JANUARY 2019 The Irish Trainer THE NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE IRISH RACEHORSE TRAINERS ASSOCIATION Jade the apple of Gordon’s eye Hatton’s Grace hat-trick for Apple’s Jade and Gordon Elliott

Saturday 6 April 2019 The Randox Health Grand National 2019 Total prize fund £1,000,000 ENTRY DEADLINE: 12 pm, Tuesday, 29 January 2019 THE FESTIVAL 2019

NAME OF RACE DATE OF CLOSING SCRATCH RACE 2019 DATE 2019 DATE 2019 The Bulmers 15th Mar 8th Jan 12th Feb The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase 13th Mar 8th Jan 12th Feb The Ryanair Steeple Chase 14th Mar 8th Jan 12th Feb The Unibet 12th Mar 15th Jan 12th Feb The Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle 14th Mar 15th Jan 12th Feb The OLBG Mares Hurdle 12th Mar 15th Jan 12th Feb The Racing Post 12th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb The RSA Steeple Chase 13th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders) 12th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb The JLT Novices’ Chase 14th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 13th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb The JCB Triumph Hurdle 15th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race 15th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase 12th Mar 19th Feb The Boodles Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle 13th Mar 19th Feb (registered as The Fred Winter) The Handicap Hurdle 13th Mar 19th Feb The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup 14th Mar 19th Feb The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase 12th Mar 19th Feb The Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 14th Mar 19th Feb (A Handicap Steeple Chase) The Pertemps Final Network Final Handicap Hurdle 14th Mar 19th Feb The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race 15th Mar 19th Feb The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase 15th Mar 19th Feb The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle 15th Mar 19th Feb The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase 13th Mar 26th Feb The Weatherbys (NH Flat Race) 13th Mar 26th Feb The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 14th Mar 26th Feb The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 15th Mar 26th Feb

If you have any questions about the race programme, please contact Simon Claisse on 07785 293966 or via e-mail [email protected]

EARLY CLOSING DATES

For all race conditions head to: www.cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ more-information/owners-trainers

28633 2019 Closing Dates for Irish Trainers A5 Advert v2.indd 1 10/12/2018 11:05 THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019 Foreword

THE FESTIVAL 2019 Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who attended the AGM on Tuesday, 11 December. We had a good turnout, where a lot of NAME OF RACE DATE OF CLOSING SCRATCH issues were discussed. I can assure the members the Committee RACE 2019 DATE 2019 DATE 2019 will be working hard on your behalf during the year. It is not The Bulmers Cheltenham Gold Cup 15th Mar 8th Jan 12th Feb always possible to have all the trainers’ wishes granted, but we do our best to put the trainers’ The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase 13th Mar 8th Jan 12th Feb viewpoints to the relevant bodies, the I.H.R.B. and H.R.I. Again, I must stress to members to The Ryanair Steeple Chase 14th Mar 8th Jan 12th Feb tell us their concerns so that we can help. The Unibet Champion Hurdle 12th Mar 15th Jan 12th Feb The Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle 14th Mar 15th Jan 12th Feb On behalf of the Chairman and the Committee I would like to welcome our three new The OLBG Mares Hurdle 12th Mar 15th Jan 12th Feb Committee Members, Tracey Collins, Gordon Elliott and Eugene O’ Sullivan. Thank you also The Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy 12th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb to the three outgoing members - Jessica Harrington, Eoin Griffin and Dermot Weld - for their The RSA Steeple Chase 13th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb outstanding work while they were in tenure. The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders) 12th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb The JLT Novices’ Chase 14th Mar 22nd Jan 19th Feb Those who were unable to attend on the day and would like a copy of the minutes, please The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb contact the office on 045-522981 or email [email protected] The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 13th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb Kind regards, The JCB Triumph Hurdle 15th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race 15th Mar 30th Jan 19th Feb The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase 12th Mar 19th Feb The Boodles Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle 13th Mar 19th Feb (registered as The Fred Winter) Michael Grassick / Irish Racehorse Trainers Association The Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle 13th Mar 19th Feb The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup 14th Mar 19th Feb CONTENTS The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase 12th Mar 19th Feb The Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 14th Mar 19th Feb Winners Abroad and upcoming sales dates ...... 4 (A Handicap Steeple Chase) The Pertemps Final Network Final Handicap Hurdle 14th Mar 19th Feb AGM 2018 report ...... 6 The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race 15th Mar 19th Feb The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase 15th Mar 19th Feb IHRB notice - lodging of passports ...... 12 The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle 15th Mar 19th Feb The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase 13th Mar 26th Feb Products of the month ...... 13 The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (NH Flat Race) 13th Mar 26th Feb COVER PHOTO: Owner: Gigginstown House Stud Trainer: Gordon Elliott Breeder: M Ronny Coveliers The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 14th Mar 26th Feb Non-runner telephone line and winter safety...... 14 Jockey: J W Kennedy Photo: Caroline Norris The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 15th Mar 26th Feb

If you have any questions about the race programme, please contact Simon Claisse Irish Racehorse Trainers Association – Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare on 07785 293966 or via e-mail [email protected] Chief Executive: Michael Grassick Council Members: Chairman: Noel Meade Jim Gorman Tom Hogan EARLY CLOSING DATES Vice Chairman: Michael Halford Andrew McNamara Eric McNamara Aidan O’ Brien Andy Oliver Tel: 045 522 981 Mob: 087 258 8770 Patrick Prendergast Jnr. Tracey Collins email: [email protected] Gordon Elliott Eugene O’Sullivan

Published monthly by Anderson & Co Publishing Ltd. For all advertising enquiries please call: 041 971 2000 www.anderson-co.com For all race conditions head to: www.cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ more-information/owners-trainers VISIT WWW.IRTA.IE FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES 03

28633 Cheltenham Festival 2019 Closing Dates for Irish Trainers A5 Advert v2.indd 1 10/12/2018 11:05 THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019 Winners abroad The National Hunt was led by Josie’s Orders Joseph O’Brien and Rightdownthemiddle for in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham for Gordon Elliott. Enda Bolger, followed by Cold Shoulder and On the Flat, it fell to Gavin Cromwell to have a Bobby The Dazzler going in at Ayr for Gordon Elliott and Liam Lennon respectively. treble with Sbraase and Earl Of Bunnacurry at Wolverhampton and the latter again at Then we had Hidden Dilemma twice at Southwell. Captain Dan then kicked in at Carlisle for Stuart Crawford and Yeats Baby Wolverhampton for John Feane. at Fakenham for Emmet Mullins. These were followed by a Leicester double - Camile for Well Done and Congrats.

UPCOMING SALES DATES

22-23 GOFFS UK 26 TATTERSALLS (IRE) CHELTENHAM JAN January Sale 2019 APR Cheltenham April Sale

29-30 TATTERSALLS IRELAND 2 GOFFS JAN February NH Sale MAY Punchestown Sale 2019

31 JAN TATTERSALLS 2-3 TATTERSALLS - 1 FEB February Sale MAY Guineas Breeze Up & HIT Sale

5-7 GOFFS 10-11 ARQANA FEB February Sale 2019 MAY Breeze Up

12-13 ARQANA 14 TATTERSALLS IRELAND FEB Mixed February Sale MAY May Store Sale

21 TATTERSALLS (IRE) CHELTENHAM 18 ARQANA FEB Cheltenham February Sale MAY The Auteuil Sale

14 TATTERSALLS (IRE) CHELTENHAM 20-24 GOFFS UK MAR Cheltenham Festival Sale MAY Spring Sale 2019

21 TATTERSALLS (IRE) ASCOT 24 TATTERSALLS IRELAND MAR Ascot March Sale MAY Goresbridge Breeze-Up

3 TATTERSALLS (IRE) ASCOT 30 TATTERSALLS (IRE) CHELTENHAM APR Ascot Two-Year-Old Breeze-Up Sale MAY Cheltenham May Sale

4 GOFFS UK 4 TATTERSALLS (IRE) ASCOT APR The Aintree Sale 2019 - after racing JUN Ascot June Sale

15-17 TATTERSALLS 11-12 GOFFS APR Craven Breeze Up Sale JUN Land Rover Sale 2019

24-25 GOFFS UK 26-27 TATTERSALLS IRELAND APR Breeze Up Sale 2019 JUN Derby Sale

04

THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019

IRTA AGM - 11 December 2018, Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge

Nearly 60 trainers attended the 2018 AGM service and are happy with the results. Members and Noel Meade asked for a moment’s silence were reminded to go through the IRTA office for for those we have lost, before thanking the this service in order to avail of the discount. committee for all their work during the year. Successful progress was made in relation to Eugene O’Sullivan, Tracey Collins and Gordon work permits, and it is hoped in the New Year Elliott were the only nominations for the three positions may be filled by applicants from available committee places, therefore no Pakistan, India, Malaysia and Brazil. election was required. Direct payment of training fees does have Eddie Harty reported on the benevolent fund, support from HRI, but received a negative which is draining and should only be called response from AIRO, although it is hoped a upon for legitimate cases. There had been eight positive outcome can be reached. deaths this year and as membership increases it IRTA expects a positive response from HRI in will dwindle, so this should be looked at. its request that place prize money be paid Free services immediately, rather than the 18-day wait for clearance as with winning prize money. Michael Grassick encouraged members to use the service provided by IRTA and introduced Members are reminded to ensure all staff have the Association’s new full-time secretary, Ger applied for the stable staff pension scheme. It can Brett. IRTA can only respond to requests from be worth up to €1,800 a year to each employee. members and there are some who never get in They can sign up now and it will be backdated. contact. Grassick expressed concern they are the people who feel the IRTA does very little on Eamonn Halpin their behalf. He reminded members of the free services provided by PA Solutions.

Business issues Regarding the WRC, it is expected within a matter of days to see racehorse trainers revert back to the Dept. of Agriculture, allowing more flexibility in the arrangement of working hours.

Many members used Eamonn Halpin’s rates

06 The decline in the number of trainers down to A query from the floor asked if it were true that 353 is a major concern and IRTA intends to the BHA only began testing for cobalt from 1st enter into discussions to address this. December. IRTA was unaware of this and had been told the BHA does already test for cobalt. Raceday issues We can now confirm that in accordance IRTA secured two extra meetings on the Flat, with IFHA policy, both IHRB and the BHA and thanked HRI and AIR, as well as Shane introduced cobalt testing in April 2016, with Doyle at HRI for the introduction of an auction the same threshold of 0.1 micrograms per hurdle series. millilitre in urine and 0.025 micrograms per All Flat horses imported from outside Ireland millilitre in plasma. rated 60 or less can now run in Irish handicaps, but off a mark of 60 on their first run, after Staff recruitment which they will be reassessed according to their Aoife Hanratty Aoife Hanratty explained the performance. new IRTA-funded website being created to help Fines will no longer be imposed when trainers trainers recruit temporary change the head gear after declaration time, up staff. It will be ideal for sales to 12pm. and raceday staff and will ensure WRC compliance. It is imperative for members to get in touch with the IRTA office with any issues regarding Employers can post on the job board and appeals and referrals, as fines have been candidates can upload their CV and references avoided with the help of IRTA. with the dates they are available. The site is free to jobseekers, while employers pay a fee. Rule 90 has been modified and passports to be lodged one hour before the race time have been The idea arose from trying to send horses to the granted an additional ten minutes in races but having no available staff, it is similar to exceptional circumstances if the trainer rings the use of temporary staff at the sales, rather like ahead and gives notice of the delay. the Farm Relief service. It was pointed out from the floor there is a fee of €48 for a temporary IRTA continues to press for the improvement of stable pass, but where a groom already has a the track at Dundalk. It no longer satisfies the valid card they may go racing for another trainer. needs of trainers, following a number of reports of horses being sore and jarred after racing. Staff training Racecourse stables are continuing to improve HRI will be providing up-skilling courses for staff and those tracks who have carried out work at RACE and these will be free of charge. A course had been provided already this year, where eight were thanked. people improved their riding skills. A number Positive tests of Health and Safety courses will be arranged for 2019 for IRTA members and their staff. IRTA needs to deal with the rise in positive tests for cobalt and arsenic. The BHA uses the The IRTA website is also being maximised and same laboratory and has not experienced any is now more user-friendly, with templates for similar spike in the UK, so an explanation is many useful things. being sought. continued �

07 THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019

Grassick concluded that IRTA is concerned by reduces time spent on paperwork by 50%. the problems facing modern racing and will be It provides automatic notification of any attempting to address issues and discuss solutions vaccinations due and has a section for notes, in the coming year, by setting up discussions with as with a traditional diary. the association representatives for jockeys, It cannot be accessed without permission and owners, racecourses, staff, breeders and HRI. a password is required. The standard system is available free of charge to IRTA members with 15 or fewer horses, and costs €1 per horse per month for those with 16 or more horses.

Questions from the floor • Being exonerated from a hearing but still having to pay 50% of costs? It was noted that a trainer who appeals a case must pay costs whether they win the appeal or not. This seems harsh when they have not brought the case.

• Why are trainers are still being charged a €42 administration fee by HRI for every horse entered in Britain, and if this is not done within two working days of the entry it increases to Further up-skilling courses to be provided for staff in 2019 €70? The BHA prefers entries made via its Opening of nurseries in UK and Ireland website, but the owner needs to be registered to British and Irish-trained runners with Weatherbys UK for access. The BHA are open to the view that Irish-trained • A fee for the return of passports was introduced horses may run in British nurseries if HRI in recent weeks but is regarded as an owner’s reciprocates. HRI asked that this be put to IRTA expense that is being levied against trainers. members, who recognised there would be a • IRTA asked that the microchip be included as flood of British runners, but there will be more one of the five points of identification in a opportunities over there for Irish horses than passport, which the BHA has accepted but over here for British horses, so AGM attendees IHRB won’t. voted unanimously in favour of the idea. • Being fined for withdrawing a horse on race Equine MediRecord presentation day, despite having the welfare interests of the Pierce Dargan gave a brief overview of the Equine horse in mind? If the horse is at the races, there MediRecord system. It can replace the blue should be no fine, although this could be open medical book, guarantees 100% compliance to abuse. It was requested that the IRTA take a with inspections, and doesn’t allow incorrect stronger stand on this issue. The discrepancy entries. It speeds up the inspection process and of stewards taking a more open mind when

08 several trainers withdraw horses rather than just a single trainer was also raised.

• There should be an IRTA representative at every race meeting to question decisions on behalf of trainers and ensure any ruling is consistent and fair.

• Complaints were aired concerning stable inspections, and freedom of information should make the results of any blood tests taken available. Is it fair to take six bloods from a horse running that evening? Some trainers felt they were being singled out. It was explained there are three different types of inspection, one checking the premises, another for passports and feed, and one taking bloods. There were complaints that the reports were too petty. IRTA offered a copy of the inspection checklist to any member, to enable them to check their level of compliance.

• The ITBA NH Fillies Bonus Scheme lacked clear information concerning the start date of 1st January for eligibility. Provision of information regarding going remains a concern • Frustration was expressed that races could are not aware of its importance to trainers. not be divided if the required number of Clerks of the Course cannot communicate runners fell only marginally short. More with trainers, but the manager often lacks flexibility was requested. the knowledge. • Could the fee for a license be reduced for • Watering of tracks remains an issue. trainers with fewer than a certain number of horses? IRTA pointed out the fees are • Could racecourses cease putting public calls IHRB’s revenue and they would not consider out to trainers and instead ring the trainer a reduction. on his or her mobile? The calls are generally trivial, but the public perception is not good. • There are not enough ground updates or ground details far enough ahead. More • A call was made for races for trainers who frequent and detailed descriptions were haven’t won more than ten races. Everyone requested, at least at time of entry and time of agreed this was a good idea, with at least one declaration. It was pointed out that stewards race once a week. continued �

09 THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019

Michael Grassick and Takashi Kodama John Hayden Sarah Lynam

Joseph O’Brien Jarlath and Seamus Fahey Tom Hogan

IRTA Committee 10 Sarah Lynam Win big with Plus 10 With more than 750 races across Britain and Ireland set to

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For more information visit www.plus10bonus.com or contact 087 67 55232 THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019

IHRB NOTICE Lodging of passports - update

The Directors of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, using their powers under Rule 22, have modified Rule 90 (i) with immediate effect to read as follows:

The modifications are underlined.

90. (i) Passports must be lodged with an IHRB Security Officer at least one (1) hour prior to the time fixed for the running of the race in which the horse is declared to run.

In exceptional circumstances the Stewards may allow an additional 10 minutes for the late lodging of Passports where the Stewards may allow an additional 10 minutes for the late lodging of Passports where the Stewards have been notified in advance that a Passport may be late.

If the Passport is not lodged in accordance with this Rule the Horse shall be withdrawn by the Stewards.

12 Products of the Month New products and innovations for the equine industry. ProSol Probiotic by the Irish Equine Centre

A probiotic solution and aftercare service unique to each horse, containing live beneficial bacteria harvested from the horse’s own faecal sample.

Why use ProSol? “It’s a novel product Billions of bacteria known as ‘gut flora’ inhabit the horse’s digestive tract. A healthy balance combining common of good and bad bacteria, allow the gut flora sense and science.” play a major role in digestion, immunity and Hugo Palmer, Classic winning prevention of disease. Protecting the balance racehorse trainer, Newmarket, UK between beneficial bacteria and harmful Where is it available? bacteria is vital for the horse. Send us a fresh sample of faeces. If your A horse cannot consistently perform to the horse’s gut is out of balance an experienced best of its ability with a gut flora imbalance. microbiologist will formulate the probiotic unique to your horse. ProSol can re-gain the balance of the gut flora. Causes of gut flora imbalance include antibiotic treatment, stress, intensive training, diet, viral infections and parasites. Using cryo-preservation, the IEC can store these beneficial bacteria for the lifetime of the horse.

Following 20 years of extensive gut flora research, the IEC has been able to identify, sensitivity test and isolate the beneficial bacteria Irish Equine Centre required to balance the horse’s gut flora. Johnstown, Naas, Co.Kildare Tel: +353 (0)45 866266 Key Ingredients Email: [email protected] ProSol contains only the horse’s own beneficial www.irishequinecentre.ie bacteria suspended in sterile water. 13 THE IRISH TRAINER / JANUARY 2019 IHRB NOTICE Non-runner telephone line/declaration of reserve telephone line

Notification of a non-runner for a race meeting will only be accepted on the dedicated telephone line (045 445645) at the Office of the IHRB with the excuse for non-running.

To validate the information furnished, the caller will be asked to provide the trainer’s Horse Racing Ireland account number and the trainer’s date of birth. All calls are recorded for verification and security purposes. Veterinary certificates, where required, must be sent as usual to the Office of the IHRB within 72 hours. A trainer failing to lodge a certificate within the time period shall be liable to a fine in accordance with Rule 194 (v)(vi). Trainers wishing to declare a reserve, a runner or a non- runner, must do so on the same dedicated telephone line number not less than one and a half hours before the time scheduled for the first race. If a rider has not been nominated for a declared reserve the trainer must do so on the dedicated line not less than one and a half hours before the time scheduled for the first race otherwise the declared reserve will automatically be withdrawn.

Declaration of reserves or of non-runners will no longer be accepted at a race meeting. The dedicated line number 045 445645 is in operation on a race day until one and a half hours before the time scheduled for the first race. Opening hours for the non-runner line: Race meetings run from Monday to Friday - from 9am Race meetings run on Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays – from 9am Saturday evening meetings – from 12 noon

For the avoidance of doubt, when a trainer wishes to notify a non-runner or a declaration of a reserve, the only acceptable method shall be by telephone on the dedicated number 045 445645 Health of horse and rider Now we’re at the time of year when the dark mornings are upon us, it’s important to consider the safety of horses and riders. Ensure that all riders are wearing high-visibility jackets, whether on the gallops or on or near the roadways. BE SAFE AND BE SEEN!

14

Now we’re at the time of year when the dark mornings are upon us, it’s important to consider the safety of horses and riders. Ensure that all riders are wearing high-visibility jackets, whether on the gallops or on or near the roadways. Be safe and be seen! Now we’re at the time of year when the dark mornings are upon us, it’s important to consider the safety of horses and riders. Ensure that all riders are wearing high-visibility jackets, whether on the gallops or on or near the roadways. Be safe and be seen! Award Winning Service, Advice & Research § Extensive range of diagnostic tests § Expert veterinary advice and insight § Pre-season testing and vaccination advice § Bespoke equine probiotics for gut health § Feed, hay and water quality analysis § Yard visits and biosecurity advice

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