Sandown hosts second edition of raceday that aims to showcase breeding industry

Sandown hosts the second edition of Breeders’ Day, in partnership with the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, on Wednesday, with the seven races sponsored by bloodstock industry organisations.

The event, taking place as last year during National Racehorse Week, will feature a range of activities for racegoers, such as competitions, interactive displays, interviews with breeders, give-aways and trade stands – including Great British Racing, the British Racing School, Careers in Racing, Retraining of Racehorses and other industry bodies.

There will also be opportunities to learn about shared ownership options and how to become involved in thoroughbred breeding, while students and those seeking a career change can find out about roles in the industry.

A variety of talks from industry representatives will take place throughout the day in the paddock, focusing on how they got into racing or bloodstock and their pathways into the breeding industry – these will include bloodstock agents and farriers.

The races are backed by Whatton Manor Stud, the National Stud, Blandford Bloodstock, Chasemore Farm, Coln Valley Stud, Highclere Stud and Barton Stud, and there will be a prize for the breeder of each winner.

The highlight is the Listed Fortune Stakes sponsored by Chasemore Farm, while the preceding Blandford Bloodstock Novice Stakes was won three years ago by subsequent world champion miler and now Darley sire Palace Pier.

Of the 11 remaining runners in this year's contest, Godolphin newcomer Striking Star’s pedigree stands out.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt is by Darley doyen Dubawi and is the second foal and first runner out of Rockfel Stakes winner and 1,000 Guineas runner-up Lucida, who represented an interesting bit of inbreeding by Godolphin as she is by Shamardal out of a mare by Street Cry, who was a brother to Shamardal’s dam Helsinki.

The TBA annual general meeting takes place at 10am at Sandown and will include presentations on the TBA’s work streams and a keynote speech by the Rt Hon Lord Benyon, parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

There will be a two-minute silence 15 minutes before the first race to mark the passing of the Queen, who had been patron of the TBA since 1954.

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