Andrea Ryan appointed new chief of rehoming and retraining organisation Treo Eile

Andrea Ryan has been appointed the new chief executive of Treo Eile, which provides assistance to trainers and owners in rehoming and retraining horses once their racing career has come to an end.

Established as a not-for-profit in 2020, Treo Eile aims to connect owners with retrainers, support ex-racehorses with a prize-based thoroughbred event program and promote their versatility. It works closely with the industry to support thoroughbreds in their lives beyond racing.

An experienced equine veterinarian and accomplished equestrian, Ryan said: "Throughout my career as an equine vet, I've always admired the courage, stamina and temperament of thoroughbreds, and so I am delighted to get the opportunity to join the team at Treo Eile. 

"Since its inception in 2020, Treo Eile has done a lot of good work in supporting the racing industry by developing meaningful second careers for retiring racehorses. In Ireland, we are not just home to great horses, but also great horse people, and I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders towards a common goal of putting equine wellbeing at the centre of our industry.”

Caoimhe Doherty, Treo Eile director, said: “We are thrilled to have Andrea’s expertise as both a vet and an equestrian. She brings a wealth of knowledge from all aspects of her career to the role. Andrea is joining a strong team with Anne O’Connor and Melanie Young, and we are excited to continue developing Treo Eile and our commitment to aftercare.”

Gimcrack named after Lacy

The Gimcrack Stakes on August 22 will be run in honour of jockey, trainer and breeder Tom Lacy, who died at the age of 89 last month.

Lacy rode more than 50 winners on the Flat and finished second in two Irish Grand Nationals aboard Height Of Fashion. He also sent out Ingabelle to win the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes, bred Persian Force and is known for having helped guide the early career of nine-time Irish champion jockey Pat Smullen.

"Adding Tom’s name to the Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes this year is a small gesture, but one which I hope will serve as a poignant reminder of the enormous impact he had on the sport," said Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai founder Malih Al Basti.

James Brennan, York's head of marketing and sponsorship, added: "Although Tom didn’t have a particularly close association with York as a trainer, we welcome this opportunity to acknowledge his influence on the wider sport.”

The Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes, sponsored by Al Basti Equiworld, was won last year by the Andrew Balding-trained Cool Hoof Luke. 

Talks to resume over temporary switch of Cox Plate to Flemington next year

Australia's top weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, is likely to be held at Flemington next year, according to local reports.

A venue is required for 2026, with Moonee Valley closing after this year's $6 million Cox Plate to undergo a $220m full racecourse redevelopment, which is due to be completed in time for the prestigious race to return home in 2027.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club is to consider a recommendation to run the Cox Plate at Flemington, which, if passed through, would then need to be ratified by the Racing Victoria board.

The Melbourne Racing Club and Southside also pitched Cox Plate proposals, but Flemington has long been the industry's preferred choice due to its size and scale in aspects such as wagering and attendance. 

Talks to broker the historic transfer were deferred in June with the executives at Moonee Valley and Flemington needing more time to ensure commercial agreements, including costs, revenue and existing sponsorship agreements were reached.

Should the recommendation be approved, it would set up the tantalising prospect of a Cox Plate-Melbourne Cup Carnival double-header at Flemington next year being staged in front of a 60,000-strong crowd.

IJF benefits from Jim Old charity golf day  

The 35th running of the annual Jim Old Racing Charity Golf Day, staged last week, raised approximately £20,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Sponsored by the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, the event brought 41 teams together at the Marlborough Golf Club, with a team led by Mick Fitzgerald and Sir Anthony McCoy, president of the Injured Jockeys Fund, taking the honours. The Walters Plant Hire team, including Sam Thomas and Brendan Powell, finished second.

Launched in 1989, initially to support a range of equine charities, the tournament has raised more than £800,000.

Former trainer Jim Old, the driving force behind the event, said: “It’s great to have such continued support for a cause close to everyone’s heart. It would not be possible without a loyal group of helpers, including Les Trute, the golf club’s former general manager and starter Charlie Fawcus.”

He added: “The first prize of a free round for four people was kindly donated by the Duke of Bedford, for which we are grateful.”

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