ITBA Next Generation Internship Scheme Relaunched

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 will be two types of internship–one focusing on office placement and the second a practical placement with hands-on stud farm experience. The placements will begin in August and will be divided into three placements as follows:

  • Placement 1: August 2024 – December 2024
  • Placement 2: January 2025 – April 2025
  • Placement 3: May 2025 – August 2025

The ITBA Junior Internship 2024 will target secondary school students before their transition year and is for ages over 16. A short health and safety and basic handling course will be offered to those individuals. There will also be several opportunities to shadow ITBA's Next Generation Committee during

sales days, race meetings and other industry events.

ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick said, “We are delighted to develop ITBA's Internship for 2024 and think this a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has a passion for the thoroughbred industry. The scheme is a great way to help develop skills and network with industry leaders, as well as encouraging the next generation into the industry. The placements and people you meet offer an invaluable experience in the industry.

“We are looking forward to introducing two different levels of the scheme, as well as developing the Una McElroy Business Internship. This was a project that was very close to Una's heart and it is very fitting that this Internship will honour her memory.”

Applications for both the 2024 Internship and Junior Internship Schemes will begin on Monday, Apr. 15, with interviews held in May and June. For more information and full details, please visit the ITBA website. Applications must be submitted to Nextgen@itba.ie prior to the close of business on Friday, May 10.

The post ITBA Next Generation Internship Scheme Relaunched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Lauding the Best in the Business on a Night of Sheer Emotion 

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 ITBA chief executive Una Tormey last month at the age of only 41.

It wasn't the only part of the evening to bring a lump to the throat. The Next Generation Award was presented a little later on to Amy Marnane, who is the embodiment of unbridled enthusiasm, just like her dad, Con. He was there of course, eyes welling with pride, along with Amy's sister Olivia and members of the extended Marnane family. The one absentee was Con's wife Theresa, who died in December and, like Tormey, is much missed by her many friends in the business and beyond. 

By 2am in the hotel bar, Con and Amy were taking turns on the microphone, and if her endeavours in the bloodstock world ever fail her (they won't) Amy could easily fall back on a career as a singer. It was a night of celebration, and people who know Con Marnane even only in passing, will realise that he takes that approach to life on most days. The recent months will surely have been tough on the family without Theresa in their midst, but there is no better way to honour her memory than by continuing to live life to the full. On Sunday night she would have been especially proud of her eldest daughter, who is a shining example to all young people coming into this industry.

“She was a sponge to soak up information. By five or six she knew every horse by their sire and dam,” said Con in the tribute video to Amy before adding with a grin, “I'm not really surprised…She learnt from the best.”

The best was what Sunday night was all about. From the top jumps prospects, many of whom will return to the Cheltenham Festival in a fortnight's time, to the potential breed-shapers of the future on the Flat, Ireland's equine stars and the people who made them were duly celebrated. 

“We are delighted to have Minister Pippa Hackett join us again for this year's awards and we thank her and her government colleagues for their continued support,” said ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick in her opening address. 

“We are honoured tonight to recognise the outstanding achievement of Irish-bred horses, both Flat and National Hunt, during 2023. This is our opportunity to celebrate their outstanding successes in a year which Irish thoroughbred talent was on display to a global audience once more. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge those who have made a lifelong contribution to Irish thoroughbred breeding and our people awards are well deserved and a testament to the wonderful people we have working in our industry.”

Willie Austin, who will forever be associated with the brilliant, prolific jumper Danoli (Ire), claimed the Small Breeder Award for the year in which Danoli's relative Blazing Khal (Ire) heaped more glory on the family with victory in the G2 Boyne Hurdle.

We will hear more from David Bowe in tomorrow's edition of the TDN after the Littleton Stud manager was given the Wild Geese Award, which is annually handed out to an Irishman or woman who has forged a successful career in the bloodstock industry beyond Ireland's shores. 

Bill Dwan summed up what many people feel about Bowe when he said, “He's an absolute gentleman. I don't know anyone in the business who has a bad word to say about him. It's not ever about David; it's about the horses, it's about Jeff [Smith, Littleton Stud owner].”

Stitch-up of the year goes to the ITBA's awards organising committee, who managed to pull the wool over Leo Powell's eyes. For many years Powell, the former editor of the Irish Field, has been the compere on awards night. This year he was told that the recipient of the Special Contribution award had been kept top secret, and indeed it had been, to the degree that Powell had no idea that the award was coming his way until he was hijacked on stage, expecting to read out someone else's name. 

The warmth of feeling for Powell within the racing and breeding industry was summed up beautifully by Jacqueline Norris in another of the heartwarming videos that the ITBA team does so well. “He's incredibly interested in the people that make up this business. He's kind, he's considerate, he thinks about people,” she said. “Leo Powell is pure class.”

There was also widespread approval for this year's inductees to the ITBA Hall of Fame. Referred to regularly as a “power couple”, the husband-and-wife team behind Tinnakill House, Dermot Cantillon and Meta Osborne, are the worthy new names on that illustrious roll of honour, which also includes Meta's late father, Michael Osborne.

Their great friend Alan Byrne paid tribute to the couple, with plenty of leg-pulling in his humorous address. He said, “What a team, what a partnership: in business and in life. I'm in awe of what they do, and also the skills they bring to their partnership: expertise in pedigrees, conformation judgement, strategic thinking, commercial nous, rigour and an unwavering commitment to hard work – and, look, Dermot brings something to the partnership as well.

“Above all, I would say that Dermot is an enthusiast. With Dermot, the glass isn't just half full, there's about to be so much liquid in evidence that more glasses need to be bought as quickly as possible. He loves the life and he loves the game.”

In almost 20 years at Tinnakill House, the couple has bred four Group 1 winners in Casamento (Ire), Alexander Goldrun (Ire), Red Evie (Ire) and, most recently, State Of Rest (Ire).

Byrne also highlighted the time and devotion they have committed to the industry above and beyond their own farm and in many roles, including Cantillon's chairmanship of Naas racecourse and Osborne's stint as senior steward of the Turf Club, as well as their encouragement of young people starting off in the business. 

“They only ever want the best for the Thoroughbred industry in Ireland,” added John P Byrne.

As Leo Powell conducted an interview on stage with the 'wild goose' David Bowe, who was clearly choked with emotion at being honoured by his peers and countrymen, he asked Bowe for one parting piece of advice for young folk keen on getting involved in the bloodstock business. 

“Immerse yourself in it, get involved in it and stick with it,” offered Bowe.

They are words that can just as well apply to racing and breeding, or indeed the ITBA Awards evening. Don't go there thinking that you will be able to get an early night. Roll with the emotion, sing, dance and enjoy everything that is worth celebrating about this wonderful life. 

ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards Winners

Chaser of the Year 2023
Shishkin, Breeder: CJ & EB Bennett

Hurdler of the Year 2023
Marine Nationale, Breeder: JB Bloodstock   

National Hunt Race Mare 2023
Marie's Rock, Breeder: Dan Breen

Young National Hunt Horse 2023
A Dream To Share, Breeder: Brucetown Farms

Small Breeder 2023
William Austin 

Two-year-old Filly of the Year 2023
Porta Fortuna, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd

Two-year-old Colt of the Year 2023
Henry Longfellow, Breeder:  Coolmore 

Three-year-old Filly of the Year 2023
Mawj, Breeder: Godolphin 

Three-year-old Colt of the Year 2023
Auguste Rodin, Breeder:  Coolmore

Older Horse 2023
Mostahdaf, Breeder: Shadwell Estate 

Next Generation Award 2023
Amy Marnane 

Wild Geese Award 2023
David Bowe

Contribution to the Industry 2023
Leo Powell

Hall of Fame 2023
Dermot Cantillon and Meta Osborne 

 

The post Lauding the Best in the Business on a Night of Sheer Emotion  appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

ITBA Breeding Seminar Plays Host to Industry Experts at Goffs

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 Burns of Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital and Loughtown Stud, bloodstock agent Matt Coleman and Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's general manager in Ireland and European racing.

A variety of themes were up for discussion as the panel talked all things breeding, from what they look for when buying a mare to the general health of the industry and where it might be years from now.

A recording of the event will be available through the ITBA in the coming weeks. The ITBA will also soon be launching their 'Ask The Expert' series which will take place online during March, April and May, providing the opportunity to hear from different figures in the industry on a wide range of topics.

The post ITBA Breeding Seminar Plays Host to Industry Experts at Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Wixted To Take Over From Donworth As ITBA Next Generation Chairman

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 Pinhooking Panel Debate held at Goffs, a Stallion Tour to Coolmore and Castlehyde Studs and a table quiz that was held in conjunction with the Irish National Stud at which all monies raised were donated to Treo Eile.

Commenting on her time as Chairperson, Donworth said, “I was delighted to take on the role of Chairperson of ITBA's Next Gen and am grateful for all the hard work of the Committee which made the last 12 months a huge success. A huge thanks to Chairperson Cathy Grassick and the ITBA for the opportunity to re-launch its junior wing.”

ITBA CEO Una Tormey commented, “The ITBA's Next Generation has always been an integral part of ITBA activity and I am very grateful to Orla and the Committee for the drive and commitment they have shown over the past 12 months to reignite activity.

“From informative panel discussions to networking events the Committee put together a comprehensive plan which catered for young breeding and racing enthusiasts. I look forward to seeing the ITBA Next Gen continue to grow under the Chairmanship of Conor Wixted and the Committee for the next year and would encourage those who have not yet got involved to do so.”

The post Wixted To Take Over From Donworth As ITBA Next Generation Chairman appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights