ITBA

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...

KILLENARD, Ireland - By daybreak on Monday the last few revellers were leaving the bar at The Heritage while those - admittedly few - of a more disciplined nature started to consider breakfast.  Heads were hurting but hearts were still soaring after an evening celebrating all that is great about the Irish bloodstock industry. And it was a truly great night, but one which naturally started on a sombre note as the gathered guests bowed their heads in a few moments of silence to reflect on the passing of the...

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 Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA)'s Flat Seminar, The Distance Debate, was held in conjunction with the Derby Festival at the Curragh on June 30. The seminar featured a panel of top experts--Kevin Blake, Stuart Boman, Ado McGuinness, Jason Morris and John Oxx, with ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick taking on hosting duties. The discussion--Sprinters, Stayers and Everything in Between--analyzed breeding for different distances to suit market demands, as well as changes in trends over the past number of years and what the future might look like. The panel's lively discussion...

Featuring panelists Kevin Blake, Stuart Boman, Ado McGuinness, Jason Morris, and John Oxx and hosted by Sally Ann Grassick, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Flat Seminar will be held on Friday, June 30. Set for the Curragh Racecourse, the seminar will begin at 2:30 p.m. To register, please email [email protected]. The event is free to attend for ITBA, AIRO, and IRTA members, please quote your membership number or organisation when registering. For non-members who wish to attend there is a €15 entrance fee which includes raceday admission.

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Flat Seminar: 'Sprinters, Stayers & Everything In Between' is scheduled for the Curragh at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30. A panel of speakers consisting of Kevin Blake, Stuart Boman, Ado McGuinness, Jason Morris and John Oxx are slated to be in attendance, and the event will be hosted by Sally Ann Grassick. The seminar will cover a variety of challenges and opportunities around the Flat breeding and racing sector, the current status of Irish Flat breeding and racing and look at the changes in...

The 2023 Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association 2023 Summer Series will launch in June, the ITBA announced on Monday. Set to take place at ITBA headquarters in Kill, County Kildare, the series will include a comprehensive group of seminars focused on stud farm and bloodstock administration, and building your bloodstock business. The ITBA has collaborated the year with Aoife Hanratty's PA Solutions and business growth advisors, Gateway Consultants to help deliver this comprehensive content. The ITBA Summer Series Schedule is as follows: • June 6: Stud Farm Administration from 2-4:30 p.m.,...

Ballylinch Stud's John O'Connor has been named the new Chairman of the European Breeders' Fund. He replaces Philip Freedman, who served two terms in that role. O'Connor, who has also been Chairman of the Irish EBF and ITBA in the past, said, "I am delighted to take on the Chairmanship of the EBF in its 40th year. The EBF plays a significant role in supporting the racing industry at many levels. Due to the calibre of stallions that now stand in Europe and through the commitment of stallion farms large...

Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland have committed support of €50,000 each over the next three years toward the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme, the ITBA announced. The support is in addition to the €100,000 from Horse Racing Ireland through the Foal Levy. Established in 2013, the scheme's aim was to enhance the prices of fillies at store sales and encourage breeders to return their fillies in training. The Weatherbys ITBA NH Fillies Bonus scheme pays out €5,000 to any eligible filly who wins their mares-only maiden bumper,...

In an industry where the hours and expectations fall far outside of the typical 40-hour work week, peers are also your biggest competitors, and the fine line of balance between work and life can be nonexistent, the struggle with mental health is prevalent among the Thoroughbred industry's participants. However, growth of understanding through research, increased discussion and an expanded network of resources is hoping to change all of that, as shared in the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA)'s Mental Fitness and Resilience in the Thoroughbred Industry online seminar, held Wednesday...

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) National Breeding & Racing Awards 2022 will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28. The annual awards recognise the success of Irish-bred horses, both Flat and National Hunt in 2022, as well as those who have made a lifelong contribution to the Irish Thoroughbred breeding industry. The ceremony will be streamed live from 10 p.m. on the ITBA's website.