NEWSLETTER Spring 2017

Transcription

1 NEWSLETTER Spring 2017

2 Contents Pages ITBA National Seminar 1 ITBA National Breeding and Racing Awards 2 3 ITBA National Hunt Update 5 International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation 6 International News 7 ITBA Snippets 8 Members Benefits 9 Educational Programme 10 ITBA Next Generation Update 12-13

3 ITBA National Seminar Session 1 Modern-day Bloodstock Industry Requirements Chairman: Des Leadon, Irish Equine Centre Panellists Dr Lynn Hillyer, Turf Club Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Hazel Sheridan, Department of Agriculture s Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector Carol Nolan, HRI s Director of People and Industry Education Ronan Murphy Director of Weatherbys Ireland Derek Veitch, Veterinarian & Ringfort Stud owner Topics discussed included: Out of Training Testing Anti-Doping Task Force Administering of medication Vaccine shortages Work Relations Commission (WRC) Inspections Weatherbys Go Digital Session 2 The Future of Ireland s Bloodstock Industry Chairman: Leo Powell, The Irish Field Panellists Colin Bowe, Trainer and Leading Point to Point Handler Mark Johnston, Trainer Ger Lyons, Trainer Ed Sackville, Bloodstock Agent Damian Burns, Lodge Park Stud Joe Foley, Ballyhane Stud Topics discussed included: Sales Analysis What the trainer is looking for Quality of Stallions Scoping First Season Sires Breeding with Old Mares Full report is available from our website 1

4 ITBA National Awards The annual gathering for the ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards on Saturday 28th January was once again a resounding success. The 14 award recipients and the heroics of the horses they bred were showcased in the Heritage Hotel and were streamed live across the world. Taoiseach Enda Kenny led the tributes to Aidan & Annemarie O Brien who were inducted into the ITBA Hall of Fame. Recently retired Tommy Stack received a tremendous reception when he received his lifetime achievement award for his successes as both a trainer and breeder. William Flood is another who has dedicated his life to racing and breeding. The Boardsmill Stud owner was honoured with a contribution to the industry award in recognition of the endless hours he had dedicated as a member of many voluntary committees including The Turf Club, HRI, ITBA, EBF and Navan racecourse. The Wild Geese Award went to Geoffrey Russell, director of sales at Keeneland. This award recognises an Irish Person who has excelled in the equine industry abroad. 2

5 ITBA National Awards Recipients Year Old Filly Award: RHODODENDRON Breeder: Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt Sponsor: Irish National Stud 2 Year Old Colt Award: CHURCHILL Breeder: Liberty Bloodstock Sponsor: Goffs 3 Year Old Filly Award: MINDING Breeder: Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt Sponsor: Arqana 3 Year Old Colt Award: RIBCHESTER Breeder: Andrew Thompson & Michael O Brien Sponsor: Darley 3 Year Old Colt Award: THE GURKHA Breeder: Chintz Syndicate Sponsor: Darley Older Horse Award: FOUND Breeder: Roncon, Wynatt & Chelston Sponsor: HH Aga Khan Studs Small Breeder of the Year Award: SEAMUS PHELAN Sponsor: Rathbarry Stud Young NH Horse of the Year Award: ALTIOR Breeder: Paddy Behan Sponsor: Weatherbys NH Filly of the Year Award: JER S GIRL Breeder: Eugene A Bourke Sponsor: Declan Landy Fencing Chaser of the Year Award: CARLINGFORD LOUGH Breeder: Kenilworth House Stud Sponsor: Coolmore Stud Hurdler of the Year Award: ANNIE POWER Breeder: Eamon Cleary Sponsor: Horse Racing Ireland Wild Geese Award: GEOFFREY RUSSELL Sponsor: Derrinstown Stud Contribution to the Industry Award: WILLIAM FLOOD Sponsor: Tattersalls Ireland Lifetime Achievement Award: TOMMY STACK Sponsor: Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances Ltd ITBA Hall of Fame: AIDAN & ANNMARIE O BRIEN Sponsor: Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association 3

6 G ENERAL STUD BOOK INNOVATION & EXPERTISE SINCE 1770 DIGITAL REGISTRATIONS I RELAND +353 (0) studbookireland@weatherbys.ie

7 National Hunt Update Bonus Scheme gets new title sponsor The ITBA is delighted to announce that Weatherbys Ireland has come on board as title sponsor for the very successful National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme. The bonus scheme was originally set up to stimulate the sales of fillies and to encourage breeders to race them. The fact that Weatherbys Ireland has agreed to sponsor is further testament to their on-going commitment to the Irish breeding and racing industry. Fillies Entered into Scheme 2014 Year Year Year Year Total 2,134 Treble Bonus Winner(s) 1 Double Bonus Winner(s) 26 Winners 2014 Year Year Year Year 4 10 (to ) Total 134 No of eligible Mares only Races races Total Bumpers Mdn Hdls S Chases 2014 Year Year Year Given the figures above it is evident that the Weatherbys ITBA NH Fillies Bonus Scheme continues to excel. To date there has been 134 bonuses of 670,000 handed out to very happy owners. The result of this has seen a marked improvement in the price for fillies at the store sales and the number of fillies returned in training has also increased. We are confident that the goals set out originally in 2014 are being achieved and the scheme is proving to be exceptionally successful. Double bonus Winner The Green Lady Recent bonus winner Martello Park 5

8 ITBF Update International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation Meeting Eighteen countries attended the ITBF Congress in South Africa from the 8th-12th January. A large part of this meeting consisted of a two day open Veterinary Forum which covered a wide range of veterinary related topics including the international lack of vaccines and how in recent times numerous pharmaceutical companies had relocated from the EU to the USA. The bloodstock industry needs to increase its lobbying of the both the pharmaceutical companies and Governments. More statistics from bloodstock industries need to be presented to pharmaceutical companies to highlight the situation. The international movement of horses had increased the understanding of African Horse Sickness and the state veterinary service of South Africa had recently improved both its diagnostics and its quarantine programme with the aim being to apply in 2018 to have the ban on racehorse exports lifted. The development of veterinary medicines for both breeding and racing industries, that being imaging genomics, which can identify genes that influence the brain, cognition, and risk for disease were discussed. A session also dealt with the issue of insurance for the global thoroughbred industry. The subject of genomics was discussed and the ITBF produced a policy document on this area. During the main meeting the ITBF appointed Kirsten Rausing as chairman for a three year period. This gives the organisation more scope to operate outside of our general meetings. The relationship between the Racing Industry as represented by IFHA and EMHA, and the breeding industry as represented by EFTBA and ITBF was discussed. In order for the ITBF to achieve observer status on these bodies we needed to sign off on statutes which were achieved at this meeting. The meeting discussed and agreed that the race programme was important to breeders and that ITBF was not in a position to approach this subject. Individual associations were asked to be proactive in trying to influence the race programme. The Canadian TBA presented the result of a three year research programme on equine microchipping which involves the chip inserted into the lip. The decline in staying horses and rise in popularity of sprint bred horses was discussed and it was agreed that this subject would become more topical as horse racing authorities recognise the detrimental effect on the breed. Again we need to work with various pattern committees to ensure a correct balance. The US highlighted the state of their stallion market noting that in Kentucky the number of stallions has dropped 50% between Consequently book sizes have increased dramatically. Kentucky is facing a very competitive market with the lower number of mares and stallions leading to a more concentrated market. The negative trends encountered are seeing a decrease in average sale prices, young and non-proven stallions securing larger books and an increasing lack of diversity within the breed. Smaller hobby breeders have left the industry. The whole area of the horseracing authority in Australia attempting to regulate breeders under the Rules of Racing was discussed. The meeting agreed that any country s stud book is a significant asset and breeders should have the right to comment on how it is managed. It was recommended that ownership of the stud book should be clarified and protected. 6 INTERNATIONAL THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS FEDERATION

9 The Impact of Brexit on the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Brexit will have very serious implications for the Irish thoroughbred racing and breeding industry and the concerns of the sector will need to be taken into account in any discussions/negotiations on the matter. In a variety of ways, the Irish racing and breeding industry is dependent on Britain as our main market and therefore it is considerably exposed in the event of a hard Brexit. To a large extent the horse racing and breeding industries of the UK and Ireland operate as one with horses, trainers, riders regularly moving between both jurisdictions. The situation is further complicated by the fact that horse racing and thoroughbred breeding has always been operated on an all island basis in Ireland. For example, foals born in Northern Ireland carry the (IRE) suffix rather than (GB), and two of Ireland s 26 racecourses are based in Northern Ireland, with 22 fixtures run there annually. All trainers in Northern Ireland are licenced by the Irish Turf Club and races there are run under the Turf Club s Rules of Racing. 90% of runners at these fixtures are trained in the Republic with horses moving on a daily basis, so the return to a hard border would seriously disrupt this movement. The two countries operate as a single entity for stud book purposes (i.e. British and Irish foals are both registered in the one stud book) and together with France, we have historically had a tripartite agreement between the respective Departments of Agriculture to facilitate free movement of thoroughbred horses between the three countries. It is vital that this is retained. 65% of Ireland s annual foal crop is exported and 80% of these exports are to Britain. It is the single biggest market for Irish bloodstock and a major source of overseas revenue to Ireland. Ireland s exports of thoroughbreds to Britain are worth approx 225m each year, which will be at risk due to reduced trade flows following the vote in favour of Brexit. Exchange rate volatility will also make Irish exports more expensive. Whilst they are complimentary to each other, the industries in Britain and Ireland are also in competition for investment, sale of media rights (pictures) of racing, location of bloodstock and training operations. The concern is that once Britain leaves the EU, it could offer a raft of taxation and other incentives which Ireland would be unable to match. The introduction of tariffs or regulations would increase the cost of business and reduce the free movement of labour and horses. Ireland currently attracts circa 80,000 racing tourists from Britain annually which will be at risk due to unfavourable exchange rates and reduced trade. From 2019 to 2023 the Irish media rights deals will be paid in sterling creating an obvious risk to the income streams of racecourses in particular. In 2016, Irish trained horses ran 1,471 times in Britain winning prize money of 15.3m. In reverse there were 309 British runners at Irish race meetings winning 3.9m in prize money. 7

10 Equine Genomics The ITBA policy on Equine Genomics has now been endorsed by EFTBA and the ITBF. After careful consideration the ITBA, EFTBA and the ITBF have all concluded that they see no value presently in the widespread usage of performance test genomics (speed gene testing). It was felt that these tests have significant potential to adversely affect the existing pattern of racing and the practices and valuation system of the breeding industry. It is recognised that some individuals may wish to continue to use this test and they are of course free to do so, But neither the ITBA, nor EFTBA nor the ITBF will host meetings (or use its offices to circulate literature) that would be used to promote use of performance test genomics. The commercial companies that market these tests are of course entitled to host their own meetings and anyone, breeder or otherwise, is entitled to attend them. The ITBA, EFTBA and the ITBF recognise that the science of Genomics has found application in other livestock industries, but for very different goals / production traits, than those of the thoroughbred industry. We also recognise that Genomics has been shown to be of value in the identification of predisposition to disease and other health related issues. We consider that this science could, in carefully controlled and monitored studies, provide some benefits in this regard to the thoroughbred industry and further consideration will be given to this use of this science, in collaboration with academic institutions. 8

11 Members Benefits The ITBA / Electric Ireland exclusive discount for all ITBA members on commercial premises continues. This includes existing and non-existing customers Up to 20% discount Available (Dependent on MPRN type and consumption) To activate your Discounts Call Paschal on or paschal.electricireland@saleschannel.ie 9

12 Education ITBA Summer Educational Series July 2017 at ITBA HQ, Greenhills, Kill, Co Kildare Educational topics addressed by Industry Experts, which will be delivered via half/full/multiple day training modules, some of which will be QQI accredited, they include: Tax Consideration & Inheritance Employment Law Supervising /Management Skills Essential Computer Skills Digital /Marketing Skills Fire Safety Awareness Work Place Safety Risk Assessment Training Health and Safety Statement Preparations ITBA Foal Sales Preparation Seminar September 2017 at ITBA HQ / Stud Farm A Smart Approach to Foal Sales Preparation Seminar & Stud Visit. Educational topics addressed by Industry Experts including; Preparing the foal Feeding Veterinary Farriery ITBA Veterinary Lectures Series Autumn/Winter 2017 Kildare Venues TBC Veterinary Lectures Series consisting of 3 /3 lectures will take base at venue in Co Kildare and will address current / relevant veterinarian issues of breeders. Expert panel will be secured and all series will have Veterinary Council of Ireland CVE Points. Northern Region ITBA Northern Region held a very informative evening for Breeders kindly hosted by Hugh Suffern in his Tullyraine Eqine Clinic in Banbridge, Co Down. Hugh Suffern started proceedings with a practical demonstration in the lunging ring followed by a video presentation explaining the wind examination and endoscopy of store horses and how to avoid the pitfalls. Stuart Williamson from Newmarket Equine Hospital discussed the endoscopic examination of foals and yearlings at sales and the common findings with on-board scoping. Tullyraine Business partner Inge D Haese finished off the lecture with a detailed video presentation on gastroscopy, dealing with stomach ulcers in the racehorse. The fully packed auditorium enjoyed a practical and informative evening and it finished with a very tasty supper. We would like to thank Bluegrass Horse Feeds for their very kind sponsorship. 10

13 Open Information Evenings ITBA Open Information Evenings The ITBA will conduct open Information evenings on behalf of the Alliance for Racing & Breeding over the next few weeks across the country to discuss the following: Employment Law Impending WRC Inspections to include presentation from IBEC. Health & Safety Implications of Brexit on the Industry Update from ITBA Amber Byrne, HRI s New Owner Recruitment Manager will highlight her plans for future Ownership, Leasing and Syndicates. The Information Evenings will take place on the following dates: Keadeen Hotel Newbridge, Co Kildare - Wednesday 19th April, 2017 at 7.00pm Fermoy, Co Cork, Venue TBC - Tuesday 3rd May, 2017 at 7.00pm WRC Inspections The impending Work Related Commission inspections will check payroll records and their chief concerns will be rates of pay and whether employees are paid at least minimum wage ( 9.25 per hour) and receiving relevant premiums for public holidays, etc. Record keeping will be checked and timesheets, signed by employees, must be in place to record all hours worked. Written terms of employment must be in place for all staff and hours of work and rest breaks recorded. The maximum working week is 48 hours, which can be averaged over a six-month period, with a minimum of one day off per week. Employer s checklist: Employee records full name, address, DOB, PPS number, job description, start/finish dates, gross weekly pay, gross hourly rate of pay Payroll records weekly/monthly gross to net reports, payslips, over-time, bonus payments, etc. Weekly/monthly timesheets that record all hours worked, signed by employer and employee Record of annual leave, sick leave and public holidays taken by each employee A register of each employee under 18 years Written terms of employment Employment permits, if applicable Employers are reminded that they are required to keep records for three years and that inspectors can take copies away. Employers should also be aware of newly introduced Paternity Leave, allowing fathers two weeks of leave. Emergency Leave (force majeure leave) is also something to keep in mind. 11

14 ITBA Next Generation Blog Caitriona Bolgers - Next Generation Apprentice 2016 / 2017: 2nd Blog As part of my second placement on the ITBA Next Generation Apprenticeship Scheme I began at the worldrenowned Coolmore Stud in the second week of January. I wasn t sure what to expect and was nervous going into a big organisation having never foaled a mare before. I travelled down on a Sunday evening and was met by area manger Derek Bailey who runs the Ballintemple Foaling Unit where I have spent the first two months of my four-month placement. It is here where all of the Coolmore partners mares are foaled so the quality is truly astonishing. Many of the mares are multiple Group 1 winners themselves or dams of some of Europe s finest racehorses. I have gotten to work daily with Meow, dam of last season s European Champion 2-Year-Old Churchill, and Hveger, dam of Highland Reel and Idaho. Everything at Coolmore is done to an extremely high standard and the barn at Ballintemple is kept immaculately. I lived on the farm so I was on hand for the foalings. There are three night staff Christina, Rosie and Tommy who play a hugely important role after foaling. Ideally the foal will be standing within 45 minutes and suckling the mare within an hour and a half of being born. I have worked on foal watch which involved observing and checking the mares every minutes and have assisted with almost 30 foalings which has been an incredible experience. When the mare shows signs of foaling Derek checks the presentation of the foal inside the mare. I have been lucky enough to get to check a few presentations under his guidance. Once the presentation is correct we leave the mare to lie down. As the mare pushes we also gently pull on the foal s front legs and help her deliver the foal. When the umbilical cord breaks, we pinch the cord at the navel to prevent blood loss, it is then sprayed with an iodine solution to prevent infection. An enema is warmed and administered to the foal which helps with the passing of the foal s first droppings or meconium. The mare s colostrum level is checked and if it scores low we give the foal a bottle of high quality colostrum. This will have been taken previously from a mare with a good colostrum supply and immediately frozen for preservation. I also witnessed the fostering of mares and foals. This is only ever done if a mare is unable to rear her own foal through illness, injury or death. There are about 60 foster mares on hand at Coolmore for fostering and they are selected for their great temperament and strong nurturing instinct. I am very thankful Derek Bailey invested the time to teach me all about foaling, from the preparation to the birthing process and the aftercare of mares and new-born foals. The care given to the mares and foals is second to none and it was a pleasure working there. The staff are very hardworking and maintain such high standards. For the second two-month spell of my placement I will be working with the mares and older foals. This will allow me to learn about the process of getting a mare back in foal, observing mare teasing, veterinary reproductive work, actual coverings and scanning for pregnancy. I am very thankful to all at Coolmore for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to my last placement which will be in Tattersalls Ireland. Thanks to ITBA for givingme these amazing opportunities. 12

15 ITBA Next Generation Blog Leona Hughes - Next Generation Apprentice 2016 / 2017: 2nd Blog When I began working at Punchestown racecourse as the second phase of my apprenticeship, I had no idea as to how much I would grow as a person, not only as a professional. Punchestown has given me the opportunity to meet new people and do things that have been outside of my comfort zone. Initially I was very nervous as to how I would fit in to an already close knit work environment. I mentioned this in my first blog post. Although I am a bubbly, outgoing person, I find it hard to come out of my shell in a new environment. I am conscious of the fact that I am the new person, probably more so than anyone else takes note of and I am eager to prove that I am a good worker and that I do have a purpose. My role at Punchestown racecourse is to shadow the PR & Communications manager Shona Dreaper. Shona is a very hard working individual and it is great being able to get an insight on what it is like being a strong and influential woman in an industry that is so saturated with men. Not to sound too discriminative but I am passionate of the fact that women can be just as good in this industry, success is determined on dedication and hard work not what gender you are. It is very busy here at Punchestown at the minute. With a major re-development on the go and the annual racing festival to organise, it is a very busy time for all in the office and there is never a spare moment. On a daily basis it is my job to help maintain the social media aspect of Punchestown. I schedule tweets and facebook posts along with ad campaigns and helping to allocate the budgets that will help promote the Festival here in April. I also am in the process of helping design the media kits for all the press that will be a part of festival Additionally, I help with ticket sales and general admin duties that are all a part of the daily running of a busy office. The office in Punchestown is a very open environment where every opinion is valued no matter what your job is. I have learned that it is not until you are in a job or a role that you realise how much goes into it. I ve learned that 120,000 people don t just arrive at Punchestown in April by accident and that almost 3 million in prize money is not raised easily, it takes a lot of hard work and everyone is brilliant at what they do. The famous Dick O Sullivan has been a great mentor to not only myself but the other young people in the office by taking us aside now and again and telling us what we are doing well and how we can improve it. He gave us a talk one day on how he likes to run things. I have a sheet stuck to my desk with his five words of wisdom that have brought him his success to date; Strategy, Structure, Capability, Clarity and Responsibility. With a small team running a big event you need to be a self-starter and do your best to get the job done. If you have an idea, you do your research; put the work in and your idea will be supported. If it works great and if it fails you analyse why, decide what you would do differently and move on from there. It certainly gives you confidence in business and it is a very supportive environment with a common end goal (Festival 2017 to be a success). Everyone mucks in together, no matter what their job description. 13

16 ITBA, Greenhills, Kill, Co. Kildare, Ireland Tel (0) Fax. +353(0) ITBA_Official Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association