The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the representative body for 6,777 breeders will
host an EXPO in partnership with Connolly’s REDMILLS for the thoroughbred industry in Goffs Sales Complex on Friday and Saturday.
The event which is essentially a Trade Fair for the bloodstock industry will provide over 85 exhibitors with the perfect platform to showcase and sell their products.
Stands will feature all elements of the bloodstock industry from stud farms to veterinary products to nutrition companies.
All third level equine colleges will be represented so it is a great opportunity for any young person looking to work in the industry.
Kildare is well represented at the EXPO with 26 (over a quarter) of the stands being based in the thoroughbred county.
In addition to the trade fair element an extensive event programme will take place over the two
days and will include a Dragons Den type business competition to recognise entrepreneurialism
and talent in the equine industry, educational presentations and an interactive forum “What if – A Vision for 2028” mapping a blueprint for the industry.
The Irish Equine Centre will host a seminar on bio security and the ITBA Next Generation will have a key involvement by hosting a number of events including an intervarsity challenge and a seminar featuring key up
and coming next generation trailblazers. This free event is open to the public and will attract
circa 3,500 over the two days.
The Irish racing and breeding industry relies on considerable land requirements to carry out its
activities and is labour intensive.
It is therefore particularly important to the rural economy and the communities in these areas. Co Kildare, the thoroughbred county is the largest producer of thoroughbred foals in Ireland with 801 breeders owning 1868 mares and producing 1,144 foals in 2016.
In addition the County is an administrative hub with HRI, Turf Club, Weatherbys and representative bodies for the owners , trainers, breeders, stable staff and jockeys.
We must not forget Naas, Punchestown and The Curragh racecourses, the historic Irish National Stud,
Goffs sales company, The Irish Equine Centre and the many feed , veterinary and tack companies.
ITBA CEO Shane O’ Dwyer said: "The Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing Industry has long being renowned throughout the world for its excellence.
"Co Kildare is known throughout the world as being the equine capital of the world. It plays a huge role in the economy and EXPO ’18 will showcase the importance and reach of this indigenous industry.
"The wide range of activities throughout the two days will capture the imagination and the main forum on Friday
night at 7pm will look at how we can maintain our competitive edge as a world leader into the next decade.
"I am delighted that the Next Generation are taking an active role and the
innovative Dragons Den Sponsored by AIB on Saturday morning is going to be very popular. I
encourage anybody with an interest in the bloodstock industry to attend this free event.”
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