APRIL 2018 The Irish Trainer THE NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE IRISH RACEHORSE TRAINERS ASSOCIATION

Presenting Percy lands RSA Chase Pat Kelly’s stable star was one of nine Grade 1 successes for Irish trainers at Cheltenham Heavy Sweat landscape ad oscar_Layout 1 19/03/2018 08:58 Page 1

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Congratulations to all on a very successful Cheltenham Festival. Looking ahead, trainers without runners wishing to travel to the Aintree Festival from the 12th to the 14th April need to apply to our office on045-522981 or [email protected] before Wednesday, 11th April. In relation to the Stable Staff Pension Scheme, some trainers have still not sent in their Deed of Adherence forms, which needs to be signed and returned to Horse Racing Ireland as soon as possible. Sorry to have to point out, but please can trainers ask their employees to return their forms to Irish Life, as we do not want them to miss out on their entitlements. In other news, if trainers feel that there are no available races for their horse to compete in, could they contact our office, to enable us to make representation to the H.R.I. racing department on their behalf. Meanwhile, we are still working with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation regarding work permits. Kind regards,

Michael Grassick / Irish Racehorse Trainers Association

CONTENTS

Winners Abroad & Dundalk barrier trials...... 4

Interview: Nessa Joyce, Irish European Breeders’ Fund ...... 6

Handicapper news ...... 12 COVER PHOTO: Owner: Philip J Reynolds Trainer: Patrick G Kelly Breeder: Preston Lodge Stud Members’ website & upcoming sales ...... 14 Jockey: Davy Russell Photo: Caroline Norris

Irish Racehorse Trainers Association – Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare Chief Executive: Michael Grassick Council Members: Chairman: Noel Meade Jim Gorman Eoin Griffin Vice Chairman: Michael Halford Jessica Harrington Tom Hogan Andrew McNamara Eric McNamara Tel: 045 522 981 Fax: 045 522 982 Aidan O’Brien Andy Oliver Mob: 087 258 8770 email: [email protected] Patrick Prendergast Jnr. Dermot Weld

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VISIT WWW.IRTA.IE FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES 03 THE IRISH TRAINER / APRIL 2018 Winners Abroad What a superb success story, 17 winners inclusive of nine Grade Ones, thereby, showcasing and enhancing the National Hunt Industry and by extension the Irish racing industry as a whole. No praise is too high.

GORDON ELLIOTT him to the ‘Top of the Heap’ as trainer of Samcro, Ballymore Hurdle (G1); Tiger Roll, the most Festival winners in Cheltenham’s Glenfarclas Cross Country; Veneer Of Charm, history. Fred Winter Hurdle (G3); Shattered Love, To round off, Presenting Percy took the J.L.T. Chase (G1); Delta Work, Pertemps Final RSA Chase (G1) for Pat Kelly and so was (G3); The Storyteller, Merriebelle Plate (G3); winning for the second consecutive year at Farclas, Triumph Hurdle (G1); Blow By Blow, the Festival and making it three years on Martin Pipe Hurdle (Class 2). the trot for Pat to be successful and number Thus, eight winners for Gordon, which seventeen is brought up by Balko Des Flos enabled him to equal the record set by Willie – in the Ryanair Chase (G1) - for Henry De in 2015 and also become the leading trainer Bromhead. at the Festival for the second year in a row. Elsewhere, Angus Milan for Noel Kelly and WILLIE MULLINS Gleno for Stuart Crawford obliged at Ayr and Footpad, Arkle Chase (G1); Benie Des Dieux, Callthebarman scored at Huntingdon for O.L.B.G. Mares (G1); Rathvinden, National Gavin Cromwell. Hunt Chase (G2); Bleu Berry, Coral Hurdle (G3); Relegate, Champion Bumper (G1); On the Flat, Your Pal Tal went in at Lingfield Penhill, Stayers’ Hurdle (G1); Laurina, for Jonny Levins and Ty Rock Wonder at Mares’ Hurdle (G2). Wolverhampton for Keith Clarke.

Thus, seven winners for Willie that brought Outstanding work and Well Done.

Barrier trials at Dundalk Barrier trials are cleared to take place before racing at Dundalk, starting April 18, May 2 and May 6, restricted to unraced 2yo & 3yos in separate batches from licensed trainers under licensed riders and catchweights. Participants must have a stalls certificate. Trials are limited to two batches per meeting of six horses, over 5f and 6f, taking place 1h 30 mins and 1h 15 mins before first race. €100 payable to Dundalk. Entries to Jeremy Greene, ITM, 087 112 1625, [email protected]

04 IRISH STALLION FARMS

IRISH RACING’S LARGEST SPONSOR

SUPPORTING IRISH RACING SINCE 1983

€42 million in sponsorship since 1983 from Irish Stallion Farms to Irish Racing

Contributing €2.2 million towards Irish prize-money in 2018

Supporting over 400 Flat & National Hunt races in 2018

FOLLOW US @IrishEBF

Irish European Breeders’ Fund Greenhills, Kill, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 FY62

For further details, contact Nessa Joyce:

T: 00 353 45 910 999 M: 00 353 85 7590970 E: [email protected] www.ebfstallions.com THE IRISH TRAINER / APRIL 2018

Michael Grassick in Conversation with Nessa Joyce, Manager Irish EBF

MICHAEL: Could you tell us a little about extremely dedicated and passionate about the Irish EBF? the scheme and freely give up their time and expertise to steer the Irish EBF into the future. NESSA: It was set up in 1983 as a self-help scheme with a very simple and straightforward premise, In total, Irish EBF has contributed over €42 every year the stallion owners in Ireland can million to Irish prize-money since 1983, with voluntarily pay the equivalent of an average the current 2018 annual investment now at €2.2 nomination fee for each of their stallions into the million, making Irish Stallion Farms the largest Irish EBF fund. Only the progeny of these EBF- sponsor of racing in Ireland. The majority of the registered stallions can enter EBF-sponsored sponsorship goes towards the Flat (€1.6 million in races and benefit from the extra prize money. additional prize-money for nearly 300 races), but I believe its popularity and longevity is due to we also make a significant contribution to National the fact is has remained a simple process. Hunt racing (€550,000 in additional prize-money for about 150 races). The vast distribution of Working closely with HRI, the Irish EBF the fund across nearly 450 races represents the Governors’ create a programme of Irish EBF- ethos of the Irish EBF, to ensure everyone has sponsored races targeted to support both Flat an opportunity to benefit from the scheme. and National Hunt races in Ireland that are judged to support the Irish racing industry. The MG: Speaking of National Hunt, the Irish Irish EBF board, superbly led by John O’Connor EBF NH Summer Series of 20 races was (Chairman) and Joe Foley (Deputy Chairman) a great success, are there any further feel a strong responsibility to ensure the funds National Hunt initiatives planned? are best distributed to benefit Irish racing and to recognise the many stallion owners who NJ: We are currently working on another voluntarily contribute every year. They are significant initiative to further help the grass

06 The idea behind the Irish think it has been very well received and so we EBF Summer National Hunt are very happy to run it again this year. We are actively seeking a sponsor to come on board Handicap Series is to give horses a and help us promote it, a series of races like this competitive option that are rated is a very attractive proposition to a sponsor who 116 or lower, thereby targeting will have exposure at the number of different the grassroots of NH racing. venues over a six month period. We also maintain a strong focus on NH roots of National Hunt racing. We are nearing the mares’ races, this year, the Irish EBF will end of the development stage, so we hope to be allocate €550,000 exclusively to over 150 able to bring you news of a new series by Easter. National Hunt races and half of this allocation is solely for mares’ races. We don’t just do things The idea behind the Irish EBF Summer for a year, we keep going with an initiative until National Hunt Handicap Series is to give horses it’s no longer relevant. The question we are a competitive option that are rated 116 or lower, always asking is, will this make a difference? thereby targeting the grassroots of NH racing. So with these mares’ races the long term The series is composed of 20 hurdle and chase goal is to continue to encourage trainers and races, run from May to October and each worth owners to continue racing mares. The Grade 1 €15,000. It was fantastic to look at the winners €100,000 Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Final of those races last year, there was a brilliant in Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday is a wonderful spread of winning horses and trainers. We showcase of the talented mares in Ireland with Nessa Joyce and Maureen Mullins presenting the trophies for The a few coming over from the UK to take them on. Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle won by Alletrix to Robert Power, Jessica Harrington, her daughter Kate and grandchildren Jack and Max Galway. Photo: Caroline Norris continued �

07 THE IRISH TRAINER / APRIL 2018

The long-term aim was to establish the Series as a target for purchasers of yearlings and two-year-olds and trainers can use this to tip the scales in their favour and encourage new owners to get involved. It’s an easier proposition to get people involved with modestly priced horses with a specific target to aim for.

MG: The Flat Auction Series has had Nessa Joyce making the presentation for The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden won by Dawn Delivers to Gerry Duffy. positive feedback, are you pleased Photo: Caroline Norris with the response from trainers?

NJ: The feedback has been massively Dermot Weld yard, having cost €8,000 at the encouraging and the Series has surpassed our Goffs Sportsman. expectations. Our original aim remains the This year the Foran Equine Irish EBF same, to stimulate the middle to lower end of Auction Series is now worth over €600,000, the yearling market, and we are delighted to will run from May to October, with 23 races hear that trainers are targeting the sales with (two additional races added for 2018) and a this Series in mind. Last year was its third year, €120,000 final in Naas. It was designed to create but the first with Foran Equine as joint sponsors, widescale opportunities for horses purchased at and they have really helped to push the Series public auction as a yearling or a two-year-old for out there. There have been some fantastic stories €72,000 or less, with allowances for fillies and coming from it, Tom Mullins, for example, horses purchased at a lower auction price. The won two races with Powersville, a filly who cost long-term aim was to establish the Series as a €2,500 at Tattersalls Ireland September sale. target for purchasers of yearlings and two-year- The original Series winner in 2015 was olds and trainers can use this to tip the scales in Sheila Lavery’s Sevenleft, bought for €31,000 their favour and encourage new owners to get in Tattersalls Book II. The Kevin Prendergast- involved. It’s an easier proposition to get people trained Trevanna won in 2016 and had cost involved with modestly priced horses with a £10,500 at Tattersalls December Yearling sale, specific target to aim for. having sold for €15,000 at the Goffs February sale. Last year Yulong Gold Fairy won for the continued �

08 FORAN EQUINE IRISH EBF AUCTION SERIES 2018

The series is for EBF eligible 2yo horses purchased as a yearling or 2yo at public auction for less than €72,000.

MAY OCT

11 21 22 ONE FINAL WORTH QUALIFIERS RUN AND YOU’RE IN

€120,000 EACH WORTH A MINIMUM OF TOTAL PRIZE-FUND RACECOURSES €20,000 €617,000

DISTANCES OVER 5f 6f 7f 8f FOR 2yo €72k FILLIES, COLTS & GELDINGS

ALLOWANCES APPLY

HORSES MUST BE TO THE WINNER EBF ELIGIBLE OF THE FINAL €12,500 PLUS 10 BONUS

AUCTION SERIES 2018 INFO: www.auctionseries.com

+353 (0) 1 626 8058 Nessa Joyce www.foranequine.com (0) 45 910 999 [email protected] www.ebfstallions.com THE IRISH TRAINER / APRIL 2018

Presentation to winning trainer Tom Mullins and winning jockey Niall McCullagh from Nessa Joyce (Irish EBF) and Garrett Connolly (Foran Equine) after Powersville wins her 2nd Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race at Naas. Sunday 24th September. Photo: Patrick McCann

MG: What about the older Flat horses competitive environment of handicaps. Not and fillies? only are they very lucrative races, but they can be used as a stepping stone to continue racing NJ: As part of the European Pattern Committee and keep fillies in training. They have proved long-term Stayers Project, to incentivise the very popular and a great opportunity to keep breeding, owning and training of quality staying fillies racing as much as possible. horses in Europe, the Irish EBF sponsors the new €75,000 Listed Yeats Stakes at Navan, won last year by the John Oxx-trained Naughty Or Nice. MG: You have also recognised the stable staff This is a further commitment to supporting and offer valuable Best Turned Out prizes. staying races and we have increased our NJ: We solely sponsor over 330 races and last contribution to three-year-old and three-year- year we started to recognise the hard working old and upwards median auction maiden races stable staff by offering a €100 Best Turned Out of nine furlongs or further. The aim is to target prize for each sole sponsored Irish EBF race. support for the produce of stallions who are We approached each racecourse through the likely to produce staying progeny. Association of Irish Racecourses and asked We also provide additional sponsorship them to match our €50 with another €50 to of Fillies-only handicaps, now totalling 25 make up the €100 prize. It is a testament to all races with added EBF prize money of over Irish Racecourses that they signed up to doing €160,000, the majority of these races are each this for the stable staff. We are committed to worth between €25,000-€30,000 in overall prize continue providing this and see it as one of the money. The aim is to create more opportunities many measures that we are in a position to do for fillies to help enhance their value within the for the industry. �

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New Senior NH Handicapper appointed

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have From Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Andrew is a confirmed Andrew Shaw’s appointment as the graduate of the Irish National Stud course new Senior National Hunt Handicapper. and has extensive international experience in the American and Irish racing industries. IHRB Chairman and Senior Steward of the In the US, Andrew was a stallion groom at INHS Committee, Peter Allen said “I am Spendthrift, where he looked after stallions delighted to announce that Andrew has been such as Seattle Slew, Affirmed, J O Tobin and appointed Senior National Hunt Handicapper Raise a Native before returning to Ireland to where he brings a wealth of knowledge to the manage Brownstown Stud on The Curragh. role. Andrew and the late Noel O’Brien were an excellent team and much respected by all in Andrew joined the Turf Club in 1995 as a the sport for their wise judgement, analytical handicapper and later became part of the minds and handicapping skills. I wish him National Hunt handicapping team with his well in his new role.” late colleague and close friend Noel O’Brien.

Handicapper Mark Bird contact details

The best way for members to contact Garry O’Gorman going forward is to TEXT him a query on 086 His email on eircom.net address is no longer 8564218 and he will operative, his new email address is revert as soon as [email protected] possible. He no longer Garry O’Gorman has his landline Members please contact Mark Bird on phone, please only ring his mobile when 086 3821580 and his email address is genuinely urgent or an emergency. [email protected]

12 £1.33 MILLION TOTAL PRIZE MONEY IN 2018 2018 RACING CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

DATE TOTAL RACE AGE RATING CLASS DISTANCE PRIZE FUND

6/05/18 £30,000 Totepool Tangerine Trees 3yo 2 5f Conditions Stakes (Plus 10 Bonus)

18/05/18 £25,000 Braveheart Handicap Stakes 4yo+ 76-95 3 1m4f

3/07/18 £30,000 Almada Mile Handicap Stakes 3yo+ 81-100 2 1m

20/07/18 £43,000 EBF Glasgow Stakes (Listed) 3yo 1 1m3f

20/07/18 £34,000 Heineken UK Scottish 3yo+ 86-105 2 6f Stewards’ Cup For more information, please contact: 21/08/18 £25,000 BB Foodservice Scottish Trophy 3yo+ 71-90 3 1m1f Handicap Stakes Sulekha Varma Racing Manager & Clerk of the Course 31/08/18 £36,000 Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell 3yo+ 85-100 3 1m4f Tel: 07715 640525 2018 2yo Programme Email: [email protected] 14 x 2yo Novice/Maiden races eligible for Plus 10 Bonus Hamilton Park Racecourse All runners in 2yo races up to 31st August qualify for the £20,000 Bothwell Road BB Foodservice 2yo Series Final (A Nursery Handicap) over 6f Hamilton ML3 0DW on Thursday 13th September www.hamilton-park.co.uk

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Congratulations to the Irish trainers on their successes at Cheltenham 2018!

20 of the 28 winners at Cheltenham 2018 came from Irish and UK racing yards that prepared for the Festival by using the IEC’s Environment & Nutrition testing services! Irish Equine Centre Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0)45 866266 www.irishequinecentre.ie

13 THE IRISH TRAINER / APRIL 2018 IRTA.IE

NEWSLETTERS  The IRTA monthly newsletter, The Irish Trainer, is available to members online.

INDUSTRY UPDATES  This section has relevant links to press releases and information useful to IRTA members.

FORMS Industry-related downloads including; • Weatherbys change of ownership form • HRI trainer marketing support forms

EMPLOYMENT To avail of your members-only login • Stable staff Employment guidelines. password, please contact the IRTA office • Employee hours and annual leave records book. on 045 522981 or through the new office email address [email protected] • Templates – including employment contracts and health and safety statements. www.irta.ie

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