North-west racing stalwart and Jockey Club member Sir John Kemp Barlow dies

Jockey Club member and former successful amateur rider Sir John Kemp Barlow died peacefully on December 30 aged 88.

Barlow was a leading racing figure in the north-west over the years when he was a former director of Bangor and Haydock racecourses.

William, one of his four sons, is currently chairman of Racing Welfare and followed him as a Jockey Club member. He is also currently a steward at Bangor, Chester, Ascot, Kempton and Goodwood.

Barlow was also a former High Sheriff of Cheshire and joint-master of the Foxhounds in the same county.

As well as four sons, Kemp leaves 13 grandchildren. There is to be a private family funeral with a memorial service to be announced at a later date.

Naas Racecourse and ARKequine combine to support diversity and inclusion in Grooms’ Canteen

Naas Racecourse has announced that it is collaborating with ARKequine to cater for all dietary requirements in the Grooms’ Canteen at the Grade 1 track.

The exciting initiative was launched during a visit to Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House recently, where Naas and ARKequine provided catering for all the staff at the famous yard that morning. The new menu acknowledges the diversity of stable staff and promotes inclusion in its most practical sense.

ARKequine is a Newbridge-based equine nutrition business that began subsidising the Grooms’ Canteen at Naas last year and has a multi-race sponsorship deal for 2023 with the Kildare venue.
Supporting the unsung heroes of the racing industry, who cater night and day to equine superstars, has been a key goal of the Naas-ARKequine alignment.

Courtesy of professional caterers, Lily & Wild, the service will now be enhanced to meet the dietary requirements of staff be they related to religion, culture, health or lifestyle choice. These include halal, vegetarian and coeliac options that are not readily available to stable staff.

Starting from the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle meeting on Sunday January 8, stable staff will be able to choose their food from a menu on the ARKequine website and make their order prior to noon on the day before racing at Naas.

The menu will include two halal options (one vegetarian), with a separate fryer being used. There will also be a takeaway service provided during times of the year when people are fasting.

ARKequine offers veterinary-formulated, high-performance nutritional supplements, feed and horse care products. Its broad spectrum of products is specially designed to meet every life stage of the performance horse from broodmares, stallions and foals to the young performance and older horse.

Kirsty McCann, nutritional manager, ARKequine said: “We are delighted to extend our support of the Grooms’ Canteen into 2023 and this year we have taken care to reflect the diverse dietary requirements of the racing community. It is a milestone in Irish racing and something we are proud to support.”

Eamonn McEvoy (Naas Racecourse general manager), Kirsty McCann (Arkequine nutritional manager), trainer Gordon Elliott and Camilla Sharples (Gordon Elliott's travelling head lass) at the launch of the new menu in Naas Racecourse's Grooms' Canteen to cater

Kevin Walsh, managing director of Lily & Wild stated: “At Lily & Wild we are constantly refining our menus to incorporate cultural diversity, dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions. Nothing brings people together more than sharing a meal, and so we aim to foster an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion for all our customers."

Camilla Sharples, Gordon Elliott’s travelling head lass commented: “It is brilliant that ARKequine has recognised the diversity of stable staff within the industry. Stable staff are the backbone of racing and I have no doubt this new initiative provided in the canteen at Naas Racecourse will be much appreciated by us all. Thank you to ARKequine for thinking of us.”

Eamonn McEvoy, general manager, Naas Racecourse added: “We are thrilled to be continuing the partnership with ARKequine in 2023. A brilliant initiative by all, catering to the needs of our racing staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes. A great step in the right direction towards inclusivity in horse racing.”