Retraining of Racehorses appoint Jeremy Mantell as welfare consultant

Vastly experienced vet Jeremy Mantell has been appointed welfare consultant to Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British horseracing's official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing.

Mantell, a past president of the British Equine Veterinary Association, will succeed Brigadier Paul Jepson in the role following the latter's retirement in July.

As RoR welfare consultant he will be responsible for assessing former racehorses deemed 'vulnerable or unwanted' and monitoring their progress within RoR's vulnerable horse scheme.

Mantell said: "I am really looking forward to this slightly different role and the opportunity to play a part in improving the overall welfare of former racehorses."

Di Arbuthnot, chief executive of RoR, added: "We are delighted to welcome Jeremy as part of the team. He is much respected throughout his profession and his wealth of experience will be invaluable."

Big attendance for funeral of racing photographer Trevor Jones

The service and remembrance to celebrate the life of photographer Trevor Jones, who died aged 72 three weeks ago, was held on Thursday in Eastbourne.

Around 120 friends, family and former colleagues packed the local crematorium with 30 past and present horseracing photographers in attendance, with some making the trip from Ireland.

photographer Trevor Jones July 2007

A warm and fact-filled eulogy was delivered by Patrick Eagar, who had known Jones for 46 years.

Songs by two of Trevor's music idols Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen were played during the hour-long service.

Freelancer Julian Herbert, who first worked with Jones in the 1980s, said: "He was one of the most pleasant photographers I ever met. He was a genuine legend, would help anyone and my colleagues and I will look back over the years and feel very privileged to have known and worked with him."

Bellewstown receive over €220,000 in grant aid to build new stables

Bellewstown have been granted €221,000 in grant aid which will be put towards the building of 110 permanent stables, work which will commence after the famous four-day July festival next week.

The HRI Racecourse Capital Development scheme will provide the funds towards the €554,000 cost of works which includes the construction of the stables.

Kevin Coleman, Bellewstown racecourse manager, said: "The management, chairman and committee of Bellewstown Races are delighted with the news and wish to thank Horse Racing Ireland for their help, support and guidance through a very detailed application process.

"Bellewstown is a small rural track and this development is very positive for us going forward. The new stable blocks will ensure the best of facilities for horses, stable staff and officials."

Speed stalwart Mirza is retired

Rae Guest's stable star Mirza has been retired at the age of 12 and may well spend time at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art in Newmarket.