INTERNATIONAL THOROUGHBRED BREEDING COMMUNITY REAFFIRM STANCE AGAINST ARTIFICIAL BREEDING METHODS

 

Members of the International Thoroughbred Breeders’

 Federation (ITBF), unanimously voted against the use of artificial breeding methods in thoroughbreds at the General Meeting of the 2018 ITBF Conference on November 1st in Lexington.
 

The agreement re-affirms the federation’s long held stance against such processes including (but not restricted to), artificial insemination, embryo transfer, cloning, sexing of sperm, genetic engineering/manipulation.
 

The meeting, attended by representatives of 16 ITBF member countries on 5 continents, was part of a wider programme of events hosted by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
 

Delegates discussed global trends in the thoroughbred breeding industry, particularly the polarisation of the market at sales, the ageing demographic of breeders, race prize money levels and racehorse ownership numbers.
 

The ‘middle market’ was discussed by a panel of leading industry figures; Geoffrey Russell (Keeneland), Terence Collier (Fasig-Tipton), Brian Graves (Gainesway), and Pete Bradley (Bradley Thoroughbreds), whilst the success of the Retired Racehorse Project in the USA was shared in a presentation by Jen Roytz. A similar presentation was made by the French delegates, who introduced Au delà des Pistes, their official charity for the promotion of retraining racehorses.
 

In addition to ITBF delegates, veterinary professionals were invited to attend the federation’s Veterinary Meeting on Wednesday, October 31st, which carried accreditation from the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners as continued professional development. Continue reading here.

• Select Season Auction and Celebration:
• Sunday, January 6, 5 p.m.
• Keeneland Entertainment Center
• Live music, cocktails, and dinner
• www.tca.org for more information.

Racing-Europe 

2019 International Racing Trips Announced

May 29-June 4 or 6, 2019: The Derby and Oaks at Epsom, with optional excursions to the French Derby and to Newmarket. Featuring the “Originals”, the world’s most famous and influential classic races. Plus an evening at charming Windsor Racecourse and additional sightseeing and a Thames River cruise in Windsor. As options we’ll offer a day trip to France for the French Derby, and a two-night extension to Newmarket, England’s major training center and the cradle of organized Thoroughbred racing, where we’ll see morning works and visit farms, the Jockey Club, and the excellent racing museum.

June 23-30, 2019: Ireland. Highlighting the Irish Derby, the country’s principal classic event, at the newly-remodeled Curragh Racecourse. Additional racing days and evenings at The Curragh (with multiple Group-level racing) and also an evening card at picturesque Naas. Several farm visits including Coolmore, arguably the leading breeding establishment in the world. An extensive morning training visit with one of Ireland’s most famous trainers and some special non-racing sightseeing.

August 5-12, 2019: Deauville, France. A week in the Saratoga/Del Mar/Kentucky of France. Everything in one place at our favorite racing destination anywhere. Action at the main course (featuring the Jacques le Marois, the season’s biggest race) and also at colorful laid-back Clairefontaine. Farm and training visits leading up to the start of France’s premier yearling sale. A full day’s excursion to the landing beaches and other significant D-Day sites. Time to enjoy Deauville’s delightful seaside pedestrian-scale ambiance. (The dates for this trip may be adjusted by a day or two following the final confirmation of the French racing schedule.)