Racing Certainty (Association of Irish Racehorse Owners)

ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

RACING

CERTAINTY RACINGCERTAINTY 2018 MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

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AIRO AWARDS The 2017 AIRO Awards celebrated the best in Irish racing FAHEY FAMILY The formidable racing dynasty shares its views MARLEY & CULLINAN The perfect partnership

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| WELCOME |

Brian Polly Chairman The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO)

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

I

wish to warmly welcome all of our members to the 2018 AIRO annual publication, Racing Certainty.

In retrospect, 2017 was a tremendous year for Irish owners with their horses successfully competing on a global stage. We saw a record number of Irish owned winners at the Mecca of National Hunt racing, the Cheltenham Festival.

In fact Irish owned horses made an almost clean sweep of all of the Irish and English classics, only prevented by the outstanding filly Enable.

I am proud to acknowledge the record-breaking achievements of Aidan O’Brien, training a phenomenal 28 Group One winners between March and December 2017, setting the bar incredibly high for his rivals in racing.

Irish horses are sought after throughout the world, from the yearling sales to the nursery of the point-to-point field where the family owned horse can compete successfully and provide enjoyment for all the family.

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) has a membership of almost 2,200. As the representative body for all racehorse owners in Ireland we constantly strive to improve the race day experience for our members. Our continued lobbying of Irish racecourses has resulted in further improvements for owners who have a runner on the day. Courses including Leopardstown, Nass, the Curragh, Fairyhouse, Ballinrobe, Punchestown, Cork and Downpatrick now all offer owners with a runner on the day a sit down lunch. We anticipate that other courses will follow their lead.

We have also secured an agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses to provide 123 free entry race days for owners who have a racehorse returned in training. Full details of these race days are on page 54.

In addition, sole owners and partnerships with a runner on the day will get an extra four extra tickets allocated to them, while syndicates can obtain up to 20 free tickets if they make their requests to the racecourses in advance of the meeting.

In 2018 we will have our members marquees at both the Punchestown and Galway festivals.

We will also provide hospitality at the Curragh on Pretty Polly Stakes day; a further two days hospitality for our members at the Listowel Harvest Festival; and a day for our Northern region members at Down Royal.

It’s worth remembering that AIRO membership continues to include public liability insurance protecting our members in the unfortunate event of any third party claims. We continue to work with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to reduce costs to owners, in particular deductions from prize money and further reductions in the current entry system. This year we will continue to lobby the Government to increase prize money in racing as our industry annually contributes over €1.84 billion to the Irish economy and supports 29,000 jobs directly and indirectly in our rural economy.

Our annual Awards Dinner, which took place in October at the Killashee House Hotel, Naas was a resounding success and was well supported by AIRO members and the wider racing community. We were delighted to welcome the Irish Field on board as co-hosts for the event, giving us valuable media coverage. I would like to extend our thanks to all of our sponsors whose continued support is greatly appreciated.

Both the Council and I look forward to welcoming our members to our various events throughout the year and remember there is nothing more exhilarating and sweeter than having a winner. Make sure that you lead your horse in to the coveted winners enclosure and enjoy your day!

Enjoy our magazine and thank you for your continued support.

Brian Polly Chairman

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CONTENTS 07 NEWS BITES

AIRO updates and industry news.

09 METAL MAN

Renowned bronze sculptor, Paul Ferriter, on the process of creating the AIRO 2017 Awards trophy.

16 FAR AWAY FIELDS

Aisling Crowe investigates the cost of travelling a horse to race abroad and gets tips from an expert to ensure your horse arrives in peak condition.

18 DYNASTY & DESTINY

Three generations of the Fahey family, who are steeped in Irish horseracing from farriers to trainers, discuss the state of the nation’s racing scene.

11

Still Dreaming of

Gold

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| CONTENTS |

The Cooper Family Syndicate has enjoyed great success with Billy To Jack, Oscar Sam and Our Duke, all beginning appropriately enough with their first partnership in Good Thyne Jenny, the mare who produced those three good geldings and unites Billy Cooper’s equine family with his human one.

25

INTRODUCTION TO RACEHORSE SALES

Demystifying the various ways you can purchase a horse and what to expect at the different types of sales.

29 CHELTENHAM & THE IRISH

Donn McClean looks back at the fascinating history of Irish horses and their connections who have waged war on the most famous National Hunt battleground, Cheltenham.

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| CONTENTS |

36

EDITOR: Mary Connaughton

WINNER ALL RIGHT

Pat Brennan of Tote Ireland explains how betting on the Tote works and how it benefits racing.

39 THE VIRUS: A RUNNING CHALLENGE

Ann Cullinane writes about the viral infection that wreaks havoc when it spreads among the horse population.

59 59

42

KEEPING IT NATURAL

FORGING AHEAD

ART DIRECTOR: Alan McArthur EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Aisling Crowe Donn McClean Jessica Lamb Lissa Oliver Tiernan Cannon EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Ellen Flynn FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Pat Healy PHOTOGRAPHY: Pat Healy Jane Matthews Thinkstock Sportsfile

We visited the Farrier School on the RACE campus in Kildare to meet a new generation of farriers honing their skills and planning their futures.

Wool, tweed, leather and cashmere are naturally luxuriously fabrics that combine to create an understated, elegant look.

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SALES DIRECTOR: Paul Clemenson

THE PERFECT TIPPLE

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Gerry Tynan

CREAM OF THE CROP

Jessica Lamb chatted with Roger Marley and John Cullinan to discover what lies behind their successful partnership.

Gin is hot right now so raise a glass with six of the best ginbased cocktails to toast a win.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

DREAM DAYS & FIXTURES

Racecourse personalities tell us about their most memorable day’s racing.

54 AIRO MEMBERS’ FREE FIXTURES

A guide to free racing fixtures in 2018 and benefits for AIRO members.

57

Winning a point-to-point at the start of a horse’s career usually signals a date in the sales ring and the prospect of an exciting career on the track for the youngster concerned.

For Ray Nicholas reversing that process has brought him priceless memories and precious winners.

62

CHAIRMAN: Diarmaid Lennon

RIDING HIGH

69

On behalf of: Association of Irish Racehorse Owners, Greenhills, Kill, Co Kildare Tel: +353 (0)45 878 173 Fax: +353 (0)45 878 174 Email: info@irishracehorseowners.com Web: www.irishracehorseowners.com

#ExperienceIt is an initiative from Horse Racing Ireland to allow potential racehorse owners the chance to test the water with a complimentary experience.

AIRO MEMBER BENEFITS

Meet the AIRO team and get an overview of member benefits.

74

BEYOND THE RULES

PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE: Nicole Ennis

Published by: Ashville Media Group, Old Stone Building, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7 Tel: +353 1 432 2200 Email: info@ashville.com Web: www.ashville.com

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PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mary Connaughton

AIRO MEMBERS AT GALWAY

A social gallery of AIRO hospitality on a glorious day at the Galway races.

76 AIRO & THE IRISH FIELD AWARDS 2017

All articles © Ashville Media Group 2018. 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.

Review and social pictures from the 2017 AIRO & The Irish Field awards night.

80 JUMPING THE FENCE

Davy Condon answers our questions on moving from race riding to training and his plans for the future.

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RACING IN IRELAND 2018

Wherever you are in Ireland, you’re never far from a race meeting and if you want to understand one of our country’s great passions, choose from over 300 race meetings at any of the 26 racecourses around the country. Play the odds, raise a glass and enjoy good times with friends – you’ll have a day out you’ll always remember. So what are you waiting for?

It’s time to go racing... because nothing else feels like this.

2018 RACING FESTIVALS LEOPARDSTOWN Dublin Racing Festival 3rd – 4th February

DOWN ROYAL Ulster Derby 22nd – 23rd June

TRAMORE August Festival 16th – 19th August

CORK Easter Festival 31st March – 2nd April

CURRAGH Irish Derby Festival 29th June – 1st July

KILLARNEY August Festival 22nd – 25th August

FAIRYHOUSE Easter Festival 1st – 3rd April

BELLEWSTOWN Summer Festival 4th – 7th July (now 4 days)

LAYTOWN Beach Racing Festival 6th September

PUNCHESTOWN National Hunt Festival 24th – 28th April KILLARNEY Spring Festival 13th – 15th May CURRAGH Guineas Festival 26th – 27th May

KILLARNEY July Festival 15th – 19th July (now 5 days) CURRAGH Irish Oaks Weekend 21st – 22nd July

LISTOWEL Harvest Festival 9th – 15th September LEOPARDSTOWN & CURRAGH Longines Irish Champions Weekend 15th – 16th September

GALWAY Summer Festival 30th July – 5th August

GALWAY October Festival 27th – 29th October (now 3 days) DOWN ROYAL Festival of Racing 2nd – 3rd November PUNCHESTOWN November Winter Racing 17th – 18th November FAIRYHOUSE Winter Festival 1st – 2nd December LEOPARDSTOWN Christmas Festival 26th – 29th December LIMERICK Christmas Festival 26th – 29th December

To plan your day at the races or for a FREE racing information pack, please call the Marketing Team on +353 45 455 455 or visit www.goracing.ie

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Owners at our o u c r e s c es a R

We care about

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

Fairyhouse Racecourse Email:Â info@fairyhouse.ie Phone: (01) 825 6167 Web: WWW.FAIRYHOUSE.IE

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Navan Racecourse Email: info@navanracecourse.ie Phone: (046) 902 1350 Web: www.navanracecourse.ie

Leopardstown Email: info@leopardstown.com Phone: (01) 289 0500 Web: www.leopardstown.com

Tipperary Email: info@tipperaryraces.com Phone: (062) 51537 Web: www.tipperaryraces.ie

27/02/2018 23/10/2017 10:35 10:02

| NEWS |

Total prize money has been increased by €2.2 million for 2018, bringing it to a record level of €63.3million.

Government funding for the industry did not increase over 2017 but Horse Racing Ireland, through its own savings, was able to increase the overall prize money.

RACE PROGRAMMING INITIATIVES Horse Racing Ireland has included additional opportunities for lower to medium tier horses in the National Hunt and Flat racing programmes. In National Hunt there are races restricted to geldings/mares sold for under a particular sum and there are races restricted to horses that have run three times without having been placed in the first three. On the Flat, a number of additional races for horses rated 45/65 have been included together with some additional claiming races.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

PRIZE MONEY

Bites AIRO WEBSITE

NEWS

AIRO has upgraded its website and it is hoped that all racehorse owners will utilise it to obtain information, particularly from an owner’s perspective.

Visit irishracehorseowners.com

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| NEWS |

OWNERSHIP INITIATIVES  Horse Racing Ireland plan to restructure the Owner Registration process with a particular focus on making the Syndicate/ Club registration more user friendly. It is also planned to introduce a code of conduct type policy for all syndicates and clubs ensuring members are fully informed upon registration and throughout their ownership experience.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

 Horse Racing Ireland will send complimentary HD race-replays to all winning owners by email for downloading.

The start date of this will be confirmed in the near future.  Horse Racing Ireland also plan to introduce a loyalty scheme for owners to provide additional benefits outside of just the excitement of racing.

BALLYDOYLE AIRO AWARD PRESENTATION The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners recently made a presentation to Aidan O’Brien in recognition of his world record Group One successes in 2017. The presentation was made by AIRO Chairman, Brian Polly accompanied by AIRO Manager, Aiden Burns and Council Members Caren Walsh and Judy Maxwell.

IRISH INJURED JOCKEYS

AIRO are delighted to have raised €3,640 at our 2017 Awards night for the Irish Injured Jockeys. The cheque was presented to Ruby Walsh, Chairman of the IIJ at Down Royal in November. Many thanks to everyone who lent their support on the evening.

RACECOURSES ADMISSIONS  Racecourses have agreed to allocate additional admission tickets to owners on a day they have a runner. Sole Owners, Partnerships, Clubs and Companies can request up to four additional tickets, Syndicates can request tickets for each of their members who does not have an AIR card. These have to be applied for in advance of the date of the race meeting.  AIRO has secured agreement with the Racecourses for 123 free admission days for all owners who have a horse registered in training.  Naas Racecourse opened its new Owners & Trainers lounge on Sunday 28th January. This is a superb facility and offers a spectacular view of the racecourse and parade ring.  Punchestown will also have a new Owners & Trainers lounge completed in time for this year’s festival meeting in April.

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| AIRO AWARDS TROPHY |

Metal Man BRONZE SCULPTOR PAUL FERRITER WAS COMMISSIONED BY AIRO IN 2017 TO CREATE A TROPHY THAT CAPTURES THE MOMENTUM AND ENERGY OF A RACEHORSE IN ACTION.

He is currently working on a life sized Don Cossack for Giggenstown Stud to follow his earlier sculpture of War of Attrition. Gigginstown have provided a studio on site so sculptor and subject could be in close proximity throughout the process.

“He’s a very relaxed horse to be around and is beautiful looking, always nice for a sculpture.”

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

P

aul explains how the creative collaboration between client and artist unfolds: “The process begins with an idea from the client, from which I’ll sculpt a clay model.

I enjoy the collaboration process here where the client comes to the studio to discuss the progress and then gives me the thumbs up to cast in bronze. I suppose the main challenge was to try and deliver a trophy that was more a sculpture than a trophy. To achieve this my source for inspiration was a 19th century painting of a horse in full flight.

I wanted to produce a quality trophy that the winner would be delighted to have in the their home.” Paul’s work graces venues associated with some of the most distinguished sportspeople, you can see his Michael Cusack sculpture at Croke Park stadium, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros sculptures at golf courses in Ireland that they have designed, and the great AP McCoy at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Jane Matthews

Contact Paul: M: 087 295 3185 • W: paulferriter.com E: paulferriter@gmail.com

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27/02/2018 23/11/2017 10:37 11:11

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| NATIONAL HUNT OWNERS - THE COOPER FAMILY SYNDICATE |

Still

Dreaming of THE COOPER FAMILY SYNDICATE HAS ENJOYED GREAT SUCCESS WITH BILLY TO JACK, OSCAR SAM AND OUR DUKE, ALL BEGINNING APPROPRIATELY ENOUGH WITH THEIR FIRST PARTNERSHIP IN GOOD THYNE JENNY, THE MARE WHO PRODUCED THOSE THREE GOOD GELDINGS AND UNITES BILLY COOPER’S EQUINE FAMILY WITH HIS HUMAN ONE.

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| NATIONAL HUNT OWNERS - THE COOPER FAMILY SYNDICATE |

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

The Cooper Family Syndicate Our Duke is owned by a syndicate of four members of the Cooper family syndicate from Coolrain, Co Laois. Members include brothers Billy, Sloan and Nigel Cooper as well as their sister Hazel, who is based in America but who travels home frequently to see Our Duke racing. There will be an extended gathering of the Cooper family in Cheltanham this year to see Our Duke’s tilt at the coveted Cheltenham Gold Cup.

orses are part of his family and Billy’s family have been involved in his horses since 1999, when Good Thyne Jenny went into training with Paddy Mullins.

“My brother-in-law started it, Charles Piggott,” Billy explains. “He asked if I had anything in training and I had Good Thyne Jenny at the time. He asked if he could come in 50/50 and then my two brothers, Nigel and Sloane, asked to come in with us, too.”

From the start, they dreamed big. “Dawn Run was in training at the time, so we planned that if Good Thyne Jenny turned out like her we’d split the money, but if not she would come home to me when she finished racing,” Billy says, which is fortunately for the Coopers how it turned out. Though she only managed to pick up some place money in her seven starts, fate smiled upon the Coopers by allowing Billy to fetch her home and send her to Oscar. They have all been smiling ever since.

It’s inspiring to think of a family coming together to share a passion and enjoy days out together at the races, but success can also bring anxiety and Billy reminds us that it’s easier to have fun when there’s no pressure or high expectation. That’s not to say that the big wins are not enjoyed, though; Our Duke can testify to that.

He made a winning debut in November 2015 and his next three wins culminated with the Grade 1 Novice Chase at the Leopardstown 2016 Christmas Festival. The big day really came, though, in April, when he won the Irish Grand National. That may have put any other family to the test, but the Coopers know that memories make the best investment.

“When Our Duke won the National, we were offered big money for him,” Billy says. “I said it’s up to you, you can take the money or not. Sloan has more love for horses than any of us, so he said keep the horse. At our age we’ll never get another one that good, so we may as well enjoy him.” It was a risk – one of Billy’s first horses, Magic Lamp, was injured after winning its bumper and he could be forgiven for rueing the decision not to sell on that occasion. But who could part with a horse of a lifetime like Our Duke?

“What price could you put on that?” Billy agrees. “After the National, with all the hype and celebrations, it was going on for a week and I thought, there’s only one way for this to go, it will be such a big come down for us when it’s all back to normal.”

You could imagine it would seem a bit quiet a week or two later, but the affable Billy is far too down-to-earth to let such a big day change his outlook

The Cooper brothers with jockey Robbie Power, Our Duke & trainer Jessica Harrington

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on life, though it did change plenty of other people’s outlook and acquire Our Duke a mighty fan base.

As he points out, “After the National everyone took an interest in Our Duke, he has one of the biggest following of any horse in Ireland. He might have had a bigger following had he won the Champion Chase at Down Royal, but he wasn’t right that day and hopefully he’ll be back for the Irish Gold Cup. “A friend of mine from Cork was out with his wife for a meal and he could hear the conversation at a table alongside about Our Duke, so he said to them, the owner works for me, he drives a digger! Go away with you, they said! So he showed them a picture on his phone taken the Tuesday after the National of me digging foundations!”

Grounded is a very apt word to describe the Irish Grand National-winning owner, but that’s probably because the horses mean far more to him than any big win. They’re kept at home, he looks out on them from his window, and they are all homebred, a part of the family.

“We used to have ponies, my father loved horses and always kept a few, not racehorses, but my brother got a racing pony. I rode in pony races a few times, I didn’t have any success, but the ponies were successful, we had some good winners.”

The racing bug must have bitten, because as a teenager Billy knew what he wanted. “At about 17 I had a dream to have 60 acres and a good racehorse and win the Gold Cup,” he reveals. “I don’t know why, but it was a dream that stayed with me. My wife, Evelyn, has often said over the past 30 years, if you didn’t have the horses you could have a better car and a better lifestyle! But I look on the horses the same as the Lottery, you can’t win it if you’re not in it! I won’t win the Gold Cup if I don’t give it a go.”

The Cooper He’s blessed that the dream is alive and well and brothers with far from unattainable. “I’ve double the acres!” he jockey Robbie Power, Our admits, and he and his horses are a shining example Duke & trainer Jessica of what can be achieved by sticking to your dream.

Harrington For 17 years Billy worked for the Purcell family, who owned Buck House. “When Seamus Purcell retired he took me out to look at seven mares in a field. I asked him what he was going to do with them and he said I could take them. So I said I’ll take one, I don’t want seven! I chose a lovely grey mare, he thought I was mad to choose her, but she was Cant Be Done and she’s the grandmother of all of them now, she bred Good Thyne Jenny who has produced so many good ones, I LOVE HAVING THE HORSES including Our Duke AROUND AND TALKING TO and Oscar Sam.”

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| NATIONAL HUNT OWNERS - THE COOPER FAMILY SYNDICATE |

THEM, THE ONLY PART I

Prior to that turn DON’T LIKE IS THE RACING. I in fortune, Billy had DON’T LIKE TO SEE HORSES gone to the sales UNDER PRESSURE.” and bought Sports Editor. “He didn’t do much and we sold him on,” he says. “The next one was Magic Lamp, given to me by Seamus Purcell, and he won a bumper before getting injured, but the rest of them all go back to Cant Be Done. I’ve never sold anything, although that might shortly start to change, now we’ve had a bit of success.

They were never worth a lot before now and I’d be afraid to part with one in case it became the Gold Cup winner! But if I did sell a good one, I’d wish the guy who bought him all the luck, I’d get a great kick out of seeing the horse do well.”

It’s clear that he would, but really the racing side isn’t the best part of racehorse ownership as far as Billy is concerned. “I love having the horses around and

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| NATIONAL HUNT OWNERS - THE COOPER FAMILY SYNDICATE |

talking to them, the only part I don’t like is the racing,” he admits. “I don’t like to see horses under pressure, if I had my way jockeys would have no whips. Injury is part of the game, but the bit I can’t bear is the abuse on the racetrack. I think stewards should be professional jockeys and then they’d have a better understanding.”

Given his compassion, he couldn’t have chosen a better trainer than Jessica Harrington. “Jessie’s secret is the little things. Anyone can see the big things, but she’ll always be thinking of the little things,” he says in admiration. “She has Robbie Power there, too, and he’s the same, I’d say he was in a horsebox before he was ever in a pram.”

Commonstown Stables at Moone is always welcoming to its owners and Our Duke is adored by the staff, particularly his work rider, from whom there is always a bag of carrots and apples, even when he is at home for the summer.

| MAGAZINE 2018 | The Cooper Family Syndicate

“I have five horses here at home and three in Jessie’s,” he tells us. One of those is five-time winner todate, Oscar Sam. “He’s a full-brother to Our Duke and an awful lot of people would be happy with him!” Billy points out. “We’ve another nice three-year-old by Ask, who’s a very nice horse and we’ll give him the bit of time he needs, but we might see him out in January.

“I look forward to seeing WHEN YOU’RE ON YOUR them coming home and OWN AT THE RACES IT’S NO having them here for the GREAT FUN, BUT WHEN YOU summer. The sheer pleasure HAVE A BIG GROUP THAT’S of the horses is what it’s all WHERE THE FUN IS. IF YOU about. The greatest pleasure HAVE NO FRIENDS WITH for me is when you go out in YOU WHEN YOU HAVE A the morning and the mare’s WINNER, THERE’S NO POINT got a new foal and I can BEING THERE.” mess around and play with

him for two months, that’s what I like about it. Racing is just making the horses more valuable, but breeding is what I always wanted to do.”

He’s a man who is truly living the dream right now, but it could so easily have been different. Fate seems to have smiled on him from nearly every turn. “Everyone has a guardian angel, but I must have four or five!” he jokes. “I’ve narrowly escaped death more than once, with a freak accident involving a chainsaw and another time a burst pipe while I was spreading manure. I came within centimetres of certain death, two very close ones.

“I’m a great believer in fate, there’s always a little thing in my head telling me the way to go and when I don’t listen, I think why didn’t I listen? There’s a great foundation to be based on instinct. I once put Good Thyne Jenny in the sales with no reserve, but no one wanted her so I bought her back. Just think, someone with a couple of thousand could have had Our Duke!”

The horse isn’t for sale at any price now, and it’s great to see how a small owner-breeder can reach such dizzy heights in a world dominated by big money players. But the big players, too, can still exemplify the ground roots passion for the sport that Billy himself embodies.

“One man I admire is JP McManus,” he says, by way of example. “When Our Duke won the National he was up beside the horse clapping and smiling, he was getting as big a kick out of us and the horse as he would have done had he won. He just enjoys seeing a good horse, he’s top notch in horseracing. He has horses in nearly every yard in the country, if horses leave a yard he’ll see that he puts some in there. That’s the support National Hunt racing needs. That roots level is important in National Hunt, with horses and riders coming up from point-to-points and pony racing.”

Is racehorse ownership accessible at grass roots?

“Well at times it can be tough to get enough money, the training fees are one thing, but the vets’ bills are nearly the same,” Billy acknowledges. “But if anyone wants to get involved in racehorses, they can. Just get someone involved who knows the business and get 10 people together; when you divide anything by 10 it’s not a lot and it means there’s 10 of you all going racing together.

“When you’re on your own at the races it’s no great fun, but when you have a big group that’s where the fun is. If you have no friends with you when you have a winner, there’s no point being there.”

Speaking with Billy you get the impression it’s always fun to be at the races, as long as he’s part of the group.

The Cooper Family are riding high right now with Our Duke, but Billy hasn’t forgotten his initial dream and he still has one goal to achieve.

“I’d leave this planet freely if I won a Gold Cup. You never know, one day there might be the Gold Cup winner at home and he’ll make me a happy man in my old age, being able to look out at him over the hedge and, say you did it!”

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Telephone: 087 2591718 Fax: 045 860804

Email: info@declanlandy.com Fax: 045 860804 Website: www.declanlandy.com

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| RACING ABROAD |

Far Away

FIELDS | MAGAZINE 2018 |

THE PROSPECT OF RACING A HORSE ABROAD IS TANTALISING FOR OWNERS – COMPETING WITH AND POSSIBLY BEATING SOME OF THE FINEST HORSES IN THE WORLD IS AN ATTRACTIVE PROSPECT. AISLING CROWE INVESTIGATES THE COST OF TRANSPORTING A HORSE TO RACE ABROAD AND GETS TIPS FROM AN EXPERT ON HOW TO ENSURE YOUR HORSE ARRIVES IN PEAK CONDITION.

O

wning a racehorse is an expensive business and the bills can mount up if your horse is going abroad to compete. It can cost in the region of €2,800 in travelling expenses for a horse going by lorry to race in France for example. When the charges are broken down, it allows for insight into just how much planning needs to go into sending a horse abroad to race.

For a trip to France going by ferry and land there will be the horse’s passage from Ireland to the UK and back again as well as two days travelling across Wales and England. Most English racecourses are happy to hire out their stables as accommodation for horses in transit and a passage to France will necessitate at least two nights’ stabling, not to mention the ferry or Channel Tunnel to France.

Motorway tolls, diesel for the lorry, paperwork and wages for staff all have to be paid, so it is easy to see how the charges quickly add up.

In addition to these costs, the British Horseracing Authority has a foreign entry charge of £78.58 on top of their usual entry fees for races, which are all the same as those incurred by a British-based owner with a runner in the UK. For 2018 the BHA has introduced an Appearance Money Scheme, which applies to all owners regardless of where their horses are trained. This means that for certain races, mainly classes four to six on the flat and over jumps from class three down to class five, prize money of a minimum of £350 will be guaranteed to eight place. However, only 80 per cent of this at most goes to the owner who must pay a minimum of eight per cent to the trainer and six per cent each to the jockey and the stable where the horse is trained.

In addition to the costs associated with transporting a horse to race abroad, there is also the expense of travelling to the race to watch your horse compete, something owners with runners in major races and at festivals in particular will be keen to do.

Many will be disappointed to learn that there is no financial assistance or subsidies available for Irish owners wishing to watch their horse race in the flesh. For advice about accommodation, restaurant reservations and anything to do with travelling to Britain to watch your horse race, Amanda Bossom at Great British Racing International (GBRI) is the person to contact.

“In short, Great British Racing International are the first port of call for any Irish owner looking to come over to Britain to see their horse race, from booking transport to arranging stud or stable visits. We also have a number of partners in the hotel, fine dining, retail, leisure and luxury markets. We don’t offer subsidies but do help with practical assistance and help with any questions. We are located in the same building as the BHA in

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| RACING ABROAD |

If you intend to travel to the UK to see your horse race or purchase a horse at the sales, contact Amanda Bossom of GBRI at her UK office: + 44 207 152 0103 or on her mobile: + 44 (0)7471 216 075. Her email address is abossom@greatbritishracing.com

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING A HORSE

M

ary Nugent is assistant travelling head girl for Gordon Elliott and has been an integral part of the success Elliott’s team has enjoyed, particularly in the UK. Whether it is Grade One glory at Cheltenham or a maiden winner at Perth, Nugent is responsible for getting the horses to the races ready to run to their best. She is perfectly qualified to provide insight into what is needed to ensure horses travelling abroad to race get to their destination in peak condition.

Their level of fitness itself is the most important factor in a horse having a smooth journey to the races.

“For trips overseas, the first thing you have to ensure is that the horse is fit enough to travel in the first place,” Nugent states. “Good quality bedding, and enough of it, in the lorry is also important. You also must have enough hay, food and water for the journey there and back and while the horses are away from home too.”

Just as many people need reminders of the familiarity of home while they are away, so too do horses. As well as their usual food, hay and water from home the Elliott travelling team of Nugent and Camilla Sharples always bring supplies of the same disinfectant used in the yard to the races so that the stables have the scent of home.

“Planning out the route you will take to the destination is very important because you need to include a place to stop on the way so that you can check on the horses. Don’t forget the lorry too – check the oil levels, water and air in tyres when you’re preparing to travel a long distance. You also need to make sure that the lorry has passed the DOE, and is properly taxed and insured and always, always make sure you have all the documentation for the horses and people,” adds Nugent, who regularly drives horses on long journeys.

Some owners, while excited at the prospect of their horse running at a big UK festival like Cheltenham, might be concerned by the travelling involved and the risks it may pose to their horse. The case of Champagne Fever being forced to miss the Queen Mother at Cheltenham in 2015 because of a bite inflicted by a stablemate on the journey to Cheltenham received enormous attention at the time, and accidents like this can happen when you have anxious horses cooped up in confined spaces for long periods of time.

Experienced and trained professionals like Nugent understand the risks involved and have prepared for all eventualities.

The most dangerous time is the ferry crossing, she explains.

“The biggest risk during travelling is a horse getting upset or agitated and this mostly happens when the lorry is at a standstill, i.e. on the boat. We find that it helps to tie up hay nets to keep the horses occupied as the boat journey only lasts a few hours.”

She also advises that hoods and ear-plugs can come in handy as they help to block out loud noises and keep horses calm.

Travel sickness is another issue that crops up, but as with humans, motion sickness passes when the journey ends.

However, equine shipping fever or pleuropneumonia is a serious, and sometimes fatal, condition that can develop when transporting horses on long journeys.

It is a combination of pneumonia and an infection in the pleural cavity or plueritis and several factors can cause a horse to develop this.

The length of the journey is a major contributing cause of shipping fever as the longer the journey lasts, the higher the risk of developing the illness becomes.

This is because horses have an increased chance of becoming dehydrated on lengthy journeys and this lowers the lungs’ defence mechanisms.

Poor ventilation in the lorry or airplane increases the animal’s exposure to allergens and irritants in feed and bedding, while the ammonia from urine, along with overcrowding and extremes of temperature, also lower the immune system. The stress of travelling is another problem as Cortisol, the stress hormone, impacts on the immune system.

Survival rates vary from 30 to 90 per cent with early detection vital to increasing the horse’s chances of making a full recovery.

Nugent shares some of her techniques for combatting these problems and minimising the risk to the horses in her care of developing shipping fever.

“Travelling horses long distance can take a lot out of some horses, so an electrolyte drip and making sure they have plenty of fluids helps to keep them hydrated. It very important that the lorry is well-ventilated and that you have temperature controls to make sure it’s neither too hot or too cold for the horses.”

What is vitally important is that the person charged with caring for the horses and getting them to the races in prime form is familiar with the personalities, needs and travelling habits of each horse.

“Every horse is different and reacts to travelling in a different way so it really helps if you know the horse that you are travelling,” she adds.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

High Holborn,” says GBRI’s Client Services and Development Manager.

“I am also available to provide assistance for Irish owners coming to the sales at Tattersalls or any other venue, we don’t just look after the racing side of things.”

Facilities for owners and the care they receive varies from course to course, with the level of attention at tracks such as Ascot very high.

A spokesperson for the International Racing Bureau said: “I know that if the Irish have a runner at Ascot – particularly Royal Ascot – they get invited for lunch by Ascot which is a nice gesture. Similarly, if the Irish have runners at Newmarket – another of our client tracks – lunch is provided for Irish connections. On Darley July Cup day they have a marquee for International (including Irish) runners where connections get very well looked after.”

Sadly, Irish owners do not get the same care as those from other countries, they added.

“Unfortunately, most racecourses here (in the UK) don’t go the extra yard for Irish runners. Whereas they may send cars to pick up, say, French connections from the airport (which is what Ascot and Newmarket do). I think most Irish connections look after themselves.”

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) has a website that is an invaluable resource for owners wishing to travel to watch their horse.

Sophie Holton of the ROA explains what information you can expect to find on the organisation’s site.

“With regards to what an owner can expect on a racecourse, each racecourse is a bit different, and full details for each track can be seen on the ROA website on the Guide to Racecourses. In short, owners get a certain amount of free tickets to see their horse run (typically four to eight), they can purchase additional badges above that amount (I would strongly advise contacting a racecourse in advance of the raceday for this), and nearly all racecourses offer some kind of complimentary food (varying from a sandwich (e.g. Bath.

Beverley, Pontefract) to a full restaurant meal (e.g. Chester, Bangor, Goodwood).”

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| THE FAHEY FAMILY |

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

DYNASTY

&DESTINY IN IRELAND RACING RUNS IN FAMILIES, AND THE SUCCESSES OF THE GREATEST RACING DYNASTIES ARE WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF SPORTING LORE. WELL, THE HOUSE OF FAHEY IS ON THE RISE. AISLING CROWE JOINED THEIR ‘KITCHEN CABINET’ AS THREE GENERATIONS OF FAHEYS DISCUSSED THE STATE OF THE RACING NATION.

C

hristmas gathers families around kitchen tables, brininging them together to talk, eat and reminisce sometimes the only time of year when this is possible.

But in racing families, there is barely time to swallow the turkey and ham before one of the busiest weeks in the calendar.

At the home of the Fahey family of Monasterevin, three generations gathered around the kitchen table of matriarch Maureen, during a pause in the hectic Christmas and racing schedules, to discuss life as a family in racing.

Three of Maureen Fahey’s sons are farriers – Tommy, Paul and Mick – and three of her grandsons followed them into the profession. She has three sons with full trainers licences – Seamus, Jarlath and Peter – while Paul has a restricted licence. Mark Fahey, her grandson, is also a licenced trainer and former National Hunt jockey, while James Fahey is a point-to-point handler.

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| THE FAHEY FAMILY |

THE FAHEYS ON...

THE BUSINESS

JARLATH: It is fun but we are more living it through our own kids’ eyes at this stage, we still get a kick out of winners but the training is gone more into a business now. Back then it was a hobby, now it’s a business.

Seamus says everyone was drinking for a week, everyone was back in Jarlath’s house the next day for a big party.

There were barriers outside the house, there were that many people around wanting to see the horse.

TOMMY: If you don’t get a kick out of training a winner then you shouldn’t be in the business.

SEAMUS: I had a horse for three local lads here one time, Party Guest was her name and Charlie Swan rode her.

Bob Harrison was one of the owners, a lovely character. Coming home that evening Bob said to me ‘Seamus, I captained Monasterevin the year they won the county final and I thought I’d never experience anything like that again, today was every bit as good.’

And he only owned a quarter of her.

SEAMUS: Look at Michael Winters…

JARLATH: The owner with Michael O’Callaghan…

MARK: Trying to dance…

TOMMY: That was the talking point of Galway.

PAUL: I’ve had owners win in Kilbeggan and been as happy as if they won the Derby, getting great joy out of it, asking when are we going racing again? The bigger trainers don’t even go to Kilbeggan, if you don’t have some level of excitement about it…

MARK: When Jennies Jewel and Where’s Ben won their races, the place was alive here.

THE FAHEYS ON...

NEW IDEAS Plenty of talk at tracks and sales has been over the future of racing, how it survives, thrives and overcomes the obstacles - some self-imposed - that the sport and industry faces. With over three decades of experiences as trainers, jockeys, owners and breeders that have encompassed every facet of racing from Kilbeggan to Royal Ascot, heartache to joy, the family has plenty to say about the shape of the sport.

SEAMUS: I’ve been speaking to some of the younger trainers around the country over the last couple of months and some of them have good ideas and I think they should be listened to. Some of the ideas they are kicking around, to me, might work and those who are looking after that end of things should sit down with the younger trainers and listen to what they have to say. I think that what they are saying should be listened to, the people in charge should sit down and talk with them. They might say, ‘this or that can’t work, but maybe this could and we will trial it.’

PAUL: There are new ideas coming along because a lot of young trainers are after getting involved and they need to make a living out of it too. They are the future. The lower grade horses are what’s keeping many trainers going.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

From their formative years, the Fahey family was involved in pony racing, with Maureen instrumental in modernising the sport, bringing in six day entries and, most importantly, making the wearing of back protectors compulsory. Back in those days racing was for the sheer thrill of the sport, but now that families are to be supported and incomes made from the business of training racehorses, is there still fun to be found in racing for the family?

MAUREEN: And the syndicates.

Mark Fahey

PAUL: That’s what life is about, what racing is about. Everybody says there is another day.

TOMMY: You have to enjoy the day.

PAUL: There’s a corner there and nobody knows what way it’s going to turn, if the next day is going to come.

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| THE FAHEY FAMILY |

THE FAHEYS ON...

THE FAHEYS ON...

COURSE ENTRY

PAUL: Yeah, with the lower grade horses. For every horse that’s in training, it does not reflect one bit the number of horses in yards. There are horses in training, breaking, pretraining, going point-to-pointing and others heading out of the sport. We all hope that every horse is going to go to Cheltenham but that’s never going to happen, but all those horses are still giving employment to people, until you find out they are no good. I’d say for every four horses in Ireland there is a wage and that has to be divided out to keep the people involved in the game.

STUDENTS

PAUL: The flat has a long way to go. You go to Punchestown and it’s full, they’re filling Galway with a mixture of flat and jumps, you go to Leopardstown and it’s packed out the last few days.

SEAMUS: They are a nuisance of a day but the atmosphere when you walk in…

SEAMUS: The student days do that.

[Get people to go racing] MAUREEN: They’re great for getting crowds in.

TOMMY: How many of them are going to go back?

TOMMY: Any track in the west…

PAUL: But you can’t get people to go to flat meetings.

TOMMY: Ted Walsh hit that on the head on the television – When you go into the races they nearly turn you upside down and shake the money out of you – admission fee, cards, the price of food and drink there.

TARA: They only go for the day and not again for the whole year, they only go for the drink because it’s a tenner in, you get a free pint and a free €5 bet.

MARK: But some of them do come back!

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

PAUL: Now if you go over to Cheltenham and Aintree, you go in and say we’ve a few friends over, can we get some tickets please? There’s no problem.

SEAMUS: You have to get people in.

SEAMUS: Without a doubt you are treated better as an owner in England than you are in Ireland and have been for donkey’s years. You’re really looked after when you go across the water. I don’t know if it’s any different in England – you don’t see bad reports from English owners about how they are treated when they come over here, so it’s probably no different from us going over.

PAUL: The canteens at racecourses in Ireland are a joke…

PAUL: If I went down to the local and said I had ten free tickets for Punchestown, you’d get ten people no problem. The first thing you need to do is get them in the gate, when they’re in they’ll eat, drink and spend and before they do anything they’ll have €20 on something in the first, whether they fancy it or not. Why? Because we got in free. It’s just the mentality we have.

SEAMUS: Punchestown is alright…

PAUL: There are a handful of tracks that are okay but the rest of them… They have to start treating people better. Owners’ facilities are poor.

MARK: If they enjoy the day racing, they might keep coming back and then think wouldn’t it be great if we had a horse? Get a few friends together and have a horse in training.

MAUREEN: You can’t let people in for nothing either.

JARLATH: Some of the big meetings in America you can get in for $10, €8 in France.

MARK: But are you screwed when you get in there?

PAUL: You’re screwed in Ireland anyway after paying big money for getting in.

PAUL: Get people in and you will get them spending. If you’re sitting at home or in the pub and back a winner, it’s a great buzz but if you’re at the races and you back a winner it’s a way better buzz. If you’re involved in a horse and it wins, then the buzz is out of this world so it’s to get people in to that.

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| THE FAHEY FAMILY |

SEAMUS: The student days at smaller tracks like Sligo are good…

MAUREEN: And Limerick is wild…

TARA: Yeah we’d be guaranteed around 30 people every year to go to Cheltenham and we’d have a waiting list for that. I think one year we had seven people to go on a student day in Thurles or Clonmel. It’s hard to get people to get into it. At the start of the year I think we

TARA: HRI has a student initiative, I get emails from them, but they need to advertise that more around colleges, they don’t do enough. You only get the emails if you sign up to it so they need to get into the colleges at the start of the year and tell people about it because they do great trips like visits

SEAMUS: So they’re not reaching new people, just those who are already interested. See, this is what I was saying earlier on about listening to the young trainers, the people in charge need to listen to young people that are coming up with these ideas and suggestions. They might get something out of it or they might get nothing, but they need to listen to them and approach it with an open

had 580 out of 35,000 students in UCD sign up.

to Gordon Elliott’s yard, free race days, visits to Kildangan and other studs,

mind and see if there are ideas that will work.

PAUL: But you’d get people to go to Cheltenham?

MARK: You have two big colleges down there…

talks, so it’s really good. But they don’t advertise it, you have to go online and sign up for it yourself. They’re only getting people who want to do it.

PAUL: Why is it that the likes of Kilbeggan with nearly no THE FAHEYS stands and very little facilities can be busy nearly every ON...

SEAMUS: The median auction races for two-year-olds was another good idea.

THE GRASSROOTS

meeting? Because there is something for everyone.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

TARA: Not really. I was in the horse racing society in UCD and we would be lucky to get 30 people to go on a yard visit to Willie Mullins and we’d be advertising it all over college.

PAUL: It was the sales companies that pushed for that.

SEAMUS: It’s an entertainment day now.

PAUL: The day is gone where the husband goes racing and leaves the family behind. If people are going racing in the summer it’s with their family now.

TOMMY: Races for progeny of stallions that stand for €10,000 or less.

SEAMUS: That would cover most National Hunt horses.

TARA: A kids’ club would be great.

PAUL: Maybe reduce it for National Hunt?

MARK: I saw bits and pieces of Robbie [McNamara]’s interview saying that 90 per cent of the trainers in Ireland are broke and how we need to get people involved in owning horses, but I genuinely don’t know how. There are hundreds of ideas and, as Seamus says, you have to try out and test them to see what works and what doesn’t.

SEAMUS: For the younger people in the sport, it is very important that they have a chance of success. They need to listen to the grassroots.

SEAMUS: You could have €5,000 over jumps and maybe €15,000 or €20,000 on the flat?

PAUL: The only ones that will promote that would be the stallion owners and the major stallion farms won’t want to do that because they are not going to push lower price stallions.

SEAMUS: And more claiming races, maybe claiming hurdles, I think.

PAUL: The mares’ races are great for racing.

SEAMUS: A very good idea.

JARLATH: They are working hard on claiming races on the flat.

PAUL: And that’s what’s after bringing on mares in racing.

SEAMUS: I think they could bring them in for hurdles.

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| THE FAHEY FAMILY |

THE FAHEYS ON...

YOUNG TRAINERS MARK: The younger trainers could have their own association, to try and bang heads together and get things going. You have an apprentice jockey association, one for the amateurs, a flat jockeys group, so it would be an idea to try and get the younger trainers to come together and do something to promote racing because we are the ones who are struggling.

The men at the top are in the trade for a long time, but it’s the young trainers who are coming in at the bottom, apart from Joseph who is after doing so well. Everyone criticises him for his background but he won the Melbourne Cup this year.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

TOMMY: Look at Gordon, he wasn’t handed anything on a silver plate. He worked hard to get there…

SEAMUS: He was handed it on a Silver Birch!

PAUL: They want to buy your horse, no problem, but the problem with it is by the time you get one horse you can sell you have another 20 or 30 going through the yard that you’re going to have to race off a low mark.

They want to keep you down at that low mark.

MARK: I get your point but you do need them.

TARA: They need the small people too.

MARK: They do because they are going around buying horses from them. I’m not saying that’s the only source of horses for them – they go to France and buy all the big horses at the Land Rover and Derby Sales – but the small men do have horses to bring through.

SEAMUS: If you are lucky enough to find one, they will buy it from you.

MARK: Peter (Fahey) got wicked money for Gallagher’s Cross, Nicky Henderson bought it from him and it was small men that owned it. Two brothers, farriers, from Kildare and they are made up with it. They got £260,000 for the horse. If you don’t have the big men up there to buy the horses, then people won’t get paid for their horses.

TOMMY: Big trainers have big owners; that’s why they dominate.

MARK: Those big owners are going to a big fashionable trainer so they can say I have 20 horses with Willie Mullins or Gordon Elliott. They are the people with the deep pockets who can spend the money and buy from the smaller men.

To which the table erupts in laughter.

MARK: But you need the big trainers, and you need them as big as they are because if they are not as big as they are they don’t have the big owners with the open chequebook. If a small lad comes along and wins a bumper or a point-to-point they will buy the horse for big money. €200,000 is an awful lot of money for a smaller trainer.

PAUL: I agree with that MARK: That’s why you need them big and competitive.

THE FAHEYS ON...

HORSEMANSHIP

PAUL: You talk about the young trainers but the problem with the top trainers is there is a handful of them at the top, and they want to win every race, there’s a hunger to win every race. The same as jockeys; why is Ruby Walsh as good as he is? Because he wants to win all the time.

TOMMY: I have a lot more respect for the smaller men, if you take a big owner and big trainer going to the sales paying megamoney for horses, in my opinion that’s nearly trying to buy winners. I’ve more respect for the lad who goes with the small money be it €8,000, €10,000 or €20,000 and taking them on. To me that’s horsemanship because he is putting his money down to try and buy a horse to take them on, as he doesn’t have big pockets. If they are able to achieve what the big boys do, that’s a big achievement. He’s not buying winners.

[Murmurs of assent around the table.]

PAUL: If you have a horse that has been placed in a graded race on the flat in France and you bring him over here, if he’s able to bend a leg over a hurdle sure he has to be a winner. That’s not rocket science, but going to the sales and buying an unbroken horse, then training him to win is an achievement, but there has to be a bit of luck in it too.

TOMMY: They are trying to eliminate the luck and risk from the prospect but there are no guarantees.

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| THE FAHEY FAMILY |

Seamus Fahey & handler, Lynn Curran

Jarlaith Fahey

THE FAHEYS ON...

COURSE EXPERIENCES

JARLATH: When we went over, we stayed in the accommodation at the track, apart from doing two or three hours up at the track before the filly ran, that’s what I saw of Royal Ascot. It’s just a different world with a brilliant atmosphere, it’s unique and different to any other day’s racing I’ve ever been at, not because we won. Even watching it, walking around, the way it’s run, the setting, everything it is unique. It attracts the best horses in the world and gets the publicity for it, but it is very well run.

Even the feedback after it, the simple little things. Aoife [his daughter] got her photograph a month later of her leading up the mare, the owners got the trophy replaced with a memento of it.

We were invited back, they come over to Ireland every year to promote the races and we were invited to a dinner down in Adare.

The owners and myself got an invitation back to Royal Ascot for the same day the following year with lunch, dinner and to enjoy the day’s racing. The way it’s done is just above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen. It is Royal Ascot.

JARLATH: Both times we were over there. We were treated no different to anyone else.

MARK: But it’s not just Royal Ascot, if you go to Wolverhampton or anywhere, we’ve all had runners in the smaller meetings in England and we’ve always been looked after. Everything is done for you, it’s completely different.

SEAMUS: I was in Chepstow earlier this year and the course manager told me to go down to the pub, have dinner and a few drinks, pay for it and then bring the receipt back tomorrow. I handed it to him and he gave me the money back. When we got there he welcomed us, asked if we had accommodation, that they had room on the course or could put us up in town if we preferred.

PAUL: I went to Cheltenham a few weeks’ back with a friend’s horse, he ran him in the cross-country race. We went out two days before the race and on the track we were told we could go where we liked, school the horses over whatever jumps we wanted to.

TARA: There should be a loyalty system.

AOIFE: They were so good to us at Ascot, you couldn’t believe it.

MARK: That’s a good idea!

JARLATH: I’m not just talking about the hospitality end of it either; I’m talking about back down in the stable yard, the staff accommodation…

TARA: Go racing five times and get the sixth day free or something like that.

AOIFE: They made sure we had everything we needed.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

The family has rolled the dice over the years, none more spectacularly than in 2016, when Jarlath-trained Jennies Jewel won the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting. His experiences there showed how differently trainers, owners and staff can be treated.

The next generation of Faheys are bursting with the thrill and passion for racing that courses through their veins.

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HRI OWNERSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

ADVICE

SUPPORT

Improving your Ownership Experience

www.racehorseownership.ie

T: +353 45 455 455

E: owners@hri.ie

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| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| RACEHORSE SALES |

An

Introduction to

Racehorse SALES

AISLING CROWE TAKES YOU THROUGH THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN PURCHASE A HORSE AND WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SALES. Purchasing a horse, particularly for the first time, can be a rather daunting experience. Attending a sale with the hum of the auctioneer’s patter, the covert bids and the jargon, all contribute to the air of mystery around buying a horse. Over the following pages we take a look at the different sales and what you can expect when you attend one of the three different auction venues in search of your champion.

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FOAL SALES

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Usually the first opportunity to purchase a racehorse comes early in its young life at the foal sales. In Ireland the two main sales companies – Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland – hold their foal sales in November.

Tattersalls Ireland begins the breeding stock sales season with a one-day sale for Flat-bred foals and breeding stock that precedes their week-long November National Hunt sale. Goffs then stages a five-day sale for flat foals. There are advantages to buying a potential racehorse at this young age, some National Hunt foals are barely six months old at the time they are auctioned. Usually foals are cheaper to buy than yearlings or two-year-olds but there is much more competition for foals as it is not just end-users in the market for them but pinhookers as well. Buying a foal can be a tricky business as they are so young, they may not grow and develop in the way you anticipate. Also it is a longer-term investment as the foal may not race for up to four years in the case of a National Hunt bred foal.

YEARLING The yearling sales are usually the most popular sales for owners and trainers to purchase young racehorses. The Irish yearling sales start at Tattersalls Ireland for their September Yearling Sale, which usually takes place the Tuesday after the All-Ireland football final.

This sale is divided into Part One and Part Two with the larger Part One recording the higher prices. Goffs stages its prestigious Orby Yearling Sale, followed by the Sportsmans’ Sale a week after the Tattersalls Ireland Sale.

Goffs also puts on the October Yearling Sale and their February sale offers a wide selection of horses from those in training to broodmare prospects and yearlings. Owners will normally have to pay a higher price for a yearling than for a foal but there are less buyers for yearlings.

Trainers, owners and those looking for twoyear-olds to breeze are the target market for yearling sales, which are overwhelmingly for flat horses. Horses bought as yearlings may be ready to run at two or may have to be kept until three to race, depending on their breeding and physiological development.

BREEDING STOCK SALE This is the sale to secure broodmares or fillies and mares with potential to make successful broodmares, so it is mainly a sale for those owners who are looking to breed their own horses. Lightly raced or even unraced fillies who could still do a job on the track can also be purchased at a breeding stock sale. In Ireland the two biggest breeding stock sales are also in November, with the final day of the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale dedicated to broodmares, potential broodmares and fillies in and out of training. Flat-bred mares and fillies are offered for sale during the day-long November Flat Foal and Breeding Stock Sale at Tattersalls Ireland or the Goffs’ November Breeding Stock Sale, which is usually a two-day event. Fillies and mares from the likes of Moyglare Stud, Godolphin and Shadwell are sold at Goffs as well as the highly sought-after draft from the Aga Khan Studs which usually include some very well-bred horses from the Aga Khan’s long-nurtured and cultivated families. Many of the broodmares are offered for sale in foal.

RACECOURSE SALES At the moment in Ireland the only racecourse sale is the Goffs Punchestown Sale which usually takes place after racing on the Thursday of the annual Punchestown Festival.

It is a boutique sale offering a select group of young National Hunt horses for sale. The vast majority will be four and five-year-olds who have recently won a point-to-point and are being sold by their handlers. Some of the horses may have won a bumper on the track or have been placed in either a point-to-point or bumper. At last year’s Goffs’ Punchestown Sale, Balko Des Flos, who won the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at the start of the festival for trainer Robert Tyner and owner Paurick O’Connor, was sold for €270,000. Tattersalls Ireland operate sales at Ascot that offer both National Hunt and Flat horses while their sales at meetings in Cheltenham, including the Festival, have seen record prices for National Hunt horses. At last year’s February Sale Tom Malone - on behalf of the late Ann and Alan Potts - bought Flemenshill for £480,000, while at the Festival sale Maire Banrigh was bought by owner John Hales for £320,000, a record for a National Hunt mare. As part of Irish Champions Weekend, Goffs run a boutique sale before racing at Leopardstown on Irish Champion Stakes’ Day. The select handful of horses on sale are offered from some of Ireland’s leading trainers and may be purchased to remain on the flat or go jumping depending on their pedigrees.

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A claiming race is one in which every horse in the race can be ‘claimed’ or purchased after the race. It is an easy way of purchasing a horse that is ready to run as soon as you buy it. As well as the normal details printed for each horse in the racecard, the price of every horse will also be listed. To buy your chosen horse, you phone a designated number at Horse Racing Ireland within ten minutes of the ‘winner alright’ being called and lodge your claim for the listed price as well as stating the trainer who will take charge of the horse for you. If more than one claim is lodged for a horse then the on-course representative of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board will draw the winner. In Ireland claiming races are currently restricted to the Flat only.

BREEZE-UP

WEBSITES

There is only one Breeze-Up sale in Ireland which happens to also be the largest in Europe. Goresbridge Bloodstock Sales stages the two-day event in late May with the first part taking place at Gowran Racecourse. There the horses, all two-year-olds, breeze on the track, which means they gallop two furlongs on the course from a designated start point to the finish line. This is done in catalogue order. Some agents and trainers use their own sophisticated timing equipment to log a time for each horse while others prefer to rely solely on their own judgment. The following day the action moves to the sales complex at Goresbridge where the buying and selling takes place. In theory breeze-up sales are to provide owners with the opportunity to purchase a horse that is ready to race straight away.

Tattersalls Ireland stages its own breeze-up at Ascot in May while Goffs UK has a breeze-up sale at Doncaster in April.

Buying racehorses and breeding stock online is an area of the bloodstock sales industry that is expanding. For owners in Ireland and the UK there are two main websites that facilitate the buying and selling of racehorses; these are www.paradering.ie and www.racehorsetrader.com. The p2p.ie website also has a ‘for sale’ section on its website.

When buying online be careful to check the legitimacy of the seller and to treat your purchase in the exact same manner as you would PRIVATE a transaction at the sales, SALES with the same care and attention taken. Some Sometimes trainers’ websites and those it is possible of large organisations such to purchase a horse privately as Godolphin also list horses from an owner in their yard or belonging to or breeder. them that are for sale.

STORE SALE The traditional way to purchase a young National Hunt horse is through the store sales. Ireland’s two main store sales – the Goffs Land Rover and Tattersalls Ireland Derby – take place in June each year. At these sales all the leading owners, trainers and point-to-point handlers compete for three-year-old National Hunt horses. The point-to-point handlers are in the market for horses who are likely to make a four-year-old pointto-pointer, hopefully a winning one, who can then be sold on for many multiples of their purchase price. Increasingly, with the influx of horses from France who start their racing careers earlier than the traditional Irish store horse, many trainers and owners are also hunting for earlier type horses. French-bred horses by that country’s leading sires including Network, Saint Des Saints and Martaline, command premiums. The traditional steeplechaser in the making who doesn’t make his bumper debut until five or six makes up a good proportion of the store sale marketplace with progeny by Flemensfirth, Presenting and Kayf Tara among those making the highest prices.

HORSES IN TRAINING SALE These are sales for horses who are already in training and are being sold on by their owners. Some of these horses will have already raced while others will not have stepped onto a racecourse. The majority of the horses offered at an in-training sale will have youth on their side as two, three and four-year-olds. In recent years they have become a popular source of recruits to National Hunt racing from the flat with trainers and owners seeking out horses who have demonstrated stamina in their racing careers so far or have pedigrees that indicate staying prowess.

The National Hunt fraternity is facing increasing competition from owners and trainers from Australia looking for horses to compete in their prestigious Cup races as the focus on speed and precocity in Australian breeding has produced a decline in homebred stayers. Agents and trainers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East are also coming in larger numbers to the horses-in-training sales looking for potential winners suited to their styles of racing. Among the leading owners and breeders who sell annually at the horses-in-training sales are Moyglare Stud, the Aga Khan, Godolphin and Shadwell. Goffs’ Horses-In-Training Sale is normally at the end of October or early November and is run in conjunction with the October Yearling sale.

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CLAIMING RACES

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Barry Cash celebrates as he arrives in the winners enclosure after Brave Inca won the Letheby Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham and the

IRISH

DONN MCCLEAN REVIEWS THE HORSES AND PERSONALITIES THAT HAVE CONFERRED CULT STATUS ON THE CHELTNHAM FESTIVAL AMONG NATIONAL HUNT ENTHUASTIASTS AND IRISH RACEGOERS IN PARTICULAR.

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C

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heltenham and the Irish? You can trace the relationship back to the late 1940s, to Vincent O’Brien That was Dr O’Brien’s way: original thinking, expanding horizons. Taking a horse to Britain, to compete at Cheltenham, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, was not easily done.

Vincent’s brother Phonsie went over on the boat with Cottage Rake in 1948.

Up on the trailer to Limerick City Station, load the horse onto a horse wagon to get to the North Wall in Dublin. Get the ferry to Liverpool, CHELTENHAM over with the cattle and the stevedores. Phonsie hung a tarpaulin around Cottage Rake to help NEEDS THE IRISH their horse to relax. Off the boat in Liverpool and JUST AS MUCH AS drive to Gerald Balding’s place where Cottage THE IRISH REVEL IN Rake could stretch his legs and even school over CHELTENHAM.” a hurdle. Then on to Cheltenham.

Cottage Rake won that Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1948. And so it began. The following year, Vincent sent Cottage Rake back to Cheltenham to defend his title, only he flew him over that year, and he sent two other horses with him, Hatton’s Grace and Castledermot. Cottage Rake won the Gold Cup again, Hatton’s Grace won the Champion Hurdle and Castledermot won the National Hunt Chase. Cottage Rake went back again in 1950 and won the Cheltenham Gold Cup again. That was three Gold Cups in a row, the first horse to land a hat-trick of Gold Cup wins since Golden Miller, and the last one before Arkle.

Hatton’s Grace won his second Champion Hurdle that year, and he went back in 1951 to win his third. The following year, 1952, Dr O’Brien sent Cockatoo to Cheltenham to win his first Gloucestershire Hurdle, the modern day Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

They didn’t know it at the time, but the Gloucestershire Hurdle was a race that Vincent O’Brien was to make his own. The race was often divided in those days, they usually ran two divisions, and Vincent won at least one division every

The Arkle statue at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham

Moscow Flyer with Barry Geraghty

Forpaddytheplaster with Tony McCoy

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Willie Mullins

Gold Cup, when he had Arkle behind him in third place. The Big Horse was the best that they had seen, and no young upstart from Ireland was going to de-throne him.

But Arkle was no young upstart. He had won the Punchestown Gold Cup and the Powers Gold Cup in 1963, and he had slipped at the third last fence in that Hennessy, when he had finished behind Mill House.

The Irish couldn’t see Arkle getting beaten, the British couldn’t see Mill House getting beaten, so something had to give. The history books and the grainy Youtube footage tells you how this one ended: Arkle won the 1964 Gold Cup. (Sorry for the spoiler.) And Arkle won the Gold Cup again in 1965 and 1966 and weaved his way into the public consciousness, into mainstream, the best steeplechaser ever, so much so that letters sent to Arkle, Ireland, got to his box in Tom Dreaper’s yard the following day.

L’Escargot was an up. Dan Moore’s horse, winner of the second division of the Gloucestershire Hurdle in 1968 as a five-year-old, won the Gold Cup in 1970, then went back in 1971 and won it again.

His stable companion Tied Cottage was desperately unlucky not to win a Gold Cup. Winner of the RSA Chase in 1976, he was still just in front of Alverton in the snow in the 1979 renewal as an 11-year-old when he got in tight to the final fence and came down. He went back as a 12-year-old in 1980 and led the whole way to win easily from Master Smudge. It was an up at the time, but he was subsequently disqualified because minute traces of theobromine were found in his sample, and that was a serious down.

The late 1970s and early 1980s were good years for the Irish at Cheltenham. There were only 18 races in those days, a three-day festival, six races each day, and the Irish usually won four or five or six of them.

In 1975, they won five, three of them supplied

by Jim Dreaper via Lough Inagh in the Champion Chase, Brown Lad in the Stayers’ Hurdle and Ten Up in the Gold Cup. In 1978 they won six, even though the final day of the festival was abandoned because of the snow, and only 12 races were run.

In 1977, the Irish won seven, including the Gold Cup with Davy Lad and the Champion Chase with Skymas.

In the 14 years that flowed between Arkle’s first Gold Cup in 1964 and Davy Lad’s win in 1977 under Dessie Hughes, Irish-trained horses won the Gold Cup 10 times.

There were other big ups. Monksfield’s brace

WILLIE MULLINS

54 WINNERS

EDWARD O’GRADY

18

WINNERS

GORDON ELLIOTT

14

WINNERS

JESSICA HARRINGTON

11

WINNERS

ENDA BOLGER

8

WINNERS

ARTHUR MOORE

8

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

year between 1954 and 1959 inclusive, and he won both in 1955, 1956 and 1958. If you are looking for the origins of Ireland’s relationship with the Cheltenham Festival, and of the Cheltenham Festival’s relationship with Ireland, you have it right there, with Dr Vincent O’Brien.

This relationship has evolved to become a relationship of interdependence, neither partner dominant. Cheltenham needs the Irish just as much as the Irish revel in Cheltenham. It was in 2001 that we were staring down the barrel of the Cheltenham Festival without the Irish, as Foot and Mouth had scuppered transit plans, the Irish held captive on their own island.

Then a few cloven-hoofed marauders intervened, found a way to graze the Prestbury Park grass after the designated deadline – it was sheep that we were up against – and the Festival was cancelled in its entirety.

Check the record books: no entry for 2001. The Racing Post headline summed it up the following morning: Silenced by the lambs Like all good long-term relationships, the Cheltenham/Ireland one has had its ups and its downs.

Arkle v Mill House equinified the relationship in the 1960s, a combative relationship, a partisan relationship, but a mutually appreciative one, both sides able to happily co-exist, each capable of appreciating a top class racehorse regardless of nationality.

The British were certain that Mill House would win the 1964 Gold Cup. He had won the 1963 Gold Cup and the 1963 King George VI Chase and the 1963 Hennessy

TOP IRISH TRAINERS AT CHELTENHAM

WINNERS

MOUSE MORRIS

7

WINNERS

AIDAN O’BRIEN

6

WINNERS

TONY MARTIN

6

WINNERS

NOEL MEADE

5

WINNERS

of Champion Hurdles in 1978 and 1979 were

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massive, his battles with Night Nurse and Sea Pigeon the very definition of what was a golden era of two-mile hurdling.

Dawn Run’s Champion Hurdle in 1984 was a big up, as much for the Champion Hurdle win itself – a fourth Irish victory in the race in seven renewals – as it was as a precursor to what was to follow. It was significant because she was the first mare to win the Champion Hurdle since African Sister won it in 1939, but it was more significant because it was the first leg of Paddy Mullins’ mare’s famous Champion Hurdle/ Gold Cup double.

You know the 1986 Gold Cup by now, you can see it in your mind’s eye: that jump at the second last fence, Wayward Lad going past and facing the hill, Jonjo O’Neill moving the mare towards the near side and asking her to strain every sinew of her body, Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s commentary. The mare is beginning to get up. Hats in the air and pandemonium.

Dawn Run remains the only horse in history to win the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup The late 1980s and early 1990s were a struggle for Ireland. Had it not been for the John Mulhern-trained Galmoy in 1987 and 1988, there would not have been an Irish-trained winner at the Cheltenham Festival. And in 1989, when the gallant 10-year-old Galmoy’s hat-trick bid in the Stayers’ Hurdle was thwarted by Rustle, the unimaginable became reality. No Irish-trained winners at Cheltenham. A whitewash. A shut-out.

The 1990 Festival did not promise much more initially, but another shut-out was avoided, with Trapper John winning the Stayers’ Hurdle and Rare Holiday winning the Triumph Hurdle. And when the Cheltenham authorities, in their wisdom, introduced the Champion Bumper as a new race to the Cheltenham Festival in 1992, they significantly reduced the chances of another Irish shut-out for as far into the future as anybody could see.

There have been lots of ups since then. Dorans Pride’s Stayers’ Hurdle win in 1995 was an up. Istabraq was up, up, up and away. JP McManus’ horse won the Sun Alliance Hurdle in 1997, the preamble to his Champion Hurdle hat-trick, rat-tat-tat, 1998, 1999 and 2000. When he won the Champion Hurdle in 2000, he became the first horse since See You Then to win three Champion Hurdles. In so doing, he was also emulating Hatton’s Grace and Sir Ken and Persian War. But the Aidan O’Brien-trained horse could have held the record on his own, he would have been a warm favourite to win his fourth in 2001 had the race been run, had Foot and Mouth not intervened.

The Irish have peppered the Champion Hurdle in recent years. They won four in a row in the mid-2000s, Hardy Eustace’s brace followed by Brave Inca and Sublimity in a golden hurdling era that was reminiscent of the Monksfield/Sea Pigeon/Night Nurse years that

French Ballerina with Graham Bradley celebrating in the winners enclosure

had gone some 30 years earlier.

IRISH CHELTENHAM GOLD The Willie MullinsCUP WINNERS WERE THIN ON trained Hurricane THE GROUND IMMEDIATELY Fly won it in 2011 and AFTER DAWN RUN.” again in 2013, thereby becoming the first horse since Comedy Of Errors almost 40 years earlier to win the Champion Hurdle, then lose it, then win it again. Then Jezki and Faugheen and Annie Power followed, which means that Irish horses have won five of the last seven renewals of the Champion Hurdle.

Irish Cheltenham Gold Cup winners were thin on the ground immediately after Dawn Run. It was 10 more years until Imperial Call bounded up the hill under Conor O’Dwyer, and it was another nine before the Tom Taaffe-trained Kicking King landed the blue riband under Barry Geraghty.

The following year, Conor O’Dwyer landed his second Gold Cup on War Of Attrition, Mouse Morris’ first, Gigginstown House Stud’s first, while victories for Lord Windermere, Don Cossack and Sizing John – firsts all for trainers Jim Culloty and Gordon Elliott and Jessica Harrington respectively, firsts too for riders Davy Russell and Bryan Cooper and Robbie Power – means that Irish horses have won three of the last four Cheltenham Gold Cups.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase has been rewarding

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too. Skymas’ back-to-back wins in 1976 and 1977 was followed by another brace by Hilly Way in 1978 and 1979, while Skymas’ rider Mouse Morris, by then a trainer, sent out Buck House to win the race in 1986.

Arthur Moore sent out Drumgora to win it in 1981 and he sent out Klairon Davis to win it in 1991, while Chinrullah ‘won’ it in 1980 before he was subsequently disqualified after a banned substance was found to be present in his sample. (Ref. Tied Cottage, above.)

The two-mile chasing division of the early 2000s was dominated by Moscow Flyer. Winner of the Arkle Trophy in 2002, the Brian Kearney’s horse won the Champion Chase in 2003, unseated at the fourth last in 2004, and went back to win it again as an 11-year-old in 2005. In so doing, Jessica Harrington-trained gelding became the first 11-year-old to win the race since the afore-mentioned Skymas.

Newmill won the Champion Chase for Ireland in 2006 and Big Zeb won it in 2010, before Henry de Bromhead won his first with Sizing Europe in 2011 and his second with Special Tiara in 2017.

The top Irish trainers obviously target Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins has had a remarkable 54 Cheltenham Festival winners to date. Edward O’Grady has had 18, Gordon Elliott has had 14, Jessica Harrington has had 11. Enda Bolger has had eight, Aidan O’Brien has had six, Noel Meade has had five, Tony Martin has had six, Mouse Morris has had seven, Arthur Moore has had eight.

But it isn’t just the big Irish trainers who excel there.

Tom Foley won our hearts and the Sun Alliance Hurdle with Danoli in 1994. Pat Flynn won the Champion Bumper and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 1992 and 1993 respectively with Montelado, and he won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle again in 1998 with French Ballerina. John Hassett won the Pertemps Final in 1999 with Generosa, Paul Nolan won the 2005 Fred Winter with Dabiroun and the 2011 JLT Chase with Noble Prince, Philip Rothwell won the 2006 Cross-Country Chase with Native Jack.

Paul Gilligan won the Albert Bartlett Hurdle in 2010 with Berties Dream, Eddie Harty won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2008 with Captain Cee Bee, Tom Mullins won the 2012 County Hurdle and the 2013 Grand Annual with Alderwood, Peter Fahey won the Cross-Country in 2013 with Big Shu. Tom Cooper won the Champion Bumper in 2004 with Total Enjoyment and he won the Arkle in 2009 with Forpadydeplasterer.

Ted Walsh won the 1997 Triumph Hurdle with Commanche Court.

Pat Kelly won the Pertemps Final in 2016 with Mall Dini and he won the race again in 2017 with Presenting Percy, Tom Hogan won the County Hurdle in 2008 with Silver Jaro, Andrew McNamara won the Arkle in 1985 with Boreen Prince, Mags Mullins won the Albert Bartlett Hurdle in 2015 with Martello Tower, Charles

Byrnes won the Albert Bartlett Hurdle in 2009 IN RECENT YEARS, HOWEVER, and the RSA Chase in IRISH HORSES HAVE 2010 with Weapon’s REACHED A NEW LEVEL AT Amnesty, and the THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL.” Stayers’ Hurdle in 2013 with Solwhit.

In recent years, however, Irish horses have reached a new level at the Cheltenham Festival. There are 28 races these days, more than there were before 2016, but even so, Irish winners as a proportion of total Cheltenham winners has never been higher.

There have been 12 or more Irish winners at Cheltenham for each of the last five years and for six of the last seven. In 2013, there were 14 Irish-trained winners from 27 races. It was the first time that there were more Irish winners at Cheltenham than there were British winners.

In 2016, there were 15 Irish winners from 28 races, again more than half. Then last year, in an extraordinary year, there were 19 Irish winners, over 67% of the total. The Irish dominated last year. Seven individual Irish trainers had at least one winner, four of the top five trainers at the Festival were Irish and, remarkably, Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins had six winners each.

Willie Mullins has been top trainer at the Cheltenham Festival five times in the last seven years, and Gordon Elliott was leading trainer there last year.

That’s six times in the last seven years that an Irish trainer has won the leading trainer award at Cheltenham.

This relationship just continues to get stronger.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| CHELTENHAM |

Trainer Gordon Elliot, left and jockey Jack Kennedy after winning the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Labaik during the Cheltenham Festival

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WALL inner RIGHT

1932

WHETHER YOU LIKE TO HAVE A SMALL INTEREST OR ARE PREPARED TO WAGER A SIGNIFICANT SUM, THE TOTE OFFERS THE ODDS AND INVESTS ITS RETURNS INTO IRISH RACING. PAT BRENNAN OF TOTE IRELAND EXPLAINS HOW IT WORKS.

In 1932 Tote Account was established, accepting bets by telegram. Also that year Tote attracted investors to the company and seven years later in 1939 slot machines were introduced, operating a single machine for each horse. By their end in 1965 they had sold 60 million tickets.

1945

Tote Ireland Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), with responsibility for the operation of a Totalisator (Tote) on the 26 racecourses, online and through its contact centre.

Tote betting is similar to a lottery. Tote betting works like this: all the stakes on a race are pooled with deduction made to cover costs and our contribution to racing. The remainder of the pool is divided by the number of winning units to give a dividend that is inclusive of a €1 stake.

In other words, Tote Ireland customers bet into a common pool, betting against one another, whereas in bookmaking they bet against the bookmaker. The Tote odds may fluctuate according to the pattern of betting and the amount of money staked on each horse. Betting ceases at the ‘off’ of each race.

1945 saw the forming of the Racing Board and in 1966 the Tote Jackpot Bet was introduced.

1987

In 1987 computerised terminals were introduced and the IHA (Irish Horseracing Authority) was formed in 1994.

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| TOTE |

INTERNATIONAL COAll profits made by Tote MINGLING PARTNERSHIPS, Ireland are TAKES BETS ON IRISH used for the RACING FROM IN EXCESS improvement of OF 20 COUNTRIES the Irish racing.

AROUND THE GLOBE, Tote is a prolific WHILE TOTE CUSTOMERS sponsor of Irish CAN BET ON A RANGE OF racing including INTERNATIONAL RACING Tote Galway INCLUDING RACING FROM Plate day at THE USA, FRANCE, SOUTH the Galway Festival, the AFRICA AND DUBAI.” Tote Premier Handicap Series at the Curragh and the Tote November Handicap at Leopardstown.

There are approximately 450 casual staff employed by Tote and they are based all over the country. Depending on the size of the race meeting there would be as little as five or six staff working at some of the smaller meetings right up to almost three hundred staff working on some of the busier days of the Galway Festival. Most of the staff have been with us for many years and are familiar faces to our customers when they come racing.

Tote has a range of entertaining multi-leg bets such as the Jackpot, Pick 6 and the Placepot. These bets are at the heart of Tote’s ‘Small Stake Big Win’ ethos, which seeks to deliver exceptional value for its customers.

Tote, through its international co-mingling partnerships, takes bets on Irish racing from in excess of 20 countries around the globe, while Tote customers can bet on a range of international racing including racing from the USA, France, South Africa and Dubai. Customers can also bet on any Tote product with most of the high-street bookmakers in Ireland.

1999

In 1999 the Tote launched their self-service Touch Tote Terminals and only a year later in 2000 they took an amazing IR£1 million turnover for a single day’s racing, at the Galway festival on August 3rd, 1999.

This record was broken at Galway in 2003 and once again in 2005, surpassing all previous records with a single race day’s take reaching €1,914,558.05

• WIN: Runner must finish first.

• PLACE: Runner must finish within the first two places (in a 5-7 runner race), three places (8-15 runners and nonhandicaps with 16+ runners) or four places (handicaps with 16+ runners).

(From 23 April 2000 to 23 May 2010, Tote Ireland operated 4-place betting on ALL races with 16 or more runners.)

• EACH-WAY: Charged and settled as one bet to win and another bet to place (for example, a punter asking for a bet of “five euro each way” will be expected to pay ten euro.)

• JACKPOT Pick the winners of races 3-6.

• PICK SIX: Pick the winners of races 1-6 (introduced on January 9th 2011).

• PLACEPOT: The bettor must correctly pick one horse to place in each of the races 1-6.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

TOTE, THROUGH ITS

TOTE IRELAND OPERATES THE FOLLOWING POOLS:

• EXACTA: The bettor must correctly pick the two runners that finish first and second, in the correct order.

• TRIFECTA: The bettor must correctly pick the three runners that finish first, second, and third, in the correct order (introduced on May 26th 2010).

2001

In 2001 Tote commenced co-mingling into UK Tote pools and in 2004 table service betting was introduced. Online wagering was introduced on the December 14, 2005.

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 37 |

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One of Ireland’s longest established Equine Veterinary Practices Specialist Medicine & Surgical Services Prepurchase examinations for all International Markets In attendance at all Major Thoroughbred Sales The Curragh, Co Kildare. Tel: 00353 45 521373 / Fax: 00353 45 521114 / www.aleh.ie / email: info@aleh.ie

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| EQUINE HEALTH |

EQUINE HERPESVIRUS IS A WIDESPREAD VIRAL INFECTION THAT WREAKS HAVOC WHEN IT SPREADS IN THE HORSE POPULATION OF A RACING YARD OR BREEDING OPERATION. THE CONSEQUENCES OF INFECTION ARE FAR RANGING, FROM RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS TO SEVER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS FROM WHICH HORSES STRUGGLE TO RECOVER, WRITES ANN CULLINANE, HEAD OF VIROLOGY AT THE IRISH EQUINE CENTRE.

L

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

The

A Running Challenge

ast year was a bad one for ‘the virus’. In France, Jean-Claude Rouget suffered a major outbreak of the neurological form of equine herpesvirus in one of his yards in Pau and, in the United Kingdom, a confirmed case in Kevin Ryan’s North Yorkshire yard resulted in temporary closure by the British Horseracing Association (BHA). In the USA, seven horses were euthanased on a premises in Kings County, Washington. Thankfully in Ireland we were relatively lucky. Although there was a notable increase in the amount of virus circulating in racing yards no neurological cases were identified. However, equine herpesvirus took its toll and several big yards were badly affected by loss of performance.

Unfortunately, viral infections are an unavoidable challenge in racing as all animals and people are exposed to viruses at some time, particularly if they are mixing in large groups. Equine herpesviruses circulate continuously in horse populations globally, causing respiratory disease, abortion and, occasionally, neurological disease.

During the outbreak in France Jean-Claude Rouget was quoted as describing the typical signs of the neurological disease i.e. fever followed by urinary incontinence and hind limb in-coordination with

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| EQUINE HEALTH |

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

some horses so severely affected that they lay down and never got up. In contrast the respiratory form of the disease can be quite mild with a decrease in appetite, occasional nasal discharge and the odd cough. Some Irish trainers remarked on how their horses exhibited no clinical signs but performed very poorly. Unfortunately, this was more sinister than an obvious respiratory disease as in some cases it took longer to seek veterinary assistance and by the time a diagnosis was made the virus had spread throughout the yard. In such situations it took a couple of months for the yard to return to form.

To diagnose equine herpesvirus, nasal swabs and blood samples need to be submitted to a specialised laboratory where the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to detect the virus DNA. PCR is an exquisitely sensitive test for which the flamboyant inventor Kary Mullis, was awarded a Nobel prize in Chemistry in 1993. It is frequently used in forensic testing and first came to widespread public attention during the O.J. Simpson murder trial when lacking eyewitnesses and a weapon, the prosecution relied heavily on DNA evidence. Nowadays, PCR is used in diagnostic laboratories all over the world and has replaced slower traditional methods for the detection of viral infections. Once a diagnosis is made PCR can be used to repeatedly screen all the horses in a training yard to monitor the spread of virus and the amount of virus shed by individuals. Trainers in Ireland availed of this technology last summer to help them determine where the

SOME IRISH TRAINERS REMARKED ON HOW THEIR HORSES EXHIBITED NO CLINICAL SIGNS BUT PERFORMED VERY POORLY.�

virus was most active and which horses to rest. PCR is a useful aid in decisionmaking and affords reassurance towards the end of an outbreak when the majority of horses test negative.

Equine herpesviruses are not highly contagious and with the implementation of adequate biosecurity it is often possible to confine the outbreak to a particular barn or group of horses. Three weeks after the BHA had placed a quarantine order on Kevin Ryan’s yard he was cleared to send out runners from the majority of his barns where there was no evidence of infection and the horses had tested negative. In Ireland, it has been demonstrated repeatedly that keeping groups of horses segregated with designated staff and equipment will prevent the spread of virus. However vigilance, acute observation and timely diagnosis are the key to minimising the damage. Delayed veterinary intervention can lead to virus spreading insidiously among a large population of horses.

Vaccine manufacturers make no claim that their vaccines against equine herpesviruses are effective in preventing neurological disease and Irish horse owners have often found them less than satisfactory in the prevention of respiratory disease. However, while vaccinated horses may not be completely resistant to virus infection there is evidence that vaccination affords at least partial protection and reduces clinical signs. Furthermore, vaccinated horses shed less virus than unvaccinated horses, which reduces the level of virus challenge in a yard and should in turn decrease the number of horses affected and the recovery period. After the outbreak last year in Ireland there has been renewed interest from trainers in vaccinating their horses at four to six monthly intervals in 2018.

The racing authority France Galop has taken the more far-reaching step to make it mandatory for all runners in France to have been vaccinated against equine herpesvirus. Compulsory vaccination against equine influenza has served the racing industry well as an insurance policy for business continuity, but the benefits of implementing a similar policy for equine herpesvirus are debatable. Only time will tell if the costs are justified by a reduction in the prevalence of virus.

| 40 | THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

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| FARRIERS |

PADRAIG O’CONNELL 4TH YEAR FARRIER

Jane Matthews

“I started out showjumping with my brother when I was a teenager. As I grew out of it I was still interested in working with horses and I approached a farrier about becoming an apprentice. I did six months with my first boss and when I began my phase two training here I moved to James Woods. We cover West Limerick and Kerry. He’s got me into shoemaking and horse-shoeing competitions and we won a gold medal. I made it onto the Irish Farrier team in 2016 and 2017 and got to compete in international competitions in England, Scotland and Poland. I loved the travel. I’ve friends in Florida so I worked there as farrier in the summer and I’m heading there to work for a while when I qualify in April!”

FAHEAD

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

ORGING

BRIAN DUNNE TUTOR Tipperary-born Brian has been a tutor at the Irish Farrier School for five years, training apprentices in all aspects of forging shoes and shoeing horses. The parttime post lets him continue his farrier business covering a broad swathe of the Midlands.

He served his time in Wales with Jim Blurton where he learned to hot-shoe horses and is one of only two farriers in Ireland with this skill. That was twenty years ago when there were no training programmes in Ireland. He followed up with an eleven-year stint in America before returning with an American wife to set up his own business. He encourages his trainees to head off and get wider life and work experience before they come home and put down roots.

FARRIERS SPEND FOUR YEARS TRAINING AT THE IRISH FARRIER SCHOOL, HONING SKILLS THAT HAVE A REMARKABLE IMPACT ON THE HORSES THEY TEND TO.

FINN O’DRISCOLL 4TH YEAR FARRIER “I started here when I was 17 and I’m now in my fourth year. I’m apprenticed to my father, who’s a farrier in Tipperary. We were big into horses at home, showjumpers and hunters mainly and we bred a few. So, I was always around horses growing up. I really got going when I started here, we have one or two days a week in the classroom where we learn about anatomy, physiology and how to run a business. I’ve learned shoemaking and shoeing skills. Once I qualify I plan on heading off to get a bit more experience. Kentucky would be my first choice or maybe Newmarket.

I want to learn as much as I can before I start my own business.”

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| FARRIERS |

“My dad’s a farrier and I always wanted to do it, but I didn’t get much encouragement from home!

I was always riding out in the yards, doing a bit of hunting and I’ve ridden in a couple of amateur races so I was thinking of being a jockey.

I tried a different course before getting onto this one.

I started here in September and we’ve been in the forge for the last 10 weeks so it’s very practical. I enjoy that, learning about the different types of shoes. There’s three phases in the course over the four years. My interest comes from growing up around horses and riding out in my uncle’s yard (Mick Halford) in the summer holidays and at weekends.

After I qualify I’d like to do a year or two in a different country. Australia is very tempting.”

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

EVAN HALFORD 1ST YEAR FARRIER

GARY MORGAN TUTOR Eight-generation Dublin farrier Gary is a graduate of the Irish Farrier School and served his apprenticeship to his father who is still working today and shoes all varieties of horses, from shetlands to shire horses. The two still work together covering Dublin, Meath and Louth. Gary tutors on horse anatomy and physiology and assists students with their presentation skills.

Understanding physiology and anatomy is critical in Gary’s opinion; “It’s vital as you need to know what you’re working on.

There are hundreds of shoe types to address different issues horses have so you need to be aware of the positive or negative effect different shoes can have for different conditions, the health or performance of the animal.”

PHILLY RYAN 1ST YEAR FARRIER “I came to the open day in the college and I met Anne, I hadn’t found a Master yet and she put me in contact with Dave O’Connell in Wexford who asked me to start two weeks after the Leaving Cert.

Sure the books went out the window at that point! But I haven’t looked back since. I’m here since September. We started straight off with the fundamentals of shoemaking, learned about the tendons and ligaments, the gait and condition of the horse, and stable management. The lads who teach here come from all over the country and the effort they put into us is unbelievable. It’s a top class education. You really have to put the work in and have your head screwed on.”

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The Curragh will stage 18 race days commencing on 11th May and finishing 16th September.

The shortened season will facilitate the construction of the new Curragh development which will be completed ahead of the 2019 racing season.High quality temporary facilities will be used for spectators in 2018.

Owners with runners on the day will continue to have access to the Owners’ Lounge, which has been growing in popularity since its establishment in 2015.

For details of all the 2018 fixtures visit www.curragh.ie

For more information and booking visit www.curragh.ie or call +353 (0)45 441205.

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15/11/2017 10:40

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Cream of the

Crop

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| MARLEY & CULLINAN |

GLOAM LEFT THE RING, GLIDING ON THREE DELICATE SOCKS. NOT YET TWO AND ALREADY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SALE OF THE DECADE. IN ANY OTHER YEAR ROGER MARLEY AND HIS COLLEAGUE JOHN CULLINAN MIGHT HAVE MISSED THE MOMENT GODOLPHIN ENDED THEIR GALILEO BOYCOTT.

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I

| MARLEY & CULLINAN |

n any other year Tattersalls Book 1 would have prompted nothing more than a wishful glance. But last year was different. They too made their most significant purchase of the decade at Tattersalls last October.

Marley and Cullinan are concisely described by trainer Ger Lyons as his eyes and ears at the sales. He’s among a select band of Irish trainers still buying breezers and yearlings with his own cash at the sales every year, and the men who sort the wheat from the chaff are Marley and Cullinan. What they believe in, Lyons believes in. What they buy, Lyons races. What Lyons races, he sells. What cash he accrues, he reinvests. This is the snowball that has been rolling since Marley came on board some 10 years ago, and in 2017 it stopped and grew a head.

“Ger started off last season with a bang,” remembers Cullinan. “He felt his horses were well forward. Everyone insisted he would get the ball rolling very quickly, which he did. And he sustained that momentum right the way through the year.

“I think, when it came towards the end he’d be the first to admit he was struggling for ammunition to keep Colin Keane going, but it was a fantastic performance for Ger to finish so high up in the trainer’s table and for Colin to win.”

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Lyons had been solidly the fourth best trainer in Ireland, but last year he stepped up to the podium, placing third with a record 72 winners and almost €1.8m in prize money.

With this success attracting new support and further support from long-term backer Sean Jones, it meant he went to last autumn’s yearling sales with double the budget he had in 2016.

“He’s wanting to mix it with Bolger, and Aidan and Weld,” Marley explains. “You can get lucky buying cheap horses, but to do it every day, you have to spend money - and not just on horses.” He added: “His operation at Glenburnie has improved every time you go. It’s an impressive set up and has changed an awful lot from the first time I visited.”

Marley wasn’t involved in racing or thoroughbreds the first time he did visit. He had ridden with Lyons when both were journeymen jump jockeys in the North of England, and they’d been housemates, but they hadn’t spoken for too many years when Marley called.

“Jeez, Roger Marley, a blast from the past,” Lyons smiled as the reconnection was made and an invitation extended for Marley to stay while he attended Goresbridge sport horse sales. “I just ran a small yard, buying and selling a few hunters and sport horses,” Marley explains. “Then, after that, I started buying the odd cheap racehorse myself and I was just starting to buy a few personal pinhookers when Ger asked would I be able to help him look for his yearlings.”

The first sale they went to together proved Lyons’s THE WAY THE MARKET IS AT THE faith right, though not MOMENT, YOU NEED TO BE IN immediately. “I remember PARTNERSHIP. IT’S VERY HARD in that first year buying TO DO THAT ON YOUR OWN, AND City Of Tribes for myself THE MAJORITY OF BREEZE-UP to breeze. He was from CONSIGNORS WOULD NOW HAVE the first crop of Invincible VARIOUS ALLIES AND PARTNERS Spirit and I bought him TO HELP FINANCE WHAT HAS NOW for 19,000 Guineas. Ger BECOME A VERY SERIOUS INDUSTRY.” bought a Noverre yearling

he called Summit Surge for 34,000 Guineas, and he ended up buying City Of Tribles off me at the breeze ups for 110,000 Guineas.” That was enough for Lyons to be convinced that this was the judge for him. This was the magnet he needed to extract the needles from the haystacks.

“Harry Fowler once helped go through a book for us and carried a pedometer,” Marley remembers. “He said he clocked up 13 miles, and that was just covering half the long list.”

For a long time Marley was doing all the long lists at the yearling and breezeup sales. Thankfully for his feet, five years ago he met John Cullinan from Horse Park Stud in County Wicklow. “I grew up in Dublin, but we’ve been involved in thoroughbreds for the majority of my life here,” says Cullinan. “My father always kept a couple of mares, and we always had an interest as small breeders.

I started pinhooking foals on top of our own breeding, and activities gradually broadened to pre-training for Eddie Lynam and then the breeze-ups.”

As a breeder, Cullinan has produced talented miler Trumpet Major, Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy winner Packing Whizz and the dam of Lightening Pearl, who Ger Lyons trained to win the 2011 Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes. As a horseman, he broke the Power family’s two star sprinters, Slade Power and Sole Power, both trained by Lynam - as was Lightening Pearl’s dam Jioconda - and the latter retired to Horse Park Stud. It became immediately clear to Marley that here was a brain and eyes to trust as his partner on the hunt for the best value yearlings.

They began splitting the work for Lyons and soon built another business together producing breeze-up horses.

“The way the market is at the moment, you need to be in partnership,” says Cullinan, founder of the newly-formed Breeze-up Consignor’s Association. “It’s very hard to do that on your own, and the majority of breeze-up consignors would now have various allies and partners to help finance what has now become a very serious industry.”

He adds: “You need more than one set of eyes. This year again we bought

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quite a few for the breeze ups and split them up between us. We share the responsibility, share the bills, and the upsides and the downsides.”

With Cullinan based in the Garden County of Ireland and Marley in the racing country of Yorkshire, most of their purchases start with Cullinan. They are broken and wintered, then sent to Marley’s Church Farm Stables in Malton to be finished off for the spring breeze up sales. Marley said: “We have a 7f grass gallop and 3f all-weather so all our work is done at home, for the bumper horses as well. Our breezers will only go for a gallop at Malton twice, they’ll do it in a bunch on the grass about the third and second week before going to sale.

“That’s what I enjoy doing, getting them ready to run. I’ve never wanted to have my name in lights and be answering to owners.”

“We are backroom boys only,” chimes Cullinan.

They might not be trainers, but they are occasional owners, Cullinan’s colours being carried to course-record victories by the speedy Kodiac gelding Foxy Forever at York and Kempton last year.

“He won four and broke Sole Power’s record at York, trained by Michael Wigham,” the owner explains. “But usually we’d be at the lower levels with our unsolds.” The team aiming to not become unsolds is 23-strong for 2018’s breezeup tour, with Kodiac again featuring prominently amongst the lot, joined by “a nice Wootton Bassett and a very precocious-looking Dandy Man”.

Ascot’s April sale opens breeze-up season with the main events coming later that month at Tattersalls, then in France at Arqana in early May, the season concluding at Goresbridge a week before June.

Alongside selling their own breezers, Cullinan and Marley spot for Lyons throughout the spring, but the real work comes back at the yearling sales in the autumn. “John and myself do it together,” Marley explains. “We probably look at about 50 per cent of the catalogue, each taking half the lots. We get it down to that initial long list by first tearing out the horses we can’t afford. There is no point

looking at the Frankels and Galileos, so they are the first to go. We don’t look at too many fillies unless they are speedily bred, then there are sires we don’t like, and we don’t buy from old mares. Our cut off is about 19-20 years old, if the dam is that age, we don’t look. That gets us to about 50 per cent and from there we build a shortlist for Ger to look at the next day.

He’s usually about a day behind us and could have a short list of say 30-40 a day at Doncaster and 50 a day in Book Two at Tattersalls, for example.”

The pair trust each other implicitly.

What Cullinan says about his half sticks, and ditto Marley, with very few exceptions.

When there’s a maybe, they’ll confer.

“That happens particularly when something has stood up well, but not walked,” Marley explains. “If he stands up a really beautiful, sharp horse, and just doesn’t walk we leave it on the list, because the next time he might walk for somebody else. They are only babies and they aren’t guaranteed to walk consistently every time. If it doesn’t walk for both of us, that’s a different story.”

He adds: “When we have a shortlist we sit down with Ger and tell him what we’d like to try and buy for breezing, and John and I might walk around together then and speak to the vendors, that’s the first time we talk to them. We don’t bother on first and second looks, but then we might ask how much they think they’ll make and whether they recommend them.” It’s an efficient and thorough process that they go through at each and every yearling sale, a good chunk of foal sales, and also the breeze-ups.

There are few horses in training they have not seen in the flesh as youngsters.

“Ger can’t believe what we remember.

He’s a memory like a sieve, but I can even remember what stable they were in at the sales. I can often go over to a barn and pull them all out without looking at the catalogue once we’ve been through it, and John’s the very same. It’s essential.”

He adds: “Ger has given up arguing with me because he knows nine times out of 10 I’m right!”

The pair have indeed been right more times than they have been wrong, Group 1 Falmouth Stakes winner Music Show a

highlight of their breeze-ups career, and three of their Lyons picks standing out.

“In recent times I think the two best horses were Medicine Jack and Psychedelic Funk. They were from the same crop, each bought for about €30,000, and both met problems, but were very talented. Psychedelic Funk was owned in partnership with Sean Jones and won his first two for Ger. They turned down a lot of money for him because they wanted to see if they could win a Group race with him, and he was a short price for Coventry.

“He finished third in that. Then he got injured. He fractured a hind pastern, but they put a screw in it and he came back last year to win his Group 3 at Tipperary.

He’s still only four.”

He continues: “Medicine Jack won the Group 2 Railway Stakes as a two-year-old, but ran into problems last year and was gelded.”

Many of Sean Jones and Ger Lyons’s top racehorses are sold on to the US and Hong Kong as three-year-olds, and one of the best was Strata Colorato.

Purchased for 10,000 Guineas at Tattersalls Book 2, he was from the first crop of La Vie De Colori and won a Naas maiden before being bought to race in Hong Kong by Richard Gibson for a sizeable sum. His name was changed to Gold-Fun and he won two Group 2s there, before finishing second in the 2016 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

That trio were value buys with commercial prospects, but the game is changing for Lyons.

“He’s been able to raise his game at the sales,” says Cullinan. “He’s capable of buying horses that otherwise wouldn’t be on our radar. It gives us a wider net, and our shortlists are getting longer.”

Marley adds: “We did Book 1 this year, which we’ve never done, and the Dark Angel colt we picked up for £180,000 was by far the most we’ve ever spent for Ger. “It shows you the support he has earned as this horse was bought for a new American client. He sent Ger one last year, and he won a couple, then was sold on, so he left a lot of the money made on that two-year-old to spend on a yearling.”

And the snowball keeps on rolling.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| MARLEY & CULLINAN |

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days

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| RACECOURSES |

DREAM

RACEHORSE OWNERS UNDERSTAND THE EXQUISITE THRILL OF HAVE HAVING A RUNNER AT A RACE MEETING BUT WHAT IF THE RACECOURSE IS YOUR OFFICE? WE MEET SOME OF THE RACECOURSE PERSONALITIES TO FIND OUT WHAT GETS THEIR PULSES RACING.

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| RACECOURSES |

DOWN ROYAL DOWN ROYAL 2018 FIXTURES:

MIKE TODD Down Royal General Manager I’m at this 21 years now and it was a long road to get proper championship racing at Down Royal. We achieved it in 1999 with the establishment of the JNwine Champion Chase and since then we’ve had some amazing horses run here; Looks Like Trouble, See More Business, War Of Attrition, Kicking King, Don Cossack, all ran in the race. Brilliant Gold Cup winners.

But there’s no question what the highlight has been for me. No question at all. The greatest day I’ve had racing was the second

 January 31, NH  March 17, NH M ay 7, NH  May 25 (eve), NH  June 22 (eve), NH J une 23, Flat  July 27, (eve) Flat  August 31, (eve), Flat  September 7, (eve), Flat  November 2, NH  November 3, NH

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

D ecember 26, NH

time Kauto Star came.

The very fact that we had attracted what was the most famous horse since Arkle in 1965, twice, was enough, but then he won, again, and went on to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup crown the following March. It was a magic atmosphere.

I thought that day, ‘right, okay, we set out to achieve a lot, but this is batting so far above our heads I can’t believe it’. It was a very special day to be at Down Royal, made so by one very special horse. Thank you, Kauto Star.

TRAMORE TRAMORE 2018 FIXTURES:

 April 15, NH

SUE PHELAN Tramore General Manager

 April 16 (eve), NH  June 1 (eve), NH  June 2 (eve), NH

My best day’s racing at Tramore came before I even realised it was just that. It was my very first race meeting at the helm, so I had nothing to compare it with, but one thing I definitely knew at the time: this was what all race meetings should be like. It was our New Year’s Day meeting on the first day of the new Millenium. It had been such an exciting build up.

What would the year 2000 be like? What was going to happen?

All this led to over 11,000 people in the enclosures on the most gorgeous sunny winter’s day. Then the first was won by Shay Barry, a local man, riding the 5-1

 August 16 (eve), NH  August 17 (eve), NH  August 18 (eve), Flat  August 19, NH  October 18, NH D ecember 13, NH

favourite No Problem. It was fantastic, all his friends and family were there when he came back to the parade ring and the whole atmosphere rose a notch again.

In a script you couldn’t write better, another local man, Henry de Bromhead won the second. He had just taken over from his father Harry and that was his first winner. We had fireworks after racing, music, and a lot of trouble getting anyone to leave. I was naive enough to think every day was going to be as good, until our next race day on January 14 was abandoned through waterlogging!

We have a meeting right after the Grand National, and the big August festival, but I still love the New Year’s Day meeting over anything else because it’s such a unique atmosphere.

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| RACECOURSES |

DUNDALK DUNDALK 2018 FIXTURES:

DAMIAN ENGLISH Dundalk Leading Course Trainer

 Every Friday in January, February, March, October, November, December (Exc Dec 28)  March 28

If we couldn’t find a jockey that could do the weight, we wouldn’t be able to run him, so we asked Garvan Donnelly to release his 10lb claimer Michelle

A pril 6  April 11 A pril 18  May 2 M ay 6  July 12 A ugust 17  September 21 S eptember 28  October 31 D ecember 19

Hamilton. She was our only chance that late in the game. Myself and Garvan had to email the Turf Club to explain the story and thankfully they let her ride.

He scored his first win for us - and his next win was actually for a female rider too, Ana O’Brien. Just an hour earlier Dance Alone had also won his first race for us, taking the 7f apprentice handicap under Donagh O’Connor. We’d bought him from Kevin Ryan two months previously for just £5,000 and there he was landing a €6,000 handicap. It was a brilliant night, and the same meeting there last year we had two seconds in almost identical races! | MAGAZINE 2018 |

We love the winter season at Dundalk. That’s our main season and we’re probably only in business for it. Our best day there was definitely Christmas 2016, the night I trained my first double. I’ll never forget it as the build up was mad. Geological had bottom weight in the 6f handicap and we’d booked Rory Cleary to ride him, but at the last minute Jim Bolger declared his runner and we were left stranded for a jockey.

PUNCHESTOWN PUNCHESTOWN 2018 FIXTURES:

SHONA DREAPER Punchestown PR & Communications Manager I have to say that the day Sprinter Sacre ran at the Punchestown Festival was without question the best day. I suppose people always say that horses like him capture the imagination, but generally they wouldn’t make a massive difference to the gate. That day though was special. Sprinter Sacre drew a massive crowd, we broke all records for that opening day of the festival. The buzz that the horse had created spread everywhere.

This was his first, and probably only, run in Ireland, or even outside the UK and for many the only chance to get to see him in the flesh.

 January 13  January 30  February 11  February 21  April 24 - 28  May 16  June 13 O ctober 16- 17  November 17- 18  November 28  December 9  December 31

I never saw crowds as deep all around the parade ring, grown men crying, and long, hardened racegoers who have been in the game a long time commenting on what an amazing atmosphere Sprinter Sacre produced. It was like the days of Desert Orchid, or going way, way back to the days of Dawn Run or Arkle.

For whatever reason, due to ability or presence, that horse did capture the imagination and it was great to be part of it.

Of course, you want the right result when a horse like that comes, and he did win, and I think the owners and all his connections couldn’t believe the reception that they and the horse received. His trainer Nicky Henderson said that it took him over half an hour to get from the parade ring to the owners and trainers area, just because he was stopped so much by people thanking him for bringing the horse to Ireland.

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| RACECOURSES |

NAAS NAAS 2018 FIXTURES:

TOM RYAN Naas Manager We’ve had plenty of great days at Naas, and if you asked me for the best season, that would have to be last year. We took all the meetings the Curragh could not manage due to its development, so to be able to operate a whole season at premier level on the Flat and over jumps was a real privilege, and it showed what Naas can do. Then to finish the Flat season with Colin Keane’s 100th winner and Champion Jockey party was fantastic.

But if you are asking for the best day, that has to be the first Sunday in 2015; the day we finally got our first Grade 1. | MAGAZINE 2018 |

 January 7, NH  January 28, NH  February 10, NH F ebruary 25, NH  March 11, NH  March 25, Flat  April 8, Flat M ay 7, Flat  May 20, Flat  June 27 (eve), Flat  July 7, Flat J uly 25 (eve), Flat  September 19 (eve), Flat  September 30, Flat O ctober 21, Flat  November 4, Flat  November 10, NH D ecember 18, NH

Naas was 90 years waiting for their Grade 1 so to have the Lawlor’s Hotel Novice Hurdle day finally come around was unforgettable. I personally had been arguing for years that we could step into the big leagues, that the track was of a high enough quality to host those higher-level horses, and the previous July we finally got the go-ahead.

The race itself was a great success with eight runners and a tight finish fought out by Willie Mullins’s favourite Tell Us More, and his stablemate McKinley, who won. JP McManus’s Free Expression finished third under AP McCoy.

GOWRAN PARK GOWRAN PARK 2018 FIXTURES:

CATHY O’FARRELL Gowran Park Owners and trainers liaison One type of day that particularly warms me is when a young jockey rides their first winner. I’ve been at Gowran once or twice when a young apprentice has done just that and it’s so exciting for them, especially when they have all their family around them. To see what it means to them and their trainer as well is such a nice feeling.

But the day, the one that was the very best, was the day Henry De Bromhead and the Potts’s Sizing Europe came back and won the Champion Chase for the fourth time. There was such a lovely atmosphere that day. The parade ring was packed.

 January 25, NH  February 17, NH  March 10, NH  April 29, Flat  May 9 (eve), Flat  May 30 (eve), Flat  June 4, Flat  June 23, NH  June 24, Flat  July 28, Flat  August 15 (eve), Flat  September 5 (eve), Flat  September 22, Flat  October 5, NH  October 6, NH  October 15, Flat  October 24, NH

People really appreciate a horse like that, and they come to the racecourse where the horse is going to be to see it and be part of it. You expect it from a young horse to a point, but as they get older, you realise just how special they are and how much talent they have to be still as good as they are. The joy and excitement I felt at watching him win the race again at 12 really made me think, ‘Gosh, I’m really glad I was there to see him in the flesh’. It’s a lovely, lovely feeling, and you can’t really explain it, unless you feel it yourself. That day you could look around and see so many people with that feeling. Racing should do more to show people that, that feeling is what actually going racing is all about. Being there.

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LEOPARDSTOWN LEOPARDSTOWN 2018 FIXTURES:

ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

RACING

 Dublin Racing

CERTAINTY RACINGCERTAINTY

Festival, February 3-4, NH

MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

 Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Every Thursday in June, July, excluding June 28, July 5 PLUS Thursdays August 9 & 16

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

OUR DUKE’S WINNING WAYS

AIRO AWARDS The 2017 AIRO Awards celebrated the best in Irish Racing FAHEY FAMILY The formidable racing dynasty share their views MARLEY & CULLINAN The perfect partnership

 Longines Irish Champions September 15

RACING

CERTAINTY

Other:  March 4, NH  March 5, NH  April 4, Flat  April 14, Flat  May 13, Flat MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

 May 25 (eve),

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

AIRO AWARDS The 2017 AIRO Awards celebrated the best in Irish Racing FAHEY FAMILY The formidable racing dynasty share their views

OUR DUKE’S WINNING WAYS

MARLEY & CULLINAN The perfect partnership

ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

RACING

CERTAINTY RACINGCERTAINTY MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

The best day at Leopardstown for Flat me was the third Longines Irish  October 20, Flat Champions Weekend.  October 27, Flat It was a new concept. Leopardstown had worked together with the Curragh, HRI, the breeders, owners, trainers, everyone, to form this unique weekend of fantastic Group 1 action across Dublin and Kildare. We all had an idea of where this could get to and for me it got there on that great day in September 2016.

We had the biggest attendance so far of 14,550 and the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes was the second highest rated race in the world that year, bettered only by the Breeders Cup Classic in the US. When you look at the field of horses that were there, it’s easy to see how; it was won by the best three-yearold in Europe, Almanzor, who went on to win the British equivalent at Ascot a month later. He beat six-time Group 1 winner Minding, ranked the best three-year-old filly in the world that year, the dual Derby winner Harzand, King George and Coral-Eclipse winners Highland Reel and Hawkbill, the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes one-two, My Dream Boat and Found, and the French Derby star New Bay. This field had nearly 20 Group 1 wins between them lining up, and that was just one race on the day. There was also the Group 1 Coolmore Matron Stakes won by Falmouth Stakes winner Alice Springs. You also had Royal Ascot stars Qemah and Persuasive, and the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Jet Setting. A number of people said that the success of Longines Irish Champions Weekend meant we could do the same thing with the National Hunt. In no uncertain terms, that day gave us the confidence to press on with the Dublin Racing Festival in February.

049 AIRO 2018_Racecourses.indd 53

ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

RACINGCERTAINTY

PAT KEOGH Leopardstown Chief Executive

 Leopardstown Christmas Festival, December 26-29, NH

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

OUR DUKE’S WINNING WAYS

AIRO AWARDS The 2017 AIRO Awards celebrated the best in Irish Racing FAHEY FAMILY The formidable racing dynasty share their views MARLEY & CULLINAN The perfect partnership

Available in small, medium & large Ashville Media’s online digital publications are now available to view on Issuu. www.issuu.com/ ashvillemedia

27/02/2018 12:03

| FIXTURES |

RACEDAY BENEFITS FOR AIRO MEMBERS One of the great benefits of being a member of AIRO is the access to our exclusive 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.

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

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 123 meetings in 2018 and AIRO expresses its appreciation to the racecourses throughout the country for this gesture. Details of the meetings are highlighted on this calendar.

JUNE

JULY

Clonmel

06.04.18

Wexford

01.05.18

Ballinrobe

02.06.18

Tramore

01.07.18

Curragh

08.03.18

Thurles

07.04.18

Navan

03.05.18

Clonmel

03.06.18

Listowel

04.07.18

Bellewstown

10.03.18

Gowran Park

08.04.18

Naas

05.05.18

Wexford

09.06.18

Curragh

05.07.18

Bellewstown

17.03.18

Down Royal

13.04.18

Ballinrobe

06.05.18

Sligo

11.06.18

Roscommon

05.07.18

Tipperary

19.03.18

Limerick

14.04.18

Leopardstown

07.05.18

Down Royal

12.06.18

Roscommon

06.07.18

Bellewstown

31.03.18

Cork

16.04.18

Tramore

07.05.18

Naas

13.06.18

Punchestown

06.07.18

Wexford

20.04.18

Kilbeggan

08.05.18

Roscommon

19.06.18

Sligo

07.07.18

Bellewstown

29.04.18

Gowran Park

15.05.18

Killarney

20.06.18

Wexford

07.07.18

Naas

18.05.18

Cork

22.06.18

Down Royal

08.07.18

Fairyhouse

18.05.18

Downpatrick

23.06.18

Down Royal

09.07.18

Roscommon

22.05.18

Sligo

24.06.18

Gowran Park

10.07.17

Roscommon

23.05.18

Wexford

26.06.18

Ballinrobe

13.07.18

Downpatrick

24.05.18

Tipperary

15.07.18

Killarney

25.05.18

Down Royal

15.07.18

Sligo

28.05.18

Ballinrobe

23.07.18

Ballinrobe

29.05.18

Ballinrobe

24.07.18

Ballinrobe

30.05.18

Gowran Park

27.07.18

Down Royal

27.07.18

Wexford

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

01.03.18

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| FIXTURES |

RACECOURSE HOSPITALITY FOR MEMBERS

The Association’s hospitality arrangements will be in place again in 2018 at Galway, Punchestown and the Curragh.

Having these hospitality facilities was made possible with the support of Horse Racing Ireland, 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 found on page 71 of this magazine. The Association will provide hospitality for its members at the following race meetings in 2018:

P UNCHESTOWN RACING FESTIVAL APRIL 24TH TO APRIL 28TH Marquee, where complimentary refreshments will be available. Marquee located in Reserved Enclosure. C URRAGH PRETTY POLLY STAKES DAY SUNDAY JULY 1ST Free admission to the Racecourse and complimentary refreshments. G ALWAY RACING FESTIVAL JULY 31ST TO AUG 1ST Marquee, where complimentary refreshments will be available. Marquee located close to Parade Ring on Monday 31st July to Wednesday August 1st inclusive.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

06.08.18

Cork

03.09.18

Roscommon

01.10.18

Roscommon

01.11.18

Clonmel

06.12.18

Clonmel

07.08.18

Roscommon

06.09.18

Laytown

03.10.18

Cork

08.11.18

Thurles

13.12.18

Tramore

08.08.18

Sligo

07.09.18

Down Royal

09.10.18

Galway

18.11.18

Cork

15.12.18

Fairyhouse

09.08.18

Sligo

07.09.18

Kilbeggan

10.10.18

Cork

24.11.18

Gowran Park

18.12.18

Naas

11.08.18

Cork

08.09.17

Wexford

12.10.18

Downpatrick

29.12.18

Limerick

13.08.18

Ballinrobe

10.09.18

Listowel

13.10.18

Limerick

16.08.18

Tramore

17.09.18

Galway

15.10.18

Gowran Park

20.08.18

Roscommon

18.09.18

Galway

16.10.18

Punchestown

21.08.18

Sligo

19.09.18

Naas

18.10.18

Tramore

22.08.18

Killarney

20.09.18

Clonmel

26.08.18

Curragh

21.09.18

Ballinrobe

28.08.18

Ballinrobe

22.09.18

Gowran Park

29.08.18

Bellewstown

27.09.18

Sligo

30.08.18

Bellewstown

28.09.18

Downpatrick

30.08.18

Tipperary

29.09.18

Navan

31.08.18

Down Royal

30.09.18

Naas

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

AUGUST

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 55 |

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WE DON’T WANT TO SAVE CHILDREN’S LIVES Children’s lives shouldn’t need saving from entirely preventable causes. Every day tens of thousands of children worldwide die needlessly from illnesses such as measles, tetanus and diarrhoea. UNICEF wants you to help prevent these deaths. We believe that one child dying is one too many. We believe in zero and we desperately need your help.

Call 01 878 3000 or visit unicef.ie today to give your support.

Believe in zero.

4C Blood Transfusion.indd 1

20/10/2014 11:26

2018 at Naas Racecourse Floating perforated plasterboard ceiling over bar

Fixtures 2018 7 Jan Sunday

Lawlor’s Hotel Nov Hurdle Grade 1

28 Jan Sunday

Woodlands Nov Chase Grade 3

10 Feb Saturday

Opera Hat Mares Chase Listed

25 Feb Sunday

Paddy Power Johnstown Nov Hurdle Grade 2

11 Mar Sunday

Ladbrokes Exchange Leinster National Grade A

25 Mar Sunday

EBF Park Express Stakes Group 3

08 Apr Sunday

Gladness Stakes Group 3

07 May Monday

Mooresbridge Stakes Group 2

20 May Sunday

EMS Copiers Lacken Stakes Group 3

Naps branding to back bar wall

‘Saddle’ solid surface bar top

LED feature lighting to bar

Timber bar face with houndstooth pattern

27 Jun Wednesday Naas Oaks Trial (L) 07 Jul Saturday

Summer Flat Racing

25 Jul Wednesday Sweet Mimosa (L) 19 Sept Wednesday Flat Racing Racing Saddle

PAVILLION - GROUND FLOOR - BAR

© 2017 JENNINGS\DESIGNSTUDIO

We will provide a first class owners experience in our all new feature building with a dedicated owners & trainers area.

MASTERPLAN BY HAMILTON YOUNG

© 2017 JENNINGS\DESIGNSTUDIO

30 Sept Sunday

Juddmonte Beresford Stakes Group 2

21 Oct Sunday

Rathasker Garnet Stakes (L)

04 Nov Sunday

Premier Handicap

10 Nov Saturday

Paddy Power Fishery Lane Hurdle Grade 3

18 Dec Tuesday

National Hunt Racing

045 897 391 | goracing@naasracecourse.com | www.naasracecourse.com 243685_2L_Navan Racecourse_AMA_AIRO.indd 1

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19/09/2017 12:07

27/02/2018 12:42

| POINT-TO-POINT |

Beyond

jockey and he rides for me too,” remarks Nicholas.

The large initial outlay for a young horse to compete in a four or five-year-old maiden prohibits his involvement in that aspect of the point-to-point scene so Nicholas, who formerly operated a pitch at Cheltenham before work became too busy and his hobby had to be scaled-down, concentrates on the other end of the spectrum.

For Nicholas, the 32 winners he has owned – one for every year of his involvement with the sport – provide him with something more precious than the eye-watering sums of money that young horses fetch. His Open Horses and Hunter Chasers give him wonderful experiences with friends and family, and fantastic memories to treasure long after some of those involved have passed from this life.

One particular memory involves his eldest WINNING A POINT-TO-POINT AT THE START OF A daughter Claire as a child dressing in his racing coat HORSE’S CAREER USUALLY SIGNALS A DATE IN THE which she layered over his silks with his binoculars strung around her neck, ready to accompany her SALES RING AND THE PROSPECT OF AN EXCITING father to a meeting one Sunday morning.

CAREER ON THE TRACK BUT, FOR RAY NICHOLAS, Precious moments spent with friends and family, REVERSING THAT PROCESS HAS BROUGHT HIM with the joy of winning the glinting thread stitching PRICELESS MEMORIES AND PRECIOUS WINNERS, them together, are Nicholas’s reason for involvement AISLING CROWE WRITES. and it is unsurprising to learn that it was friends who provided his initial introduction to the game.

“My friends Aaron The Northern Irishman, a well-known face at pointand Gareth Metcalfe to-point meetings around the country where he got me involved in I CALL HIM ‘THE HORSE operates as an on-course bookmaker as a hobby, has owning horses. Their WHISPERER’ BECAUSE HE another hobby in owning point-to-pointers whose father had horses with glory days under rules are behind, rather than ahead GIVES THESE HORSES BACK Ruby Walsh Sr and of, them. introduced me to him, THEIR LOVE OF RACING David Christie, the leading handler based in and I had Gargamel, AND THEIR ENTHUSIASM Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, whom Nicholas describes my first horse in FOR LIFE.” as his ‘mentor and trainer’, sources racehorses who training with him. He have lost their way a little, but who could enjoy a was my first winner second chance in the Open contests at point-totoo, on the track at Wexford in 1986 ridden by point meetings around the country.

Brendan Sheridan,” he recalls.

“He has this ability to reinvigorate, re-energise “Rodney Watson introduced me to point-toand motivate horses again,” Nicholas says of Christie. pointing and we owned horses together on a 50-50 “I call him ‘the horse whisperer’ because he gives basis. When he died, I continued owning horses these horses back their love of racing and their because it became my passion and I have three enthusiasm for life. David has given me some of the horses in training with David now in partnership best days of my life celebrating our winners with my with friends.” family and friends.”

Rejuvenating the careers of older horses, Barry O’Neill, one of the leading amateur giving them a purpose in life once more, has also jockeys in the country, is his main rider with impacted on the life of their owner who derives so Nicholas lavishing praise on the reigning point-tomuch pleasure from them. point champion.

“The only downside to my point-to-point “He is my main jockey and has ridden most of activities and horse ownership is that it ends my winners. Barry is a modest lad, a sound man and up eating plenty of my hard-earned cash but I a smashing rider. Rob James is an up-and-coming wouldn’t change anything,” he smiles.

the

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Rules

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 57 |

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RACING & FUN ON THE HILL OF CROCKAFOTHA SINCE 1726

The Laytown Strand Races Thursday 6th September 2018

FIXTURES 2018 July: July: July: July:

Wednesday 4th (e) August: Wednesday 29th (e) Thursday 5th (e) August: Thursday 30th (e) Friday 6th (e) *(e) Evening Saturday 7th (e)

Bellewstown Races, Bellewstown, Co Meath Telephone: 00 353 41 9823614 Fax: 00 353 41 982 3644 Email: klaybell@eircom.net

T: 041 984 2111 E: klaybell@eircom.net The Racecourse, Bellewstown, Co. Meath A92 EC82.

www.laytownstrandraces.ie

www.bellewstownraces.ie

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07/11/2017 07:58

Irish Racing’s largest sponsor Irish Stallion Farms have contributed over €€42 million to Irish prizemoney since 1983 Over 400 races (both Flat and National Hunt) are sponsored each year

#SupportingOwners

#IrishEBF

#GoodForRacing

E: info@irishebf.ie Owners Ad 2018 v1.indd 1

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03/11/2017 17:14:35

14/11/2017243819_4C_Cork 10:48 Racecource_JM_Airo_V2.indd 1

27/02/2018 12:10 27/02/2018 12:36

| FASHION |

COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL A youthful colour pallet gives tweed a contemporary twist, pair with this unusual leather necklace to make it more cutting edge.

ABOVE: Taran tweed jacket, €120, Monsoon

KEEP IT NATURAL THE SUBTLE LUXURY OF NATURAL FABRICS IN BEAUTIFUL TONAL COLOURS ARE ALL ABOUT UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

RIGHT: Tweed Dress, €96, Cath Kidson.

BELOW: Maisey Necklace, Wine Python, €120, Manley

HERITAGE COLOURS Layer soft natural landscape shades in a variety of textures to create a sophisticated layered look.

RIGHT: Arran vest, €155, Studio Donegal BELOW: Over the knee suede boots, €65.00, Next

TWEED GET AHEAD A sharp trilby in a contrasting or complimentary colour is a fun way to pull together a raceday look.

ABOVE LEFT: Tweed skirt, €55, Studio By Preen, Debenhams.

ABOVE RIGHT: La vedette rose gold white/grey, € 89.95, Fischer & Saint

FROM LEFT: Vintage style tweed cap, €86, Hata.

Trilbies, from €75, John Shevlin

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 59 |

059 AIRO 2018_Fashion.indd 59

ABOVE LEFT: Tweed skirt, €55, Studio By Preen, Debenhams.

ABOVE RIGHT: La vedette rose gold

27/02/2018 12:20

| FASHION |

Below: Scarves and wraps, from €25, Cushendale

18k White gold muti-circle earrings, €970, Weir & Sons

RIGHT: Floral Collar, €50, Aine Knitwear

WOOL

| MAGAZINE 2018 | Pink cashmere jumper, €215, Magee 1866

Ros Duke cashmere dress, available from Só Collective, Kildare Village

Jade Low Heel Knitted Sock Boot, €58, V by Very, Littlewoods

Tara Knitted wrap, €185, ekotree

| 60 | THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

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| FASHION | Silk & linen bow tie, €150, Brendan Thomas

Mini Chakra Bracelet, 18k Rose Gold Plated, tigers eye,€98, Thomas Sabo Sterling silver Glam & Soul necklace, €79, Thomas Sabo

LEFT: Tweed Emphasize Cushion, €145, Mourne textiles BELOW: Orange tablet bag, €150, Alison Conneely

GIFT GUIDE

WINNINGS TO SPEND? TREAT YOURSELF OR SOMEONE SPECIAL TO A GORGEOUS GIFT MADE BY A SKILLED IRISH CRAFTS PERSON

Red leather, Kane Weekender, €395, The Kinsale Leather Company

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Silk Floral Burst scarf, €195, Susannagh Grogan Accessories

Stars and fringe collar, €375, Vivien Walsh

Leather brogues, €300, Tuttys

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 61 |

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| GIN COCKTAILS |

the

perfect DIRTY MARTINI Ingredients 70ml gin 1 tbsp dry vermouth 2 tbsp olive brine 1 wedge of lemon 1 green olive

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Method Pour gin, dry vermouth and olive brine into shaker with a handful of ice and shake well.

Rub the rim of a martini glass with wedge of lemon. Strain contents of the shaker into glass and add the olive.

GIN IS THE DRINK OF THE TIMES, AND WITH SO MANY SIMPLE RECIPES OUT THERE, THERE’S A COCKTAIL TO SUIT ALL TASTES.

I

n spite of its rich, botanical flavourings, gin is an exceedingly versatile drink. The crystal-clear liquor makes for the perfect base within a huge array of cocktails, perhaps allowing for its standing as such a pivotal reference point within our popular culture. The drink springs up in all manner of film and literature, all the way from the gin joints of Casablanca to the Jazz Age parties of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writings.

A true classic, gin is a drink to capture both our tastes and imaginations.

GIN RICKEY As simple as it is refreshing, the zesty Gin Rickey is perfect for a bright and sunny day.

Ingredients  Half a wellwashed lime  60ml gin  Club soda Method Fill a 300ml Collins glass with ice.

Squeeze lime into the glass, getting out as much juice as possible. Toss in the lime shell and add the gin. Top off glass with club soda.

GIN & TONIC Ingredients  60ml gin  90ml tonic water  Basil leaves and lime Method Fill shaker with ice cubes, add gin and shake for 30 seconds.

Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top with tonic water. Decorate with basil leaves and lime wedge.

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GIN STYLES

| GIN COCKTAILS |

Genever

London Dry Gin

Dry gins are often preferred for making Martinis and are the most popular style used in cocktails.

Their flowery characteristics result from botanicals added during the second or third distillation.

NEGRONI The ideal apéritif, the Negroni apparently originates from Florence in 1919, when a general ordered his Americano cocktail be strengthened with gin

Ingredients  30ml gin  30ml Campari  30ml vermouth rosso  Orange peel or wedge Method Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake well with cracked ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or wedge.

New Western Dry Gin

TOM COLLINS Despite mysterious origins, the Tom Collins has been a worldfavourite cocktail for over a century.

New Western Dry Gin describes a number of gins developed in the early 2000s which are distinguishable from more traditional gins.

Produced with modern cocktails in mind, they appeal to consumers not overly fond of heavy pine flavours.

RASPBERRY ROSE Light, refreshing and pretty as a rose. Best served in sunshine.

Ingredients  Fresh raspberries  3 tbsp sugar  50ml gin  50ml rosewater Method Combine equal parts sugar, raspberries and rosewater and simmer on a medium heat until sugar has dissolved and raspberries are soft. Strain into glass container.

Once cool, pour into shaker filled with ice and top with gin and rosewater. Shake vigorously and strain into serving glass filled with ice and a raspberry.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Genever is the Dutch and Belgian version of gin, from which all others evolved.

First distilled for medicinal purposes, Genever was the original gin used in many classic 19th century American cocktails.

Ingredients  50ml gin  Juice of half a lemon  100ml soda water  2 tsp Caster Sugar  Maraschino cherry Method Add lemon juice, sugar and gin to a highball glass and stir. Add plenty of cubed ice and stir again. Top with soda water and stir for a final time. Garnish with cherry.

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Ballinrobe Racecourse

A memorable evening in our

Coranna Restaurant from only

€55 per person

“On behalf of all the team at Tramore Racecourse, we wish you every success with your horses. Many people retain great memories of a win at our seaside venue and we recognise that there is nothing more special than leading your horse into the Winner’s Enclosure, so we will endeavour to make your day as special as possible”

➤ Admission ➤ Free Car Parking

- Sue Phelan, General Manager

➤ Complimentary Race card ➤ 4 Course Gourmet Meal ➤ Reserved table for the day ➤ Tote betting facilities ➤ Privacy assured ➤ Full Bar Facilities

To book contact Lydon House Catering on 091 564015 or email info@lydonhousecatering.com

www.tramore-racecourse.com

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19/09/2017 11:41

CHANGE

HER LIFE .ORG

TAKE A MINUTE TO CHANGE A WOMAN'S LIFE.

SCAN ME WITH YOUR SMART PHONE

In Africa, the hand that rocks the cradle also tills the field. In addition to raising children, preparing food, carrying water and collecting firewood, African women do up to 80% of the farm work. But they get as little as 5% of the support in training, seeds, land and credit. You can change this. Add your name to the petition to demand increased support for African women farmers. Find out more at www.changeherlife.org

Text ‘PETITION’ followed by your name to 57856

Owners welcome at Navan Racecourse For Restaurant bookings call the team T: 0469021350, E: info@navanracecourse.ie W: www.navanracecourse.ie

Petition organised by

Texts will be charged at your standard network rate

243833_4C_Navan Racecourse_AMA_AIRO.indd 1 FC advert template.indd 1

19/09/2017 11:40 27/02/2018 12:50

| RACEHORSE OWNERSHIP |

EVER DREAMED OF OWNING A RACEHORSE BUT WEREN’T SURE WHERE TO START? WELL, THE HRI’S #EXPERIENCEIT INITIATIVE OFFERS POTENTIAL OWNERS A WAY TO TEST THE WATER WITH A COMPLIMENTARY RUNNER AT THE RACES AND ALL THE EXCITEMENT THAT THE EXPERIENCE ENTAILS. RACING CERTAINTY SPOKE TO AMBER BYRNE OF HRI TO FIND OUT HOW IT WORKS. Q. How did the initiative come about and when did it launch?

A. The #ExperienceIt campaign was launched in June 2017. Part of the Ownership Department’s remit is to promote the ownership concept and encourage new owners into the sport. This initiative gives us something tangible to sell and allows us to approach potential owners. It gives us the opportunity to bring people behind the scenes, allowing them to taste all that ownership has to offer.

Q. What does it aim to achieve?

A. The ultimate aim is to generate new owners, however there are many benefits. It give us a PR angle allowing us to generate news stories about the ownership experience and the trainer taking part.

It also gives us the opportunity to work closely with trainers and help them in areas they may need guidance such as communications or sales. From a potential new owner’s point of view it allows them explore the opportunities available before committing financially.

Q. How does it work and how can prospective owners kick start the process?

A. The campaign allows the group to experience owning a racehorse – from the stable yard to the racecourse. Groups register their interest with us and we work with them to match them to a suitable trainer. We guide the trainer through the process by setting up a ‘WhatsApp’ group to update the horse’s progress, we arrange for the group to visit the yard and we look after them on the race day.

Q. How many trainers are involved in the initiative and is there a list of trainers for prospective owners to choose from?

A. We have a list of trainers which we update regularly as and when horses become available.

If we are approached by a group we will do our best to source a selection of trainers for them to choose from. Equally, if a trainer approaches us with a horse we will work with him/her to source a suitable group.

Q. What can owners experience on raceday?

A. On the race day the group will choose their own syndicate name which will appear on the racecard. They receive owners and trainers badges along with hospitality. They have parade ring access so will meet their jockey pre and post-race. Should the horse win they will receive the presentation on the day.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Riding

Q. What level of financial commitment is required?

A. #ExperienceIt is a complimentary ownership trial. We ask that all groups are genuinely interested in racehorse ownership as a lot of time and commitment is given by the trainer. The trainer covers the race day fees as normal and we look after any costs associated with the race day experience. The group is not entitled to any prize money won on the day.

Q. What has the uptake been so far?

A. We have had a great uptake with groups from Galway, Cork, Dublin, Kildare & Wexford, to name a few. The trainers have been brilliant in accommodating the groups and supplying horses.

There are a number of groups in conversations with their trainers with regard to converting to real ownership and we have generated considerable press and social media coverage.

Q. Do you foresee people who avail of the initiative going on to own racehorses as a result of their experience?

A. Certainly, yes, that is the aim. The reaction of groups going to yards and being in the parade ring as an owner is amazing to see. Many of us in the industry take the behind the scenes for granted but we really shouldn’t underestimate how thrilling our sport is. If we can get people up close and personal with racing they will be hooked for life.

For more information on #ExperienceIt contact: Amber Byrne • T: 045 455635 E: owners@hri.ie • www.racehorseownership.ie

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 65 |

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MORE T H A N A ONE HORSE T OWN T H E P U N C H E S TOW N T E A M W I L L CO N T I N U E TO I M P R OV E A N D E N H A N C E T H E R AC E DAY E X P E R I E N C E F O R OW N E R S . TO DAT E W E H AV E I N C R E A S E D T H E F E S T I VA L P R I Z E F U N D TO A L M O S T â‚Ź 3 M I L L I O N , I N T R O D U C E D A CO M P L I M E N TA RY OW N E R LU N C H P O L I CY, P R OV I D E D D I S CO U N T S O N H O S P I TA L I T Y PAC K AG E S , R E VA M P E D T H E W I N N E R S R O O M V E N U E A N D L AU N C H E D T H E T R AC K S I D E LO U N G E F O R OW N E R S W I T H R U N N E R S AT T H E 2 01 7 F E S T I VA L .

T H E B E S T I S Y E T T O C O M E . W E A R E DE L I G H T E D T O S AY T H E PA N OR A M I C OW N E R S A N D T R A I N E R S L O U N G E W I L L B E L AU N C H E D I N T H E N E W H U N T S TA N D AT T H E 2 0 1 8 P U N C H E S T OW N F E S T I VA L .

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14/11/2017 10:41

The leading equine diagnostic and research facility in Ireland with two OIE Reference Laboratories for equine flu and herpesvirus Offers vets, breeders, and owners the most comprehensive and thorough range of diagnostic tests and follow up assistance World-class veterinary advice on all aspects of equine health including biosecurity, performance, nutrition and environment A not-for-profit company dedicated to protecting and supporting the Irish equine breeding and racing industry Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland Tel: 045 866 266 Fax: 045 866 273 Email: iec@irishequinecentre.ie www.irishequinecentre.ie 243763_2L_IEC_JM_AIRO.indd 1

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27/02/2018 10:45

T

he Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) has its office in the ITBA building beside Goffs Bloodstock in Kill, Co Kildare.

The Association has a Council of twelve people and the day to day operations are carried out

by Manager, Aiden Burns, who will assist members in any way he can with their ownership queries.

AIRO continues to campaign on behalf of owners with Horse Racing Ireland, Government Departments and the Association of Irish Racecourses to ensure prize money is kept up to minimum levels, costs are reduced and that the race-day experience of owners continues to improve.

Prize money for 2018 will be at a record level of Aiden Burns Associaton €63.3 million which represents an increase of €2.3 Manager million over 2017. Government funding to horse racing The Association of Irish Racehorse did not increase in 2018 but Horse Racing Ireland was Owners (AIRO) able to increase the total prize money through its own savings.

Our sincere thanks is expressed to the Government for its continued support of the industry and to Horse Racing Ireland for recognising the need to keep prize money up to a certain level.

It is pleasing to see results coming from campaigning by AIRO on behalf of Owners and in 2017 we saw a significant improvement in the race day experience offered to owners by a number of racecourses. While some racecourses have still to step up somewhat, most do provide a voucher for lunch or refreshments and some of the bigger racecourses give a full lunch. This is much appreciated and we look forward to all racecourses attaining a minimum acceptable level.

For 2018 we have secured 123 free admission race days for all owners with a racehorse registered in training and we thank the racecourses for this gesture. A number of racecourses are in the process of completing developments that will give much improved facilities to owners on race day. In addition to the development at The Curragh, Naas has built a new stand with a dedicated area for owners which gives a spectacular view of the racecourse and Punchestown will also have a new facility in time for its 2018 festival.

Irish horse racing has been very successful and competitive over the past few years and some will say it has been dominated by a small few. AIRO is very conscious of the need to provide opportunities for lower to medium tier horses and following discussions with Horse Racing Ireland, we are pleased that a number of races both on the Flat and in National Hunt have been included in the fixtures programme to cater for these.

Our hospitality for AIRO members will be in place again in 2018 with our marquee at Punchestown, Galway and the Curragh, not forgetting our exchange of hospitality arrangements with the UK Owners and France Galop, details of which can be seen elsewhere in the magazine. In addition to the hospitality arrangements there is our Public Liability Insurance which covers owners against possible claims and all of these benefits come automatically with membership of the Association.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held in late March in our offices in the ITBA Building and notice of this will be sent to all members.

69 Benefits of Membership

70

Members Public Liability Insurance Scheme

71

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

VOICING OWNERS’ INTERESTS

Hospitality Exchange Programme

72

Guide to Horse Racing Ireland charges and deductions in relation to racehorse ownership - 2018

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 67 |

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| AIRO COUNCIL |

AIRO COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN: Brian Polly, Co. Down

VICE CHAIRMAN: John Weld, Co. Kildare

ASSOCIATION MANAGER: Aiden Burns, Co. Meath

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

HON. TREASURER: Dr. Brendan Doyle, Co. Carlow

REPRESENTATIVE ON HRI BOARD: James Gough, Co. Meath

COUNCIL MEMBER: David Hyland, Co. Laois

COUNCIL MEMBER: Paddy Roche, Co. Carlow

COUNCIL MEMBER: Caren Walsh, Co. Kildare

COUNCIL MEMBER: William Bourke, Co. Meath

COUNCIL MEMBER: John Power, Co. Limerick

COUNCIL MEMBER: Sandra Fox, Co. Meath

COUNCIL MEMBER: Richard Pugh, Co. Kildare

COUNCIL MEMBER: Judy Maxwell, Co. Down

| 68 | THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

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| AIRO MEMBER BENEFITS |

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

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

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

OTHER INSURANCE

RACING POST PHOTOGRAPHS

RACECOURSE HOSPITALITY

Wrights Insurance Brokers, Wexford, will give favourable rates to Members on other insurance.

Members can avail of a 20% discount on all photos purchased from Racing Post.

Access to Members Marquee and complimentary refreshments at Punchestown and Galway Racing Festivals.

Contact Number is: 053/9155600

Free admission to Curragh Racecourse and complimentary refreshments on Pretty Polly Stakes Day, July 1st 2018.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

OTHER UK RACE MEETINGS

Opportunity to purchase Marquee tickets at a discounted rate which will give access to the UK Owners Association facility at Cheltenham in March.

Opportunity to purchase tickets at a favourable rate for the UK Owners Association corporate hospitality at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood meetings.

The Marquee is ideally located in the Club Enclosure. Food and refreshments are on sale inside.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

All members are automatically covered in relation to sums they may become legally liable to pay (up to €6.5 million) 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.

FRENCH RACING Free admission and access to the Jardin des Proprietaires (a private outdoor marquee in a prime location) at Deauville race

meetings in August.

Details available from the AIRO office.

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| AIRO MEMBER BENEFITS |

MEMBERS PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE 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.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

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 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.

COVER

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 (d) temporarily outside Ireland or Great Britain for the purposes of participating in a race only.

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 €80 annually and has many other benefits

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| AIRO MEMBER BENEFITS |

HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

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 2018.

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.

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.

DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME Cheltenham Festival March 13th to 16th

• Badges can be purchased for the ROA Marquee facility • £38 per day/£120 for 4 days (ROA Members Rate) • Complimentary tea/coffee. Cash bar and food can be purchased • Admission to racecourse is payable

Punchestown Festival April 24th to 28th

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

Royal Ascot June 19th to 23rd

• Hospitality package across all 5 days • Package prices to be confirmed. Racecourse admission payable.

Curragh Pretty Polly Stakes Day July 1st

• Free admission to racecourse using AIRO access card • Complimentary refreshments in grand hall coffee dock

Galway Festival July 30th to August 1st

• Access to Member’s Marquee adjacent to parade ring • Complimentary refreshments. Members may bring up to 3 guests.

• Racecourse admission payable.

• Note: Facility available on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Glorious Goodwood July 31st - August 4th

• Badges can be purchased for the Richmond Enclosure.

• Admission to this area is otherwise limited to Owners/Trainers/ Annual Members • Early booking rate will apply to May 1st

Deauville August Race Meetings

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO), the Racehorse Owners Association, UK, (ROA) and France Galop’s Owners Department joined forces to provide a programme of hospitality exchanges between Ireland, Great Britain and France, for the exclusive benefit of our respective members.

This has proven to be a very successful initiative with positive feedback from members of all three Associations who availed of the facilities.

• Free admission to racecourse and access to Jardin des Proprietaires • Owners lounge • Food can be purchased. • Contact AIRO for dates and details.

NOTES: 1. AIRO Members wishing to avail of ROA or France Galop facilities should contact the AIRO office – Tel: 045/878173 or Email: info@irishracehorseowners.com 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.

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| AIRO MEMBER BENEFITS |

Guide to Horse Racing Ireland charges and deductions in relation to racehorse ownership - 2018

The following are the main charges and deductions applied.

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

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

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

€10

Entry Fee

0.7% of Total Race Value (races worth €20,000 or less)

Declaration Fee

0.2% of Total Race Value

Jockey Riding Fee (Flat)

€163.89 (plus VAT if jockey registered)

Jockey Riding Fee (N/Hunt)

€187.36 (plus VAT if jockey registered)

DEDUCTIONS FROM WINNERS PRIZE MONEY Trainers Share – 10% of owners winnings less Stable Lads’ and Jockeys’ Emergency Fund payments (Equivalent to approximately)

9.49% of winnings

Jockeys Share - Same as Trainers

9.49% 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%

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

| 72 | THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS

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45 MAGAZINE TITLES ▲ 10 EVENTS ▲ 3.6 MILLION REACH

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| GALWAY RACE WEEK 2017 |

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

M AIRO MEMBERS AT GALWAY

embers and friends enjoying one of the benefits of AIRO Membership in their exclusive hospitality marquee at Galway Race Week 2017.

| 74 | THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS |

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| MAGAZINE 2018 |

| GALWAY RACE WEEK 2017 |

| THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS | 75 |

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| AIRO AWARDS 2017 |

The Awards

AIRO & THE IRISH FIELD Caren Walsh and John Weld

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Brian Polly, Sadie Evans and Aiden Burns

Seamus O’Farrell, Cathy O’Farrell and Katie O’Farrell

Mark Costello and Brendan McArdle

AWARDS 2017

T

he Association was delighted to welcome The Irish Field as its partner in staging this, the third year of its awards presentation and dinner. The event was held on Saturday 21st October in the Killashee Hotel, Naas.

Council Member, Richard Pugh, acted as MC on the night and there was a capacity crowd in attendance. AIRO Chairman, Brian Polly, welcomed all to the event and congratulated the award winners.

Guests included Ceann Comhairle, Sean O’Fearghail TD, HRI Racecourses CEO, John Osborne, Sally RowleyWilliams, Owner of Champion Chaser, Special Tiara, and representatives from many bodies within the industry.

Ceann Comhairle, Sean O’Fearghail TD, addressed the attendance and acknowledged the importance of the contribution that racehorse owners make to the industry and how important the industry is to the economy of the country.

Special guest speaker on the night was Sally RowleyWilliams who flew in specially from America on the day and flew back the following morning. In her address, Sally encouraged racecourses to improve their hospitality to owners and also to increase the allocation of admission badges to owners with a runner on the day. Before concluding she suggested that the racing fixture list should be looked at with a view to increasing opportunities for horses in the different rating categories to get a run.

There were fifteen awards presented and the Association very much appreciates the generous sponsorship received from Connolly’s Red Mills, Coolmore Stud, Darley, Derrinstown Stud, Diamonds & Pearls Boutique, Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock, Goffs,

Eimear Mulhearn and Zhang Yuesheng

Caoimhe Doherty, Jim Bolger and John Corcoran

| 76 | THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACEHORSE OWNERS |

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| AIRO AWARDS 2017 | Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Mark Costello

Anne Gomes and Brian Polly

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

Hanged Man’s Restaurant, Horse Racing Ireland, Howden Insurance, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Killashee Hotel, Tattersalls, The Irish Field, Weatherbys Ireland. Racing journalists, Mark Costello, The Irish Field and Alan Sweetman, Racing Post, assisted in selecting winners of a number of categories and their help was much appreciated. The awards were for categories ranging from racecourses hospitality for owners, champion performances, services to racing and the realisation of a racing dream.

Listowel and Punchestown racecourses received awards of merit for their enhanced hospitality for owners with a runner on the day. Champion performance and leading owner awards were won by Coolmore, Gigginstown, and Ann & Alan Potts Limited. There were two awards presented for services to racing and the welldeserved winners of these were Gillian Carey, Fairyhouse Racecourse and Cathy O’Farrell, Gowran Park Racecourse.

As in previous years, the Racing Dream award proved to be very popular and the winner proved equally popular on the night. The winner was the Here For The Craic Partnership, which consists of four Irish men based in New York and who fly home on a regular basis to see their horses run. The award was won for their horse “Heartbreak City” who won the Ebor handicap at York and was just beaten into second place in the famous Melbourne Cup. The Association appreciated very much that the lads flew from America specially to receive the award and was delighted to see that they were joined by two tables of friends on the night. Other winners were Mr Zhang Yuesheng, (for value purchase at Goffs, Whitefountainfairy) Luke McMahon, (for value purchase at Tattersalls, Cilaos Emery) Daniel Lynch, (for claimed horse, Not A Bad Oul Day) Supreme Racing Club, (for overall winners) Jim Bolger & John Corcoran, (for breeding Verbal Dexterity) Billy Cooper, (for breeding Our Duke).

The night was rounded off by music and comedy entertainment which was enjoyed by all.

Sharon O’Regan, Shane O’Regan and Orla O’Dwyer

Attracta Mongey and Noeleen McCreevy Edie Staford, Louise Henley, Pierce Moloney, Ella Weld, Kim McGrane, Paddy Roche, Dan Riley

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| AIRO AWARDS 2017 |

Charles O’Neill and Gerry Aherne

Steve Massey, Lloyd Iveson, Andrew Pratt, Ashley Iveson and Neil Iveson

Micheal Orlandi, Brendan McArdle and Ken Fenton

Joey Cullen, Ma He, Eimear Mulhern, Zhang Yuesheng and Kelsey Wang

PJ and Freda Egan

AIRO & THE IRISH FIELD

WINNERS 2017

 RACECOURSE MERIT AWARD | MAGAZINE 2018 |

Sponsored by Diamonds & Pearls Boutique, Clane

Listowel Racecourse

 RACECOURSE MERIT AWARD Sponsored by The Irish Field

Punchestown Racecourse  SERVICES TO RACING Sponsored by Horse Racing Ireland

Cathy O’Farrell (Gowran Park Racecourse)

 SERVICES TO RACING Sponsored by Derrinstown Stud

Gillian Carey (Fairyhouse Racecourse)  VALUE PURCHASE - GOFFS Sponsored by Goffs Bloodstock Sales

Whitefountainfairy (Mr Zhang)  VALUE PURCHASE TATTERSALLS Sponsored by Tattersalls Ireland

Cilaos Emery (Luke McMahon)

Olivia Hamilton and June Judd

Eddie O’Leary and Ted Walsh Jnr

Marie Doheny and Jo Prendergast Kevin O’Ryan, Sloane Cooper and Billy Cooper

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| AIRO AWARDS 2017 |

Ruth McEvoy, Shay McMahon, Patrick Mortell, Aubrey McMahon, Louise McMahon

Sponsored by Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock

Not A Bad Oul Day (Daniel Lynch)

 SUCCESSFUL SYNDICATE/ RACING CLUB Sponsored by Hanged Man’s Restaurant

Supreme Racing Club  RACING DREAM

Sponsored by Howden Insurance UK

Here For The Craic Partnership (Heartbreak City)  LEADING OWNER - FLAT Sponsored by Weatherbys Ireland

Tabor/Magnier/ Smith Partnership

 LEADING OWNER - N/HUNT Sponsored by Coolmore Stud

Gigginstown House Stud  OWNER/BREEDER - FLAT Sponsored by Darley

Jim Bolger/John Corcoran (Verbal Dexterity) | MAGAZINE 2018 |

 SUCCESSFUL CLAIMED HORSE

Laura James, Katie Walsh and Jennifer Pugh

 OWNER/BREEDER - N/HUNT Sponsored by Irish Thoroughbred Breeders

Billy Cooper ( Our Duke )

Niall Reilly, Charlie Gavigan, Aidan Shiels and Emma Tildesley

 CHAMPION HORSE - FLAT Sponsored by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing

Highland Reel (Tabor/ Magnier/Smith Partnership)  CHAMPION HORSE - N/HUNT Sponsored by Connollys Red Mills

Sizing John (Ann and Alan Potts Partnership)

Eileen Reilly, Eamon Reilly, Anne Aspel, Niall Reilly, Ian Aspel

Leo Powel and Dick O’Sullivan

Jack Wise

Kenny McGarvey & Wendy Mcgarvey

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| DAVY CONDON |

Jumping THE FENCE ENFORCED RETIREMENT IS NOT AN EASY PROSPECT TO FACE, AT ANY AGE OR FROM ANY CAREER BUT WHEN YOU ARE JUST 30-YEARS-OLD AND AT THE HEIGHT OF YOUR POWERS IT IS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO COME TO TERMS WITH.

| MAGAZINE 2018 |

ravel around Asia, visiting Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam and China before ending up in Dubai with his then-fiancee and now wife Louise was designed to help ease the ache he felt for race-riding and the career taken from him. The couple returned to Ireland last April when Condon took over the post of assistant trainer to Gordon Elliot vacated by Olly Murphy. Condon is one of two assistants to Elliot – his duties are horse-related while Ian Amond deals with owners particularly the syndicates and Racing Club and works afternoons in the office. Condon’s afternoons are spent with Head Lad Simon McGonagle.

His new role in ways is a return to the beginning for the Corkman. “I’m spending more time with the horses now and it has taken me back to my roots because when I started off with Willie Mullins as a young lad, I was doing full days’ work with horses,” he says. “After riding out three lots in the morning Gordon, Ian, Simon and myself have breakfast together and discuss things. Then I ride out another lot, come back in and help get the horses off the walkers and fed before we take our lunch break. In the afternoons Ian is in the office while Simon and I check on all the horses.”

Condon is back racing again too, as both he and Amond assist Elliott at the races with saddling duties and owners. The workload divided among the pair according to their strengths.

Nine times a Grade 1 winner in the saddle, including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Ebaziyan at Cheltenham for Willie Mullins, his enforced retirement stirred a lot of feelings for him but that aching for race-riding has diminished through his new role.

“I know that I am a lot luckier than so many people in that I can get up and walk but now I feel I have a purpose back in life,” he confides. “When I was in Dubai, breaking yearlings for Sheikh Hamdan I missed race-riding and I still do miss it a bit now but I’ve got a rhythm to my days now and I’m enjoying what I do.”

The stresses of race-riding removed from his life, Condon’s perspective is a more relaxed one than the one he had during his days as a top-class jockey riding for leading trainers like Elliot and Mullins as well as Noel Meade and Nicky Richards.

“Now what happens on the track is not in my control, there is no pressure on me so I am a lot more relaxed going racing and I enjoy it.”

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AIRO

AWARDS

2018

Celebrate excellence and achievement in the Irish horseracing industry at the AIRO Awards Dinner 2018

Join us for an evening of celebration and socialising on Saturday October 20th 2018 in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare To secure your tickets for this very popular event please contact

AIRO at 045-878173 Email: info@irishracehorseowners.com

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