IRRF auction to raise funds for retraining of retired racehorses

The Irish Racehorse Retirement Fund (IRRF) is holding an online auction, featuring stallion nominations, to support its work in retraining and rehoming former racehorses.

As part of its mission to promote the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses to a wide range of disciplines, the IRRF provides funds to cover up to six months of retraining for horses who have come off the track and rehabilitation for injured racehorses who cannot take part in the retraining programme.

Training for industry staff in welfare and assistance to trainers of retired racehorses is also supported by the IRRF.

As part of its fundraising efforts, Group 1 sire Kuroshio along with new National Hunt recruits Saintgodrel and Boscaccio are the star lots in the charity auction, which runs until Friday week (March 18).

Kuroshio, a Group 2-winning son of Exceed And Excel, has sired the Australian Group 1 winner Savatoxl and Group winners in both hemispheres. He stands at Starfield Stud in County Westmeath for €5,000.

New to Irish breeders for 2022 is Saintgodrel, the only stallion son of the brilliant Saint Des Saints at stud in Ireland or Britain.

Saintgodrel moved to Annshoon Stud in County Kilkenny this year and is available for €2,500, with 50 per cent concession for filly foals.

Boscaccio, by the much-missed Mount Nelson, is also new to stud in Ireland for this season. The Group 2 winner stands for a private fee at Knockhouse Stud in County Kilkenny.

As well as the stallion nominations, there are a couple of interesting lots to pique the interest of any golfing enthusiast, with fourballs at Moy Valley and Rathsallagh up for grabs.

There is also a montage of images of last year's history-making Grand National, taken by Healy Racing and signed by Rachael Blackmore. A ticket package to next month's Irish Grand National completes the line-up.

Amateur jockey Heather Heffernan is the secretary of the IRRF and said: "We're delighted by the backing that our partners and supporters have given us and are thrilled with the lots we have on offer in the auction.

"We hope that people get behind the initiative and get bidding as all proceeds will go to the essential charitable activities that the organisation conducts.

"These funds will assist horses making the transition from racing to a new discipline. They'll make it easier for both the animal and their new owners, as well as providing educational courses on welfare and racehorse-to-riding horse aftercare.”

For those who would like to support the work of the IRRF in other ways, more details are available on their website.

Full details of the auction are available here.

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