet than its more powerful counterpart. It’s not a car that you need, it’s bought with the heart rather than the head. So you might be a little daft to buy one. But you’d also be daft not to.

PONY

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BMW 730D XDRIVEPRICE (OTR): €101,910

BRAKE HORSE POWER:

2610-100km/h: 5.8 seconds

Stated efficiency: 5L/100km (56.5mpg)

CO2 EMISSIONS: 132g/km

HAVING RECENTLY HAD THE CHANCE TO TEST the new BMW 7 Series, it’s safe to say I’m thoroughly impressed. BMW’s flagship model (from which technological innovations trickle down throughout the rest of their range) is both sharply styled on the outside and absolute luxury on the move on the inside. Think meticulous attention to detail, massage functions in the seats, a range of interchangeable BMW fragrances and the most comfortable rear seats known to man.

Out on the road, the 7 Series doesn’t feel like a big car, with quick and agile steering response, as well as a smooth and insulated drive, thanks in part to a self-levelling air suspension system which can be raised or lowered depending on the terrain. If you’re travelling along a particularly nasty stretch of tarmac, you can manually raise the ride height by 20mm, for which your spine will thank you. It’s also both stronger and lighter (by up to 130kg) than previous editions, through the use of materials including carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.

If you think, however, that this is some mild-mannered vehicle trundling along the road, you’d be quite wrong. In the right hands (and preferably in a region where it’s legal to do so) the 750i, which boasts 443bhp, will take you from 0-100 in a mere 4.7 seconds, which is faster than the Aston Martin Vantage V8 and just shy of the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Not that it’ll make any difference to your Sunday drive to Tesco, if we’re honest, but it’s nice to know there’s some fire in the belly of this thoroughbred beast.

Alongside the (somewhat) ordinary diesel and petrol engines,

there are two new plug-in hybrid versions found in the 740e and the 740 Le xDrive. These are paired to a 2.0L petrol unit with a combined output of 326hp and an official fuel consumption figure of 134.5mpg (2.1L/100km). If it can get anywhere near that under regular driving conditions, your wallet will thank you profusely.

As with each successive edition of its main model, the new 7 Series doesn’t disappoint in terms of its technological components. Among the highlights is inbuilt WiFi, a removable Samsung tablet, BMW laserlights and wireless charging. It’s also the first production car that be be driven in and out of forward parking spaces without the driver, via the touchscreen key fob. BMW gesture control, however, was the thing that caught my eye, through which a 3D sensor recognises hand gestures to control various systems and settings. It works, too, with none of the fiddliness we’ve come to expect from, say, voice control. Just be aware that if any other drivers can see you acting as though you’re conducting an invisible orchestra, questions concerning your sanity may arise. Executive Lounge Seating will arrive this July, bringing with it a reclining backrest, greater legroom in the back, an electrically-operated footrest, fold-out table, two cupholders, a storage compartment and a touch command unit. Not for the everyday driver, then.

The latest edition is available now – prices begin from €98,880 on the road, and can easily rise to around €145,000 depending on the model and with a few extras thrown in. Worth it? Absolutely?

THOROUGHBREDTASTY


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THERE’S NO DENYING IT – if you’re involved in the equestrian industry, you’re duty bound to invest in a Land Rover at some point in your career. And why not? Land Rovers are built to tackle the toughest of terrain, and carried the SAS from A to B for 50 years. Range Rovers, meanwhile, are a premium brand, favourite of footballers and social climbers alike, combining rugged abilities with taste, fashion and plenty of space in the back. One of the latest additions to Land Rover’s stable is rather unusual, however – the new Evoque Convertible. It’s the world’s first official luxury compact SUV convertible, quite similar to the much maligned Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, which suffered as much from its niche appeal as it did from its mouthful of a name and fairly unappealing features.

You’d be forgiven for looking at this new drop top SUV and thinking that it will flounder in all but the firmest of grassy fields. But it’s a Land Rover at heart, and its abilities are impressive. Subjected to the same rigorous testing and standards as other Land Rovers, the Evoque can tackle 45° gradients, and wade through 500mm of water (ably helped by wade sensing technology). It’s also got hill descent and ascent assists, and all-terrain progress control to help you get around. And, in case you find yourself in danger of tipping over, fear not – a roll-over protection device is hidden in the rear bodywork, deploying two aluminium bars to protect the occupants in the event you find yourself on your roof.

It’s not too shabby elsewhere either. The roof is full automated and stows away in 18 seconds (rising in 21), which can be accomplished at speeds of up to 48km/h. There’s autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, driver fatigue monitoring, 360° parking aids, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, 3G connectivity and a powerful sound system. Power, meanwhile, is delivered via several diesel and petrol Ingenium engines, which are designed to make the most of both power and efficiency. At the top of the pile is the 2.0L Si4 – 237 bhp, 0-100km/h in 8.6s (not bad for something that weighs 1,936kg) and a top speed of 209km/h. It’s also quite practical – there’s 251L of boot space regardless of whether the roof is up or down, four-wheel drive comes as standard, the turning circle is 11.3m, and you can tow loads of up to 1,500kg. Not bad for a convertible.

The new Evoque will be on sale from this spring and, while it may look a little delicate, it’s still a Land Rover, so at least you can be sure that off-roading will be embedded in its DNA. Somehow, though, we imagine this will be used in city centres and gated communities rather than mucky fields and forest trails, but keep an eye out.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE 2.0L TD4 4WD AUTOMATIC (SE DYNAMIC)PRICE (OTR): TBD (entry level likely to start circa €65,000)

BRAKE HORSE POWER:

1780-100km/h: 10.3 seconds

Stated efficiency: 5.7L/100km (49.6mpg)

CO2 EMISSIONS: 149g/km

PACKHORSEPLUCKY


Kathleen Kennedy Racing Colours

Speciality Miniature Framed Racing Colours.

• TEL: +353 (0)45 441511 • ULUNDI LODGE, LUMVILLE,

CURRAGH, CO KILDARE

Irish Racehorse Owners Mag Ad - 130 x 88 mm - Dec 08 2015.indd 1 09/12/2015 16:08:05

The team at Punchestown look forward to welcoming you to the home of Irish jump racing and wish you a successful season.

Phone: +353 (0)45 897704 n Email: [email protected] n Web: www.punchestown.com

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chief object is amusement”. The Prince, who had made the journey at the request of Lord Mayo in honour of the inaugural ‘Prince of Wales Plate’, was quick to respond to his mother, “Dear Mama, that you should fully understand that I do not go there for my amusement but as a duty”.

By a strange act of fate, September last I was due to meet a friend at Ely Place. Eventually finding a car space in front of the RHA Gallery, and early for my meeting, I went into the RHA to have a look around. Sotheby’s were hosting a preview of Irish art for the winter sale in one of the rooms in the gallery and to my absolute amazement, right before me when I went in was the original painting of ‘Punchestown Winners of 1868’ as part of their collection, it was magnificent.

The painting was much larger than the print and in perfect condition. I was really moved by the painting, an original piece of art depicting historic times past at Punchestown, a rare find indeed.

I was first introduced to ‘Punchestown Winners 1868’ by Henry Barraud at the late Tony Sweeney’s collection sale in Adams auction house in 2013. Tony

had a vast collection of racing, historical and religious antiquities and I was very fortunate to have acquired a number of pieces from Tony’s collection with Punchestown connections.

One of these was a special edition print from the original painting of the ‘Punchestown Winners 1868’ by Henry Barraud, a well-known English sporting artist of the day. The print depicts the nine winners of the 1868 spring festival at Punchestown. It was an auspicious year for the Punchestown festival as the 27-year-old Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII and his wife Alexandra were in attendance. Queen Victoria, his mother, was not amused and wrote, “I much regret that the occasion should be the races as it naturally strengthens the belief, already too prevalent, that your

A REMARKABLE COINCIDENCE AND A GENEROUS DONATION REUNITED PUNCHESTOWN RACECOURSE

WITH AN ARTWORK COMMISSIONED TO MARK THE VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES IN 1868. PUNCHESTOWN CHAIRMAN DAVID MONGEY RECALL’S THE INCREDIBLE TALE.

The Sotheby’s Irish Manager, Arabella Bishop, came over to me to see if she could help. I explained to her my connections with Punchestown to which she replied, “we were looking for you!” Arrabella was a kindred spirit; her father was a former master of the Galway Blazers and we both knew about preserving National Hunt heritage. I am delighted to say I bought the painting at the Sotheby’s Irish art sale in London a month later and this would not have happened except for the very kind offer of support to acquire the painting by the O’Reilly family in memory of their father Frank, past President of the Kildare Hunt Club, former Chairman of Punchestown and long-serving member of the club. On behalf of all at Punchestown and the members of Kildare Hunt Club I express our deepest gratitude to the O’Reilly family for their generous donation a true and fitting honour to the memory of Frank. The painting is back home in Punchestown and will go on display at this year’s National Hunt Festival in April.

IMAGEDestiny’s

073 AIRO 2016_Punchestown.indd 73 08/02/2016 12:04

Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

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VOICING OWNERS’ INTERESTS 77

Benefits of Membership

78Members Public

LiabilityInsurance Scheme

79Hospitality Exchange

Programme

80Guide to Horse Racing Ireland

charges and deductions in relation

to racehorse ownership - 2016

The Association of Irish Racehorse

Owners (AIRO) has its office in the

ITBA building beside Goffs in Kill,

Co Kildare.

The day to day running of the Association,

which has a Council of ten people, is carried

out by Manager, Aiden Burns, who will assist

members, in any way he can with their

ownership queries.

AIRO is officially recognised by Horse

Racing Ireland as the Owners representative

body and through its seat on the Board of

Horse Racing Ireland and other committees

within that organisation, gives members an

active voice on issues in Irish horse racing.

The Association plays an active role

in lobbying Government on prize

money, betting tax and additional

representation issues.

Within the industry itself, AIRO constantly

campaigns to the governing body Horse

Racing Ireland and to the Racecourses

Association for a better race-day experience for owners.

Owners are the lifeblood of the industry and major players such as

Coolmore, JP McManus, and Gigginstown House Stud, through their

investment, provide substantial employment, especially in rural Ireland.

In August 2015, representatives of AIRO were invited to address a general

meeting of the racecourse managers, and this opportunity was taken to

outline what was felt to be a minimum that would be required to enhance

the owners’ race-day experience.

A certain amount of success was achieved and a number of racecourses

have improved what they offer to owners on a day they have a runner.

Bellewstown, Downpatrick and Fairyhouse won awards of merit at the

AIRO awards night in recognition of their efforts. Leopardstown recently

opened a new Owners & Trainers Lounge which compares favourably with

what there is in other jurisdictions and the Curragh also does well for owners

It is hoped our other racecourses will follow this example.

There was also success in achieving free entry to the racecourse for

over 100 race meetings in 2016 for owners who currently have a racehorse

registered in training. This facility is greatly appreciated.

AIRO seeks to provide benefits and facilities for members such as

insurance cover, the hospitality marquees at Punchestown and Galway and

exchange hospitality arrangements with the UK and French Associations.

Details of these can be read in the following pages.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association is held normally in

February or March of each year and this affords members the opportunity to

air their views and to put forward their name for election to Council if they

would like to get actively involved in the running of the Association.

Aiden BurnesAssociaton ManagerThe Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO)

075 AIRO 2016_AIRO Opener.indd 75 08/02/2016 12:05

| AIRO COUNCIL |

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AIRO COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEMBER: Caren Walsh,

Co Kildare

ASSOCIATION MANAGER: Aiden Burns,

Co. Meath

CHAIRMAN:John Weld, Co. Kildare

HON. TREASURER: Dr. Brendan Doyle,

Co. Carlow

VICE CHAIRMAN:Brian Polly, Co. Down

COUNCIL MEMBER:Sandra Fox, Co. Meath

COUNCIL MEMBER:John Power, Co Limerick

COUNCIL MEMBER: Richard Pugh,

Co Kildare

REPRESENTATIVE ON HRI BOARD:

James Gough, Co. Meath

COUNCIL MEMBER:Ethel Flanagan,

Co Kildare

COUNCIL MEMBER: William Bourke,

Co. Meath

076 AIRO 2016_Committee Members.indd 76 08/02/2016 16:12

| AIRO MEMBER BENEFITS |

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BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

In addition to being represented within the Governing Body of the industry, members also receive the following benefits.

OTHER INSURANCEWrights Insurance

Brokers, Wexford, will

give favourable rates

to Members on other

insurance.

Contact Number is:

053/9155600

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCEAll members are automatically covered in relation to sums they may become legally liable to pay

(up to €6.5million) as damages in respect of accidental bodily injury to any person or accidental loss of,

or damage to property, arising out of ownership of any horse kept for the purposes of racing.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVALOpportunity to purchase

Marquee tickets at a

favourable rate which

will give access to the UK

Owners Association facility

at Cheltenham in March.

The Marquee is ideally

located in the Club

Enclosure. Food and

refreshments are on sale

inside.

RACING POST PHOTOGRAPHSMembers can avail of

a 20% discount on all

photos purchased from

Racing Post.

OTHER UK RACE MEETINGSOpportunity to purchase

tickets at a favourable

rate for the UK Owners

Association for corporate

hospitality at Royal Ascot,

Glorious Goodwood and

Newmarket meetings.

RACECOURSE HOSPITALITYAccess to Members

Marquee and

complimentary

refreshments at

Punchestown and Galway

Racing Festivals.

Free admission to Curragh

Racecourse and access to

suite with complimentary

refreshments on Pretty

Polly Stakes Day.

FRENCH RACINGAccess to the Jardin des

Proprietaires (a private

outdoor marquee in a prime

location) at Deauville race

meetings in August.

There will be further offers

in relation to French

racing which will be

confirmed at a later date.

Details of these can be had by contacting the AIRO office.

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MEMBERS PUBLIC LIABILITYINSURANCE SCHEME

In 2005, an accident occurred at

Wolverhampton races in England

whereby an assistant trainer got

seriously injured when kicked

unconscious by a horse in the

parade ring.

In 2007, legal action in

relation to a claim for damages

by the victim’s family resulted

in the bankruptcy of one of

the horse’s owners, who was

not insured. The trainer of the

horse and other co-owner had

insurance cover but it was not

sufficient to cover the settlement

of the claim and the balance of

the claim became the liability

of the part-owner who did

not have insurance cover. This

caused his bankruptcy which no

doubt instilled fear in racehorse

owner’s minds with regard to the

possibility of injury claims.

The Association of Irish

Racehorse Owners became

aware in 2008 that an insurance

scheme specifically for racehorse

owners, that would cover claims

in excess of what may be covered

by trainers insurance, was being

devised by a UK equine insurance

company.

Following discussions and

negotiations the Association of

Irish Racehorse Owners arranged

an insurance policy with this UK

Company. The policy gives cover

in relation to sums which the

Assured shall become legally

liable to pay as damages in

respect of accidental bodily injury

to any person or accidental loss

of, or damage to, property, arising

out of ownership of any horse

kept for the purposes of racing.

All paid up members of the

Association are automatically

covered by this insurance policy.

SOME KEY FACTS OF THE POLICY

MASTER POLICY HOLDER

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners

LIMIT OF INDEMNITY €6.5 million

CLAIMS If any claim is also covered by another insurance, the liability under this policy will be as excess of and not as contributory with the other policy

COVER

Cover applies to any horse kept for the purposes of racing under the Rules of Racing and National Hunt Rules or Point to Pointing, providing the Point to Pointer is being trained by a licensed trainer only.

The horse can be (a) in training in a licensed trainer’s yard in Ireland or UK (b) being prepared to go in to training in a licensed trainer’s yard in Ireland or UK (c) out of training provided the horse is only out of training on a temporary basis and is within Ireland or UK.

Cover also applies to a yearling purchased at the sales provided it is the intention to begin preparation for training and to a horse being prepared for a breeze up from the time that process begins.

Racehorse owners who are not currently members of the AIRO are encouraged to join as the benefit alone of having

this insurance cover will give peace of mind .

Membership costs €65 annually and has many other benefits



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HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

The Association of Irish

Racehorse Owners (AIRO), the

Racehorse Owners Association,

UK, (ROA) and France Galop’s

Owners Department joined

forces in 2015 to provide a

programme of hospitality

exchanges between Ireland,

Great Britain and France, for

the exclusive benefit of our

respective members.

This proved to be a very

successful initiative with positive

feed-back from members of all

three Associations who availed of

the facilities.

AIRO, ROA and France

Galop share a commitment

to upgrading their services

to members with a view to

enhancing the recognition of

owners’ invaluable contribution

to the thoroughbred industry.

Through this exchange

programme, the three

organisations look to build

and expand the reciprocal

hospitality and look forward

to welcoming each other’s

members to their facilities at

a number of high profile race

meetings during 2016.

Race meetings included

in the programme are

Punchestown Festival, Galway

Festival, Pretty Polly Stakes Day

at the Curragh, Cheltenham

Festival, Royal Ascot, Glorious

Goodwood, Deauville Festival

as well as further offers to be

confirmed for French meetings.

In addition to providing

facilities at race meetings in their

own country, the programme

offers the opportunity to

members to enjoy similar

hospitality in Europe’s two other

major racing jurisdictions.

NOTES:1. AIRO Members wishing to avail of ROA or France Galop facilities should contact the AIRO office – Tel: 045/878173 or Email: [email protected]

for the relative details.2. ROA and France Galop Members who wish to avail of AIRO facilities should (a) for Punchestown and Galway – present membership I D at AIRO Marquee and

(b) for the Curragh – Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting AIRO as per contact details in note 1.3. Details of further offers in relation to French race meetings, to be confirmed, will be available from AIRO.

DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME

Cheltenham Festival March 15th to 18th

• Badges can be purchased for the ROA Marquee facility• £30 per day/£85 for 4 days (ROA Members Rate)• Complimentary tea/coffee. Cash bar and food can be purchased• Admission to Racecourse is payable

Punchestown Festival April 26th to 30th

• Access to AIRO Member’s Marquee located in Reserved Enclosure• Complimentary refreshments. Members may bring up to 3 guests• Racecourse admission payable

Royal AscotJune 14th to 18th

• Hospitality package for Carriages Restaurant across all 5 days• Tables situated adjacent to one another in one section of open restaurant• Packages prices to be confirmed. Racecourse admission payable.

Curragh Pretty Polly Stakes Day - June 26th

• Free admission to Racecourse and access to Curragh Rooms Suite which overlook parade ring, for member plus one guest.

• Complimentary refreshments

Galway FestivalJuly 25th to 30th (exclude 28th)

• Access to Member’s Marquee adjacent to parade ring• Complimentary refreshments. Members may bring up to 3 guests.• Racecourse admission payable.• Note: Facility not available on Thursday 28th.

Glorious GoodwoodJuly 26th to 30th

• Badges can be purchased for the Richmond Enclosure.• Admission to this area is otherwise limited to Owners/Trainers/ Annual Members• Racecourse admission is payable. Early booking rate will apply to June 1st

DeauvilleAugust Festival

• Access to Jardin des Proprietaires – Owners Lounge• Food can be purchased. Racecourse admission payable

Other French Meetings • Offers for other meetings will be confirmed at a later date.• Details of these will be available from AIRO.



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Guide to Horse Racing Ireland charges and deductions in relation to racehorse ownership - 2016

REGISTRATION FEES:

Registration of Horse’s Name & Issue of Passport €125

Annual Registration of Authority to Act on behalf of Owner €40

Annual Registration of Colours €40

Annual Registration of Partnerships €40

Registration of Leases €40

RACING CHARGES

Bookage Charge for ordinary races – (group & listed cost more) (Bookage charges include €2.50 levy for Irish Equine Centre)

€10

Entry Fee 0.8% of Total Race Value

Declaration Fee 0.2% of Total Race Value

Jockey Riding Fee (Flat) €156.87 (plus VAT if jockey registered)

Jockey Riding Fee (N/Hunt) €179.21 (plus VAT if jockey registered)

DEDUCTIONS FROM WINNERS PRIZE MONEY

Trainers Share – 10% of gross winnings less Stable Lads Payment (Equivalent to approximately)

9.45% of winnings

Jockeys Share - - Same as Trainers 9.45% of winnings

Stable Employee Bonus Scheme 3.00% of winnings

Stable Staff Association 0.10% of winnings

Jockeys Emergency Fund(Welfare fund for jockeys with permanent disability )

1.00% of winnings

Total deducted from Owners Prize Money including race entry 24%

The following are the main charges and deductions applied.

HRI STATEMENT ABBREVIATIONS

E+B ...... Entry Fee plus Bookage Fee

Fft+Bkge .........................Forfeit Fee plus

Bookage Fee

Del ......................................Declaration Fee

RF ....................................................Riding Fee

JO% ........................Jockey’s Percentage

TR% ....................... Trainer’s Percentage

JEF ............Jockey’s Emergency Fund

SEBS ............................. Stable Employee

Bonus Scheme

ISA ........ Irish Stablestaff Association


www.racingacademy.ie • Tel: +353 45 522468 Email: [email protected]

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Untitled-1 1 08/02/2016 10:36

€1.6 million bonus prize pool

on offer at Irish courses.

Win big with Plus 10Plus 10 is an industry-funded

bonus scheme for Irish and

British Flat owners and

breeders which pays €12,500

bonuses to qualified two and

three-year-old winners of

Plus 10 races.

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Plus 10 two-year-olds win a minimum:

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€18,500

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€22,000In 2016

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| AIRO AWARDS 2015 |

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A fter a break of about twenty years the Association revived its Annual Awards night with presentations, dinner and dancing in the Killashee Hotel, Naas

on Saturday 7th November 2015. The occasion gave the Association an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by so many people to the horse racing industry and the night was a tremendous success with 200 people in attendance. AIRO Chairman, John Weld, welcomed all to the dinner and offered his congratulations to the award winners.

Guests included the Minister of State, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes T.D., Horse Racing Ireland Chairman, Joe Keeling, Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, Anthony Lawlor T.D., Charles McCreevy, Former Minister for Finance and representatives from other bodies from within the industry. There were seventeen awards in all and the Association appreciates the sponsorship it received from the Killashee Hotel, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Connolly’s Red Mills, Goffs, Tattersalls, Weatherbys, Coolmore Stud, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Ardrums House Stud, Howden Insurance, Vanity Fair Ladies Fashions, Healy Racing, The Irish Field and Hanged Mans Restaurant.

The input of journalists Mark Costello of the Irish Field and Alan Sweetman of the Racing Post in selecting a number of category winners was invaluable and much appreciated. The Minister praised the input that racehorse owners make to horse racing and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the industry. Guest speaker, Charles McCreevy asked that more racecourses treat owners better. He praised the ones that try hard to look after owners and was critical of the

ones who do not. One of the features of the awards was that the categories set out to not alone give recognition to champion performances but to also acknowledge racing dreams achieved and services to the industry.

There were some familiar names in the winner’s enclosure like Coolmore, Gigginstown, Newtown Anner, Faugheen, Legatissimo, Wicklow Brave, Apache Stronghold, but one of the biggest cheers of the night was for Kilkenny man, Seamus Tobin who won an award for having his first winner after 40 years in the game when his Balinaboola Prince won a maiden hurdle in Wexford in June. Act D Wag Syndicate won an award for the successful exploits of their Clondaw Warrior and the National Hunt owner/breeder award was won by Frank and Rose Boyd for their horse Killultagh Vic.

There were four awards for services to racing and these were won by racecourse employees, Hilary Cahill, Punchestown; Eileen Bell, Down Royal; legendary racecourse photographer, Liam Healy; and Robert Costello from the Association of Irish Racecourses, who is the first person most owners meet when they go racing.

Three racecourses won awards of merit for their efforts in trying to enhance the race-day experience of the owner. These were:

• BELLEWSTOWN Represented by its manager, Kevin Coleman

• DOWNPATRICK Represented by its manager, Richard Lyttle

• FAIRYHOUSE Represented by its manager, Peter Roe

2015AIROAWARDS

083 AIRO 2016_AIRO Awards.indd 83 08/02/2016 12:29


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Ethel Flanagan, AIRO, presenting”Services To Racing” award to Hilary Cahill, Punchestown Racecourse.

CHAMPION HORSE – FLAT Legatissimo (Tabor/Magnier/Smith Partnership)

CHAMPION HORSE – NATIONAL HUNT Faugheen (Mrs Susannah Ricci)

VALUE PURCHASE AT GOFFS Apache Stronghold (Mrs Patricia Hunt)

VALUE PURCHASE AT TATTERSALLS IRELAND Wicklow Brave (Wicklow Bloodstock Ltd)

LEADING NATIONAL HUNT OWNER Gigginstown Stud

LEADING FLAT OWNER Tabor/Magnier/Smith Partnership

SUCCESSFUL OWNER/BREEDER – N/H Frank & Rose Boyd (Killultagh Vic)

SUCCESSFUL OWNER/BREEDER – FLAT Newtown Anner Stud (Fascinating Rock)

SUCCESSFUL SYNDICATE Act D Wag Syndicate (Clondaw Warrior)

RACING DREAM Seamus Tobin (Balinaboola Prince)

SERVICES TO RACING Robert Costello (AIR Employee)

SERVICES TO RACING Hilary Cahill (Punchestown Racecourse Staff)

SERVICES TO RACING Eileen Bell (Down Royal Racecourse Staff)

SERVICES TO RACING Liam Healy (Racecourse Photographer)

RACECOURSE MERIT AWARD Bellewstown Racecourse (Kevin Coleman, Manager)

RACECOURSE MERIT AWARD Downpatrick Racecourse (Richard Lyttle, Manager)

RACECOURSE MERIT AWARD Fairyhouse Racecourse (Peter Roe, Manager)

A great night was rounded off by dancing to the music of the Bentley Boys Band and many people looking forward to the 2016 event. The date to put in your diary for the 2016 AIRO Awards is Saturday 29th October in Killashee Hotel.

Sean Flannery, Goffs, presenting “Goffs Value Purchase” award to Derville Meade, accepting on behalf of Patricia Hunt.

Emma Tildlesley, Howden Insurance, presenting “Racing Dream” award to Seamus Tobin.

Aisling Gannon, Gillian Walsh, Tamso Doyle and Aine Casey - Act D Wag Syndicate – Winners of successful Syndicate award.

Ronan Murphy, Weatherbys, presenting “Leading Flat Owner” award to Jason Walsh, Coolmore Stud.

Neil Walsh, Tattersalls, presenting “Tattersalls Value Purchase” award to Nick Peacock, Wicklow Bloodstock Ltd



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Caren Walsh, AIRO, presenting on behalf of Vanity Fair Fashions, “Services to Racing” award to Eileen Bell, Down Royal Racecourse.

John Weld, Joe Foley and Joe Connolly.

Sandra Fox, Ardrums House Stud, presenting “Services To Racing” award to Robert Costello, AIR.

Shane O’Dwyer, ITBA, presenting the National Hunt “Owner/Breeder” award to Frank & Rose Boyd.

Derville Meade & Angela Scully.

Kevin Coleman, Peter Roe, and Richard Lyttle. Managers of Bellewstown, Fairyhouse and Downpatrick Racecourses – Racecourse awards of Merit Winners.



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Ethel and Aidan Flanagan with their daughters Susan and Hazel.

AIRO Council Members.

Aidan McGarry, ITM, presenting “Champion Flat Horse” award to Joe Hernon, Coolmore Stud.

Alexander Stafford and his partner with Aiden Burns, AIRO Manager.

John Weld, AIRO Chairman, presenting Flat Racing ”Owner/Breeder” award to Maurice Regan, Newtown Anner Stud.

Joe Connolly, Connolly’s Red Mills, presenting “Champion National Hunt Horse” award to David Casey, accepting on behalf of Susannah Ricci.



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Pat Keane, Hanged Mans Restaurant, presenting “Successful Syndicate” award to Act D Wag Syndicate.

The Award Winners.

Attendees enjoying dinner.

Ted Walsh Jnr, Coolmore Stud, presenting “Leading National Hunt Owner” award to Noel Meade, accepting on behalf of Gigginstown Stud.

John Weld with Joe & Mary Hernon.

Nick & Lyn Peacock with Frank & Rose Boyd.


| JOHNNY MURTAGH |

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THE FENCE

Q: Did you consider any other career when you were planning your retirement?JM: No, not really. Throughout the last two years of my riding career I was already dabbling in training so it was a pretty easy decision. For me it was a natural progression for a jockey.

Q: Have you learnt anything new about horses?JM: I used to question whether I even liked horses when I was a jockey. You’re on them, off them; you don’t get to learn a lot about them. Thankfully I’ve found out I really am fond of horses. I ride out every day and have learned a lot about their personalities. I think my favourite part of the day is going around to each one and feeding them at night.

Q: Have you learnt anything new about yourself?JM: Not really, but I have learnt more about my family. When you’re

a jockey, your job is very selfish. You’re doing everything for you and on your own. Being a trainer is a very family-orientated job. My wife Orla works in the office - which is an easy job after bringing up five children basically on her own, two of my daughters ride out, my son helps out in the yard and the twins ride out the pony on the weekends.

Q: Do you think differently towards trainers now that you are one?JM: I was never disrespectful towards them, but I do have a lot more respect for them, a lot more admiration. Most of them are very humble, work very hard and, they mightn’t always get what they deserve. Winners come a lot more often when you’re riding.

Q: Is that what you miss about riding?JM: It’s one thing. I used to be the last cog in that big wheel, I used to have all

Q: Do you see jockeys differently too then?

JM: I didn’t realise how much depends on the jockey. I thought most of them would win on them anyway. But now that I’m training, I don’t think that’s the case. I try to put the jockey up that suits the horse. I try to give all the lads that ride out here a chance. At the end of the day though, you do still try to use the best available because it does matter.

the power when it really mattered, now I don’t have anything after I leg the jockey up.

Q: What about owners?JM: I would have always talked to owners when I was a jockey and would have been very, very honest, too honest, maybe telling them straight out that the horse is no good - they’d be disappointed but then they’d thank me for it in six months time. It’s no different now, but you have to remember it’s a pastime and they might be business ßmen who don’t want to know every single detail. You don’t want to be boring them with what the horse had for breakfast.

Q: But you do make them breakfast right?JM: Yes! The yard is always open to owners. When they go to the races with their horse, it’s over in two minutes and they are disappointed more often than not, so when they come in in the morning to see their horse I like to bring them in for a bit of breakfast and have a bit of craic. That’s what it’s all about.

Q: Lastly, give us one to watchJM: Kasbah, he won a nice race in England and he seems like a progressive sprinter. He’s got speed and is progressive.

FIVE-TIME IRISH CHAMPION JOCKEY JOHNNY MURTAGH RETIRED FROM RACE RIDING TWO YEARS AGO TO PURSUE HIS ALREADY PROMISING TRAINING CAREER.

Jumping

Pat H

ealy

088 AIRO 2016_Jumping The Fence.indd 88 08/02/2016 12:08

Relaxed and welcoming, The Heritage Killenard Nestled at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the quaint village of Killenard, County Laois. Polished and stylish with impeccable levels of service

throughout. The hotel has a world-class Spa, splendid boardrooms and an exquisite ballroom for weddings, conferences and events, an extensive selection of luxury accommodation, the Arlington

Restaurant and Slieve Bloom Bar for dining, and a fi ne array of indoor and outdoor activities.

From a game of tennis on the tennis courts, a refreshing visit to the Health Club with its pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, watching a movie in the 50 seater cinema or sinking into a cosy couch with a

good book, following the 5-kilometre ground lit walking and jogging track or indulging in a restorative spa treatment in The Heritage Spa, there is plenty to do in this lush countryside setting, whatever the weather.

The Heritage Killenard, Killenard, County Laois, IrelandTel: + 353 57 8645500 Email: [email protected]

� e Heritage Killenard

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WHATEVER THE WEATHER,IT REIGNSlandrover.ie

DISCOVERY FROM €57,460

Drive responsibly on and off-road. *Price shown is for Discovery 3.0 TDV6 5 Seat XE. Image for illustration purposes only. Delivery and related charges not included. Official fuel consumption figures for the Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 (l/100km): urban: 9.7, extra urban 7.8, combined 8.5. Co2 emissions: 207 g/km.

• 8 Speed Automatic with Stop / Start• Towing Capacity 3,500 KG (Braked)• Leather Seats• Bluetooth with Audio Streaming• Rear Parking Sensor• Automatic Lights & Windscreen Wipers• 19” Alloy Wheels• Full Size Spare Wheel

DISCOVERY 3.0 TDV6 5 Seat XE

237903_1C_JAGUAR_ALS_ETTG.indd 1 05/02/2016 17:27

Racing Certainty - AIRO Magazine 2016

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Transcript of Racing Certainty - AIRO Magazine 2016