What the breeding associations say

Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association chief executive Shane O'Dwyer

Breeders should conduct a thorough analysis of their breeding operations as we are facing challenging times due to bigger foal crops coming down the line. We must be conscious of any revision in the market in planning ahead and the key thing is to remain positive and remember that there will always be a strong demand for correctly bred horses that look like they can race.

Prior to the 2017 breeding season the ITBA Mare Owners Committee under the chairmanship of Cathy Grassick will conduct a number of regional roadshows focusing on the main key indicators of pedigree, performance, conformation, progeny and stallion selection. These meetings will give breeders the opportunity to analyse their current broodmare band and take a pragmatic and realistic approach to their breeding operation prior to the season. It is important that breeders have the correct balance between breeding to produce a racehorse and breeding for commercial success.