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Now in its tenth year, the Weathersby’s ITBA NH Fillies Scheme remains open until 30th September 2023. If you are a NH Breeder or Owner and wish to make your filly eligible for the scheme, the terms and conditions remain as follows:
This is a once-off payment that makes your filly eligible for bonuses amounting to €17,500. Once entered, eligibility will start on 1st January, 2024. Fillies purchased at any Irish Store Sale will automatically be eligible once they are sold through the ring, with the vendor paying €50 at entry and the purchaser paying the additional €150 directly to the sales company. Fillies bought outside the ring but processed through the sales company are also eligible. Those lots purchased outside the ring and not using the sales company or unsold lots will need to have the additional €150 paid to the ITBA before the closing date to ensure her eligibility. Owners of fillies not presented at store sales will pay €200 to the ITBA before the closing date. There are bonuses attached to every mare’s only maiden race in Ireland: Bumpers, Maiden Hurdles and Beginners Chases. The bonuses are paid to the winning owners in the following way: €5,000 - Mares only Bumper €5,000 - Mares only Maiden Hurdle €5,000 - Mares only Beginners Chase From 1st January 2024, all IRE Bred fillies will now be eligible to win €7,500 when winning her first bonus. The scheme includes a number of Mares only Handicap Hurdles for fillies that did not win their maiden and also supports the Connolly’s RED MILLS EBF Auction Race Series. Should you have any fillies you wish to make eligible, please use the attached form. 
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There will be an Extraordinary General Meeting of AIRO Racing CLG on Thursday 19th October, 2023 at their registered offices at ITBA Buildings, Greenhills, Kill, Co. Kildare at 6pm. The purposes of the EGM is to make a declaration as per the constitution as to the AIRO nominee for the HRI Board. All members are welcome.
The tremendous work of Treo Eile in the past couple of years was very much evident at the Tattersalls Ireland July Show where The Tattersalls Ireland and Treo Eile Racehorse to Riding Horse Class attracted a record number of entries.
Earlier this year Tattersalls Ireland partnered with Treo Eile to sponsor the Showing Pathway Series 2023. The aim of the series is to identify racehorses which are judged to have transitioned to be suitable riding horses and is open to both raced and unraced Thoroughbreds. The series consists of eight qualifiers, which commenced on Saturday May 20, with the grand finale on Sunday September 3 at the Royal Meath Show. The torrential rain certainly didn't dampen numbers at the Tattersalls Ireland July Show particularly in the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Qualifiers on Wednesday, July 19. The Novice Racehorse to Rding Class saw 25 combinations line up under ride judge Mrs Michelle Burgess and confirmation judge The Hon. Mrs. Cavendish, both of whom travelled over from the UK to conduct proceedings. All 25 combinations were required to perform an individual show after the initial go around. Given the numbers in the ring, many of whom are only off the track this year, all combinations performed impeccably. Ring steward and Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony, under instruction from the judges beckoned forward Sofie Walshe and KINSAU as their winner of the novice class. Kinsau is a once raced gelding who has found his niche eventing under Sofie. Taking second place was Anglesey Lodge vet Sarah Gayer on her own Home Farm, a five-time winner from 30 runs when racing in the colours of Chris Jones. Yeomanstown Stud’s Rolline O’Callaghan took third place on her own Dark Angel gelding Dante’s Pass, a two-time winner when running in the colours of his owner/rider. Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo occupied fourth position on his showing debut for Louise Duffy. Burgess and Cavendish had fewer to judge but no easier task when twelve competitors entered the arena for Open class. This time all horses were ridden by Burgess and required to strip for the conformation element judged by Cavendish. Burgess seemed to relish the opportunity to ride these ex-racehorses and opened them up for a serious gallop along the long side. Mahoney once again was responsible for pulling forward the winners and Philippa Scott’s Milliner took the top spot much to the delight of her partner, the Lusk trainer Thomas McGrath. Scott’s father, renowned show horse producer Philip Scott was once again beaming to see Milliner standing top of the line as he missed the Racehorse class at this show last year instead deputising in the Riding Horse class which he duly won. Another Gold Cup winner, Sizing John took the runner up spot under Kate Harrington with the RDS qualified Mickah Wallace in third under Stephanie McGlynn. Last year’s RDS Champion and Irish Grand National Winner General Principle took the green rosette in fourth place. Among the entries on the day were an array of representatives from throughout the industry; pony club, riding club and the racing industry alike. Partnerships such as Snow Falcon and Emma Connolly who works for Noel Meade Racing, are just an example of the care and affection given to these horses. Emma has looked after Snow Falcon for 10 years throughout his racing career. The duo are now enjoying their new endeavours in the showing ring. Other long-term partnerships include Seainin Mahon & General Principle, Kate Harrington & Sizing John to mention a few. Follow Treo Eile’s social media channels to follow these horses’ journeys into their new careers. HRI Welfare Department have notified us of a change in Directive 16 regarding the Horses Retired from Racing - Non-Racing Declaration. Please see below the details (outlined in section 3) of the changes whereby Trainers and Owners can notify HRI of a horse being 'Retired from Racing'    AIRO are delighted to be working in association with the Irish Equine Centre and together have developed a selection of packages (Gold, Silver and Bronze) for Owners who may have their horses at home and want to ensure that they return into training in the best possible shape ahead of the 2023/24 season. These packages are discounted and specifically for AIRO Members.    For further information on how to avail of these packages contact the Irish Equine Centre on 045 866266.
The inaugural Owners & Trainers Golf Classic was held in glorious sunshine at the magnificent Mount Juliet Golf Course in Co. Kilkenny on Wednesday 24th May, 2023. 20 highly competitive teams participated in the classic of which the proceeds were in aid of horse welfare charity TREO EILE. We are delighted to announce that we made over €10,000 and will make a presentation to TREO EILE once all the monies are collected. There were so many teams in contention for the prizes but it was the final team out, Connolly’s RED MILLS, who bagged the biggest score of the day on 98, won the first prize of an overnight stay in Mount Falcon Estate and bragging rights for the next year. Trainers, Mouse Morris, Conor O’Dwyer, David Marnane and Johnny Levins came in second with 96 points and picked up the bespoke horse portrait voucher from Jason O’Ceannobhain. Gordon Elliott’s & the Irish Jockeys Association teams were tied at 95 points each for the third position with Gordon’s team winning out in a count back to bring home the fabulous holdall bags from Dubarry Ireland. The ITBA team supplied us with both winners of the longest drive competitions with Sean Ronan and Fiona McEnery picking up the Plusvital voucher prizes attached to them. Owner, Tim O’Driscoll from the Gordon Elliott team was nearest the pin and picked up a case of champagne from Banim Wine Merchants. The ‘pick-out’ prizes were won by Ken Whelan, Golf pack from CW Clothing, Ger Canty - Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 instant photo printer from Bermingham Cameras and Kieran Gleeson, Overnight stay & dinner at The Club at Goffs. We want to thank all our prizes, goody bag and tee-box sponsors for their generous support. Finally, we want to thank all the teams for participating, we had a wonderful day and already we are looking forward to the re-match in 2024…  Winning Team from Connolly RED MILLS receiving their winning prize of an Overnight stay & Evening Meal at the fabulous Mount Falcon Estate in Co. Mayo.  Conor O'Dwyer, Johnny Levins and David Marnane from the IRTA Team were runners up, missing from the picture is Mouse Morris.  Gary O'Brien, Ray Stokes, Ian Amond and Tim O'Driscoll from the Gordon Elliott Team took third place.
Please see below a list of fixtures for 2023 with the FREE race days for owners highlighted in red. Simply present your AIR card at the entrance to gain admission to the racecourse. Thank you to AIR (Association of Irish Racecourses) for organising these FREE days for owners once again in 2023.  The third Annual General Meeting for AIRO Racing CLG took place on Tuesday 18th April in ITBA HQ both in person and by electronically via zoom.
Chairman David Hyland welcomed all attendees and informed them that AIRO had gotten firmly back on track last year and enjoyed a tremendously productive 2022. He noted the focus of AIRO’s board members and management was placed on forging strong links with industry stakeholders. He advised that they attended numerous meetings throughout the year, through the seats on HRI boards, working committees and industry meetings to discuss every aspect of the game on behalf of owners. He paid tribute to AIRO’s former manager Aiden Burns who passed away earlier this year after a brief illness. He highlighted a number of issues affecting our industry that AIRO felt must be addressed on behalf of owners: Prize-Money – This is the most essential and most worrying issue affecting Irish owners at present. He explained in recent years we have seen increases of prize-money at the very top level of racing but the middle section in both codes have not received any increase in prize-money since 2008. The 2022 HRI factbook states that Owners are now contributing 25% of the prize-money pot, the largest owners contribution in Europe. HRI Chairman, Nicky Hartery and CEO Suzanne Eade have both stated in recent times that prizemoney is a priority for HRI, for the retention of owners going forward, it is essential that these prizemoney promises are delivered upon. He noted that AIRO have written to HRI, who are currently negotiating the next media rights deal, and proposed that a portion of the new media rights deal income be ring-fenced for prizemoney and the race-day experience for owners. He asked that any increase in prize-money be better dispersed across all levels especially the middle sector which he believes is critical for the retention of owners. AIR - He expressed AIRO’s concern about the ongoing situation between racecourses in the agreement of the aforementioned media rights deal. He noted the hopes from AIRO that Association of Irish Racecourses can a find a quick resolution to the situation and urged them to take a cohesive stand, work together and solidify the financial future for the whole industry and the 29,000 jobs involved. Retention of Owners – Mr Hyland was anxious to re-iterate AIRO’s concern for the retention of owners. He noted that the industry are heavily reliant on Racecourses to provide a Race day experience for Owners that will entice them to come back and re-invest time and time again. He further explained that in the majority of cases, racecourses are putting in a tremendous effort and are ticking every box. He thanked those managers and teams involved for all they do and ask that they continue their superb efforts in raising the bar. He also noted there are some racecourses, that view owners as a drain on their resources and he took this opportunity to remind them that collectively owners are contributing between €250 - €300 million annually and through their investment are a vital cog to the success of the Irish Racing industry. To this end, AIRO are working with other industry stakeholders to ensure a minimum standard at all racecourses. He explained that AIRO have harnessed very good working relationships with all industry stake-holders and are working closely with them all for the good of Irish Racing. Welfare – He noted that as the representative body for owners and as owners, we are extremely cognisant of our responsibilities regarding welfare and the post-racing career of our horses. AIRO put together a pamphlet last year entitled ‘Simple guide to responsible ownership’ reminding owners of their responsibilities outlining the various different options available to owners for an alternative career for retired racehorses. AIRO are running a golf tournament in Mount Juliet on Wednesday 24th May, 2023 in conjunction with the trainers association with the full proceeds going to TREO EILE, the charity involved with retraining and rehoming retired racehorses. Teams (of 4) are €850 and as there are still a few tee-times available and he called on all industry golfing enthusiasts to call the AIRO office and register a team. Jacqueline Kelly from the company auditors, SCD Accountants Ltd ran through the financial statements for 2022 and company secretary Regina Byrne reviewed the many activities for AIRO during the year and complimented the board for their participation with a special reference to our HRI Representative Caren Walsh for her selfless commitment to Irish Owners. David Hyland announced that there was no election as there was one board position available and we received one nomination form duly completed and signed. He bid farewell to our friend and comrade Bill Bourke, who resigned his seat on the board. Bill has served on this board for many, many years in many different roles but primarily as treasurer in recent times. He stated that Bill had embraced all of those roles with infectious enthusiasm and unfailing loyalty to Owners. He thanked him sincerely for his immense contribution and noted that he will be sorely missed by us all. He welcomed Mark Molloy, a highly respected Owner/Breeder and businessman from Co. Tipperary and thanked him for putting himself forward and looked forward to working together. Mr Hyland concluded by stating that AIRO will continue to grow and encouraged all owners to get involved. He reminded Owners that third party liability insurance is included in our list of membership benefits which also includes half-price RacingTV. He also reminded members/owners that the AIRO Marquee is available in the reserved enclosure for the Punchestown Festival, where a cuppa, some light refreshments and a welcome seat are available and encouraged members to call the office for information. He finished by noting that AIRO have an open-door policy and owners are invited to call in or phone Regina in the office should they wish to get any information. He thanked the board of directors and management for their time and efforts and the owners for their continued support of the industry. AIRO (Association of Irish Racehorse Owners) in conjunction with HRI Ownership will host an ‘Owners Roadshow’ at Naas Racecourse on Thursday 30th March, 2023.
The purpose of the roadshow is to provide a platform for owners to ask industry representatives any questions they may have in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The following industry representatives will be available during racing in the tote hall under the main stand to answer all queries: AIRO – Association of Irish Racehorse Owners Find out how to join, what service AIRO provides for Owners and the various members’ benefits available to you as a racehorse Owner. HRI Ownership How to become a new owner, different types of ownership available and what an owner can expect going racing as an Owner? The HRI Ownership team will be on-hand to provide all the relevant information. Education & Training Representatives from Equuip will advise owners on the education and training facilities that they provide for the industry along with career opportunities available within Racing. Entries/Declarations and Balloting Ever wondered what the processes are regarding entries and declarations or how the balloting system works, now is your chance to find out… HRI Entries & Declarations team are available to advise on all these issues. Owners Charges HRI Client a/c representative will advise on what charges are currently being paid by Owners and what new owners can expect to pay or any questions you have in relation to your racing account. Welfare HRI Welfare Department Representative will be available to advise owners on what procedures and plans are in place regarding horse & human welfare. While there will also be stand representing TREO EILE, a charitable organisation who will provide information to owners regarding the retraining and rehoming of ex-racehorses and Irish Polo Crosse, who will also inform Owners of the type of thoroughbred that their members would be looking for as a post-racing option for your horse. Admission is FREE for everyone and there will be sandwiches/sweet treats/tea & coffee for all owners who attend during racing. Vouchers for refreshments will be available from the AIRO stand. We look forward to welcoming you all on the day. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Regina in AIRO on 045 878173 or email info@irishracehorseowners.com. The Board of Directors, Management and all the members of AIRO were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and former manager Aiden Burns.  Aiden Burns was a Gentleman. He was committed to the betterment of Irish racing and represented Owners with the highest integrity in a good humoured, kind and professional manner for nearly two decades. He was an avid golfer and a big racing fanatic and combined both when organising the Blackbush Golf Club Syndicate in 1998. He had many horses in training over the years and the most prolific winner was with his golfing friends when Miss Orchestra won the Midlands National in Uttoxeter for trainer Jessica Harrington. An accountant by trade, Aiden assumed the role of General Manager of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) in 2004 having been involved in the association for many year prior to that. For over sixteen years he dedicated his time and efforts to enhancing the experiences for racehorse Owners in Ireland, he was instrumental in building the association to over 2000 members and amassed a legion of friends on the Irish Racing circuit and beyond during his tenure. Aiden offered his letter of resignation in 2020 and delayed his retirement to allow the board time to find his replacement. Sadly, his retirement was cut short and after battling illness bravely over the past few months, he passed away on Saturday 28th January, 2023. Aiden, was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia (Pat) and he will be fondly remembered for his kindness, good humour and his unfailing commitment to Irish Owners and by all his friends at AIRO and in Irish Racing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam… The funeral arrangements are as follows: https://rip.ie/death-notice/aiden-burns-duleek-meath/524552/ |
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