ITBA Next Generation

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) is now accepting applications for its 2026/27 internship scheme. Established in 2011, the ITBA Next Generation internship scheme aims to develop the skills and knowledge of young enthusiasts in the thoroughbred industry. It has shown itself to be a proven platform to help individuals carve out a successful career in the Irish bloodstock industry, with previous interns having worked at sales companies, racecourses, leading stud farms and industry bodies. The year-long, fully paid internship offers successful candidates invaluable experience working in different industry areas....

The ITBA Next Generation has announced the introduction of the ITBA Next Generation Breeders' Grant, sponsored by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Irish EBF. The grant will be awarded annually, and with immediate effect in 2026, to young breeders in recognition of the achievements of horses they have bred. In year one, it will be awarded to two young breeders - one in the Flat racing category and one in the National Hunt racing category. The inaugural recipients of the ITBA Next Generation Breeders' Grant are Joann Lyons and...

Orla Donworth has joined Fasig-Tipton as its new Global Brand & MultiMedia Manager, according to the organization on Wednesday. "We are delighted to have Orla join the team at Fasig-Tipton," said Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning Jr. "Her experience and expertise will assist us in delivering content for both our live and digital sales." A graduate of the University of Limerick in 2014, Donworth spent six years at top farms around the world including Ireland's Baroda Stud, Roundhill Stud and Rathmore Stud, in addition to Woods Edge and Dell...

Emma Dillon, Emma Hunter, Dana Jones and Ciara Russell have all completed the ITBA Next Generation internship scheme for 2024/25, following placements with a wide variety of companies across the Thoroughbred industry, including Ballylinch Stud, Baroda Stud, the Curragh Racecourse, Goffs, the Irish National Stud, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA), Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM), Newtown Stud, Rathmore Stud, Rossenarra Stud, Tattersalls Ireland and Weatherbys. Dillon and Hunter have subsequently been accepted on the Godolphin Flying Start programme, while Russell will continue working with Goffs as a bloodstock executive and...

Applications for both the ITBA Next Generation Internship and the Junior Internship will close at 5pm on Friday, May 16. The ITBA's Internship will be a year-long, fully-paid internship offering successful candidates invaluable experience working in two to three different industry areas. The placements will begin in September ahead of the sales season and will be divided into three placements. The ITBA's Junior Internship will be targeted at secondary school students in Transition Year and aged over 16. The aim is to link students with a stud farm in their...

It was today announced that the ITBA Next Generation have updated their committee for 2024/25 as they prepare to kick off their calendar of events for the new season. Ross O'Mahony of Tattersalls Ireland steps up to the role of chair and Luke Bleahen of Lakefield Farm will be vice chair. The rest of the committee will comprise of Aoife Boland (Goffs, Piercetown Stud), Luke Coen (Tattersalls Ireland, Q-Cross Stables), Jack Fitzgerald (UCD Vet Student), Sarah Gayer (ALEH), Timmy Love (Coolderry Farm), Paul Moloney (Irish National Stud), Brigitte Murphy (Tally-Ho...

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Next Generation Internship Scheme, which was started in 2011, will be relaunched this year, the ITBA announced on Friday. The programme's aim was to develop skills and knowledge of young enthusiasts in the thoroughbred industry. In 2024, there will be two levels of this scheme: one for individuals aged 18-30, and another for transition year students. ITBA's Internship will be a year long, fully paid internship offering two successful candidates invaluable experience working in three different industry areas for four months each. In addition, there...

Over 200 people attended a breeding seminar held by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) and its junior wing, the ITBA Next Generation, on the eve of the Goffs February Sale on Tuesday, February 6. The event was hosted by Kevin Blake, a well-known racing analyst and broadcaster as well as being a reputable breeder in his own right. He was joined on the panel by former ITBA chairman Dermot Cantillon, the breeder of multiple Group 1 winners at Tinnakill House Stud, plus Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale, Helena...

Conor Wixted is set to take over from Orla Donworth as the chairman of the ITBA Next Generation. Donworth was responsible for reigniting the organisation after a period of inactivity, largely down to Covid, and steps down after a successful time in charge.  Originally formed in 2008 and known as Young ITBA, the Association's junior wing enjoyed a lively year with a number of well-attended events taking place.  Most recently, a National Hunt Panel Discussion took place at Tattersalls Ireland, preceding the May Store Sale. Other activities held included a...

The ITBA Next Generation 10-to-Follow Competition, sponsored by Racing Post Bloodstock, was announced by ITBA Next Generation on Wednesday. To enter, contestants pick their top five Flat and top five National Hunt horses to follow in 2020, with prizes on tap including 1 year free Ultimate Membership to the Racing Post (£349). The competition starts on Feb. 14, but entries cam be made after the beginning of the competition through the month of February. Only one entry is allowed per person, with free entry for ITBA Next Generation members. Results...