Locals head to horse Expo at Goff’s
A NUMBER of Wexford businesses will take part in the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Expo when it runs for two days at Goff ’s Sales Complex in Kildare on Friday and Saturday of this week.
The ITBA is the representative body for 6,777 breeders - 581 of which are located in Co. Wexford, owning 1,059 mares and producing 661 foals in 2016. It also boasts a number of successful trainers, a busy racecourse and a considerable ancilliary industry including vets, co-op stores and farriers.
The expo, which is essentially a trade fair for the bloodstock industry, will showcase the the products and expertise of 85 exhibitors, ranging from stud farms to veterinary products to nutrition companies, as well as third-level equine colleges. It is expected to attract around 3,500 people over the two days. As part of the event, there will be an interactive forum entitled ‘What if - A Vision for 2028’, which will provide a blueprint for the future of the industry.
ITBA CEO Shane O’ Dwyer said: ‘The Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing industry has long being renowned throughout the world for its excellence. It plays a huge role in the economy and EXPO
’18 will showcase the importance and reach of this indeginous industry.’
A number of industry professionals from Wexford are taking part in the event including: Jim Mernagh, Coolamurray Stud, Davidstown; Stephanie von Schilcher, Carrickbeg Stud, Gorey; Ken Bolger, Springfield Stud, Oilgate; Eoin Banville, Arctic Tack Stud, Foulksmills; and Beryl Power of The Rug Hub, Camolin.
Beryl Power’s company The Rug Hub provides a rug laundry and repair service. She provides services to a number of sport horse and livery yards around Wexford while she is also employed by some of the top trainers working around Ireland at the moment.
She started The Rug Hub in 2007, just as the Celtic Tiger was collapsing but said that the scope the horse industry in Ireland saw her through the recession.
She said: ‘We were lucky enough in that the economic climate suited us - the renewal of rugs was appealing to people because of the collapse.’
This will be Beryl’s third time exhibiting at the ITBA Expo.
‘It hasn’t run for a few years but we have exhibited at it twice before and found it a great experience. It’s a good way to meet clients - new and current, as well as the key players in the market.’