NOVEMBER2018

THE NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE IRISH RACEHORSE TRAINERS ASSOCIATION

The Irish Trainer

Yaiza yields first Group win for Gavin Cromwell

03 VISIT WWW.IRTA.IE FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES

Irish Racehorse Trainers Association – Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare

Chief Executive: Michael GrassickChairman: Noel Meade Vice Chairman: Michael Halford Tel: 045 522 981 Mob: 087 258 8770email: office@irta.ie

Council Members: Jim Gorman Eoin GriffinJessica Harrington Tom Hogan Andrew McNamara Eric McNamaraAidan O’Brien Andy OliverPatrick Prendergast Jnr. Dermot Weld

Published monthly by Anderson & Co Publishing Ltd. For all advertising enquiries please call: 041 971 2000 www.anderson-co.com

ForewordT H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

We continue to have difficulties with passport issues. I recommend that every trainer checks every passport themselves for markings, and vaccination dates to ensure that they are in order and that batch numbers have not expired. Also, that the veterinary stamp,

plus the vet’s signature, are on the correct line. The Committee are in talks with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to try and solve these issues.

We have been in continuous meetings with the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation regarding work permits. I wish to thank all those who have returned their surveys and would appreciate it if anybody who hasn’t yet returned their survey can do so at their earliest convenience, as it helps us to help our members in their needs. We hope to have a positive result on work permits sooner rather than later.

Finally, just a reminder about our Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 27th November at 3pm in The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Kind regards,

Michael Grassick / Irish Racehorse Trainers Association

CONTENTS

Winners Abroad and upcoming sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Flat rate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Anti-doping report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Youngstock nutrition tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Swiss racing documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Products of the month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Trainer: Gavin Patrick CromwellJockey: A Atzeni Owner: Lindsay LarocheBreeder: Francis StynesPhoto: Laurent Dyga

COVER PHOTO:

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T H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

It was no great surprise to see Aidan O’Brien lead the Flat brigade, starting off with a six-timer at Newmarket. This kicked off with Just Wonderful in the Rockfel Stakes (G2), Mohawk in the Royal Lodge (G2), Fairyland in the Cheveley Park (G1), Ten Sovereigns in the Middle Park (G1), Sergei Prokofiev in the Cornwallis (G3) and Norway in the Zetland (L), added to which Yucatan popped up in the Herbert Power Stakes (G2) at Caulfield (Australia). And not to be left out, Joseph O’Brien got in on the act by annexing the Fillies’ Mile (G1) with Iridessa and Willie Mullins followed up in the Cesarewitch with Low Sun. Sticking with the black type, the flag-bearer at Longchamp was Gavin Cromwell, who triumphed in the Prix de Royallieu (G2) with Princess Yaiza.

Elsewhere, Robbie Osborne had a double at Hamilton with Zig Zag Zyggy and What Wonders Weave. Son Of Rest dead-heated

in the Ayr Gold Cup for Fozzy Stack, while John Feane had a treble with Less Of That at Ayr and Billyplayfair at both Newcastle and Wolverhampton. Last Garrison obliged at Hamilton for Mark McNiff, while Cubomania for Gordon Elliott, and T For Tango for Richard O’Brien, went in at Ayr.

Similarly, for the National Hunt, the Gordon Elliott conveyor belt kept rolling along with 11 winners, beginning with Cubomania at Kelso, plus seven at Perth (Make My Heart Fly, Swingbridge, Dinons, Creadan Grae, Global Jackpot, Cubomania, Jaunty Thor), which was topped off with a double at Hexham with Isle Of Destiny and Jaunty Thor, plus Cold Shoulder at Bangor. John McConnell then had a double with Go Another One and Aunty Mary at Kelso, while Benny In Milan scored for Denis Hogan at Southwell.

Fantastic work and congratulations to all.

Winners abroad

UPCOMING SALES DATES29 OCT - 2 NOV

TATTERSALLSAutumn Horses in Training Sale

22-23 NOV

GOFFS November Breeding Stock Sale 2018

5-6 NOV

GOFFSAutumn Yearling Sale 2018

24-25 NOV

GOFFS November Foal Sale 2018 Pt 2

7 NOV

GOFFS Autumn HIT Sale 2018

26 NOV

TATTERSALLS December Yearling Sale

8 NOV

TATTERSALLS (IRE) ASCOTAscot November Sale

28 NOV - 1 DEC

TATTERSALLSDecember Foal Sale

9 NOV

TATTERSALLS IRELANDFlat Foal & Breeding Stock Sale

3-6 DEC

TATTERSALLSDecember Breeding Stock Sale

10-16 NOV

TATTERSALLS IRELANDNovember National Hunt Sale

7 DEC

GOFFS UK December Sale 2018

16 NOV

TATTERSALLS (IRE) CHELTENHAMCheltenham November Sale

10 DEC

TATTERSALLS (IRE) ASCOTAscot December Sale

19-21NOV

GOFFS November Foal Sale 2018 Pt 1

12-13 DEC

GOFFSDecember NH Sale 2018

05

IRTA AGM 3pm Tues 27 Nov 2018

Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Flat rate expenses are the cost of equipment that your employees need for work. The amount of the deduction is agreed between revenue and representatives of the group of employees.

All employees in the class or group can then claim the agreed deduction in their own tax credits. The employee must incur these costs in performing their duties & must claim the credit themselves using the following steps:

Flat rate expenses can be claimed by completing a Form 12. You can find this form in PAYE Services in myAccount on www.revenue.ie. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Go to www.revenue.ie & sign into myAccount.

2. Click on ‘Review your tax’ link in PAYE Services.

3. Select the Form 12 for the relevant tax year.

4. In the ‘Tax Credits & Reliefs’ page select ‘Flat rate expenses’ and add it as a tax credit.

The amount of the credit for grooms is €294 per annum and claims can be made retrospectively for the last four years.

Trainers – are you aware your grooms can claim a flat rate allowance from Revenue?

T H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

06

Prohibited substances – managing the risk

Dr Lynn Hillyer, Alan Dunlop and Nicola O’Connor last month presented well-attended open seminars on the management of medication for trainers and vets. As Denis Egan pointed out in his introduction, the spike in the recent number of positive cases has been largely down to bad practise and not malpractice, so trainers were urged to be diligent in the management of medication and use of some supplements.

� Only use medications that are necessary

� Withdraw all medicines at the right time

� Give absolutely nothing other than normal food and water on race day

� Be very careful with supplements

� Be aware of what comes into contact with your horses

� Work closely with your vet

� If in doubt, ask

Dr Hillyer stressed her number is readily available and she welcomes calls, so seek advice whenever there is doubt. She reminded us of the importance of presenting a clean image to the general public and media, and maintaining a level playing field for all those professionally involved. The mainstream press see only headlines in the word “drugs” and our social licence is damaged by every negative headline, which puts government support at risk.

It was also stressed that for jockey safety the horse has to be 100% right when racing. In the interests of horse welfare, the IHRB absolutely believes horses should not be racing on any medication.

“If you are patching up a lame horse so that it is sound enough to race, that horse should not be racing,” Hillyer said in response to some vets querying longer than they deemed necessary withdrawal times for treatments.

There is an industry-wide policy on prohibited substances and doping control set out by the

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IFHA and Ireland is at the forefront of the international decision-making process, with Denis Egan on the executive panel and Lynn Hillyer on the advisory board. The IHRB controls the sampling and testing process, what to analyse and how.

Articles 6a and 6e of the Rules are based on scientific evidence after decades of discussion and agreement within IFHA experts and there is a huge gap between the international threshold and what is normal for a horse.

When testing on stud farms, the IHRB are looking only for those substances prohibited at all times, such as anabolic steroids. The tests on stud farms do not extend to the full list of “prohibited at all times” substances in the racing list. Vets are aware of the list.

Samples are screened against thousands of substances and if there is a match the IHRB is informed. A stable inspection may then be needed or a phone call discussion. Prize money is withheld at this stage and the Medicines Register and other information is requested and assessed.

The sample is split into two, as Sample A and Sample B. The A and B Samples arose from a time when there were more laboratories and possible discrepancies. A trainer may request a B Sample test at his or her own expense within four days. Any later than this and the B Sample will have deteriorated and will no longer be an accurate twin of the A Sample.

Retaining samples for future retrospective testing is different to testing the A and B samples. A sample is taken and is split into A and B, identical. In future tests, the deterioration levels will be the same and results therefore comparable. But when requesting a B Sample test, it must be within the four-day limit or the B Sample will no longer match the A Sample at the time it was tested and the result will not be comparable. In a retrospective test, both A and B Samples will have deteriorated equally at the time of the future test.

While a four-day option to request a B Sample seems short, beyond this limit the B

Sample bears no relation to what was in the A Sample. Denis Egan advised that despite the cost of €600 and the results likely to be the same, a trainer should always to get the B Sample tested for peace of mind.

When a positive case moves on to the Referral Committee, an investigation report examines whether there is a prohibited substance and how it got there. The horse is disqualified and other sanctions may be made according to the circumstances and the substance. There will be unannounced stable inspections at a later date.

The rise in positive samples is not linked to a change of laboratory, with up to 15% of samples going to France for testing and returning similar results. Hillyer pointed out that veterinary medicines have screening limits linked to detection times and the more drug products given, the greater the risk of exceeding the screening limits set by the international racing authorities.

Detection times are scientifically assessed, in a controlled environment with data. When converted to an estimated withdrawal time it is not in a controlled environment, so it is important not to just take the detection time. Add on days to the withdrawal time and ask the IHRB if you are unsure. The IFHA is working hard to bring detection time down to 48 hours. It takes time to get studies done to establish a reliable detection time, but that detection time must be accurate.

Dr Dunlop reminded trainers to use only reputable feed suppliers, as they invest heavily to ensure the screening of their products. Ensure forage is well-sourced and test samples, as hay has been associated with naturally occurring prohibited substances such as morphine.

Always ask yourself if it is absolutely necessary to use supplements and remember they don’t always contain what they say on the tin. “Don’t believe claims to be Turf Club approved,” he warned. “Always assume supplements or medications contain prohibited substances, unless you have specific advice otherwise from the IHRB.” continued �

Electrolytes pose no risk, while cobalt is an essential element in the diet at a low level but is detrimental to the health of a horse at a higher level. If you mix supplements together you may inadvertently give more than the threshold.

Use medicines only when needed and only for the condition being treated, always with input from your vet. You are in breach of the law if you do not use a vet in medicine procurement, so never buy products online. Notice 25 in the Rules of Racing is in breach if there is no veterinary involvement (last few pages of the new Rule Book).

Good management will minimise risks. Establish who is responsible for particular duties and how the information will flow. Keep all medications secure, keep all prescriptions and ensure the Medicines Register book is properly maintained.

Educate staff on prohibited substances. In the yard, delegate an individual to be responsible for medicating horses, and not the same person who is also feeding. Medicate horses last, after everything else has been done. It is wise to clear the box labels for horses that will be racing in the next 48-hour period, to avoid mistakes. Medicating the wrong horse is common, so ensure rigorous yard management and only one person doing all medication.

Accidental exposure to prohibited substances can also occur from staff members, so adopt a strict policy of no drugs, no urination in the yard, and keep high caffeine drinks out of the yard, including coffee.

At the races, do not use dirty stables and report a dirty stable to IHRB. Again, no high caffeine drinks, and if a horse is treated at the races, notify IHRB staff immediately.

Forty-eight hours before a race, check the Medicines Register book. Question if the horse really needs anything additional to normal food and water and pay attention to what is given at evening stables. Avoid herbal supplements etc. On the day of the race the horse must have nothing other than normal food and water.

Dr O’Connor warned trainers to take particular care if multiple vets are visiting the yard, as a stacking effect from repeated ingredients within different medicines and supplements pose a serious risk. Always check the Medicines Register.

Among the questions posed by trainers and vets in attendance was why non-performance enhancing substances were banned when they improved the welfare of the horse, such as ulcer treatment? These medications are not banned, but have a detection time, and it was reiterated that horses should not be racing on any medication. If they are unwell they are unfit to race.

It was also asked if a list of withdrawal times could be produced to hang in a tack room? The IHRB can’t provide a blanket list, as they don’t know how the drug is being administered. The only formal reliable time that can be given is Detection Time. With such variations in withdrawal times the information can’t be put out, it would be dangerous. �

Good management will minimise risks. Establish who is responsible for particular duties and how the information will flow. Keep all medications secure, keep all prescriptions and ensure the Medicines Register book is properly maintained.

T H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

08

Alan Dunlop MVB MRCVS

Dr. Lynn Hillyer

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Please contact Andrew Tulloch (Clerk of Course) on +44 7831 315104 for further details.

Saturday 8 December RACE DISTANCE PRIZE FUND CLASS The Grand National 2019 Handicap Steeple Chase (0-135) 2m 4f £19400 3 (Challenger Middle Distance Chase Series Qualifier)

The Christmas Parties At Aintree Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f £30000 2

The Randox Health Becher Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 3m 2f £150000 1 (Over the Grand National course)

The Racing UK Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle (Listed) 2m 1f £25000 1

The Many Clouds Steeple Chase (Grade 2) 3m 1f £60000 1

The Grand Sefton Handicap Steeple Chase 2m 5f £80000 2 (Over the Grand National course)

ENTRIES FOR THE BECHER AND GRAND SEFTON CHASES: 12 noon, Tuesday 13th November CONFIRMATION, AND ENTRIES FOR ALL OTHER RACES: 12 noon, Monday 3rd December

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T H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

Yearlings arriving from the sales will have gone through the stress of numerous showings at the sales complex as well as a change of environment and grooms, so there is a possibility of ulcers. A yearling who is irritable, tender to touch, depressed, or showing a loss of appetite is likely to have an ulcer.

Fibre should form the largest part of their diet, ideally, providing 1.5% of the horse’s body weight in forage each day, as the hind gut is filled with microbes that aid the digestion of fibrous substrates. This collection of microbes consists of bacteria, protozoa and fungi and yeasts.

The most common of these are cellulolytic bacteria, which digest fibre to produce fatty acids which are converted into energy. Proteolytic bacteria break down protein, and lactic acid-producing bacteria digest starch and produce lactic acid as a by-product. A higher starch content in the diet will increase the lactic acid production from these bacteria. Protozoa also produce fatty acids, while fungi and yeast help to break down the fibre.

The types of microbes present vary per individual, as well as on the feed types being fed. As an example, a high cereal diet may result in a higher amount of lactic acid-producing bacteria. A high fibre diet will encourage the growth of cellulolytic bacteria. Ideally, spread any changes to the diet over a period of seven to 14 days to reduce the risk of digestive upset.

To maintain a balanced population of microbes the cellulolytic bacteria should be high and the lactic acid-producing bacteria low. A change in diet or increase in stress hormones can cause the lactic acid-producing bacteria to grow, increasing the pH level and resulting in an inhospitable environment for the cellulolytic bacteria. This increased acid environment increases the growth

Nutrition tips for yearlings

11

of pathogenic bacteria such as E.coli, resulting in health issues.

Reduce the amount of cereals being digested at one time by dividing feed into smaller more frequent meals. Ideally, spread any changes to the ration over a period of seven to 14 days to reduce the risk of digestive upset.

Adding a dust-free chaff to feed slows down greedy eaters and can relieve boredom. Chaff contains the fibre necessary for health and helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. It also helps calcium to be absorbed from the intestinal tract.

Feeds containing a live yeast improve fibre digestion, nutrient uptake and hind gut health. New research also shows probiotics and prebiotics becoming an increasingly useful supplement for horses suffering from digestive upsets.

Be aware also that the use of anthelmintics can have a detrimental effect on the microbial population, so try to adopt targeted worming programmes to reduce the amount of anthelmintics used.

The yearling entering pre-training and breaking will also be susceptible to developmental orthopaedic disorders (DODs) and there are several ingredients within feeds that impact on the overall care and repair of joints. Increasing the oil content is an easy way to promote joint health, particularly feeds high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known to reduce inflammation.

Particularly important for the young developing horse are zinc and copper, essential for collagen formation, needed for strength and elasticity. Manganese is important for cartilage repair and maintenance. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are vital for bone and cartilage development. Vitamins A, D and K are equally fundamental to bone health. Vitamin C is an antioxidant important during recovery.

Most commercial feeds will contain optimal levels of nutrients to provide a balanced diet. Providing high quality forage will help to maintain gut health and should form the base of the yearling’s diet. Providing a concentrate feed with high quality protein

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant during recovery.

Coat health depends on the intake of essential amino acids

The yearling entering pre-training and breaking will also be susceptible to developmental orthopaedic disorders (DODs) and there are several ingredients within feeds that impact on the overall care and repair of joints. Increasing the oil content is an easy way to promote joint health, particularly feeds high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known to reduce inflammation.

continued �

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T H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

is essential, as protein is responsible for the collagen matrix upon which minerals are deposited.

Equine muscle contains more than 70% protein so feeding this requirement during this intense growing and strengthening period is essential for sound development. Amino acids, which make up proteins, are the basic building blocks of muscle. Horses must consume all ten essential amino acids in their diet, and the remainder they can synthesise on their own. Protein also plays a part in other key structures such as skin, hair, hooves, connective tissue, nervous system and skeleton. A deficient intake of essential amino acids will have a damaging effect on growth, post-exercise recovery, hoof growth and coat health.

The increase in exercise during sales preparation and breaking can lead to muscle stiffness and soreness. Antioxidants help to assist in muscle recovery and among the more powerful

antioxidants are vitamin E and selenium, with lysine and B-vitamins to help reduce cellular damage and aid the recovery of tired muscles.

If the yearling is excitable, reduce starch and sugar intake. Enzymes in the small intestine quickly break down starch and sugar into glucose, which is an instant energy source. A low starch concentrate feed will provide controlled energy release from a blend of fibres and cereals.

Read the ingredients on feed packaging and ring the manufacturer for advice whenever in doubt.

Regular forage intake helps to prevent ulcers

Vitamin K, along with vitamins A and D, is fundamental to bone health

13

To all trainers who are racing for the first time with a horse in Switzerland and a reminder to all others:

The documents below have to be sent to the racing office by the declaration to run (by fax or email). If the receipt of these documents is later than the declaration to run, a duty of CHF 100 per document will be charged!

� RCN (Racing Clearance Notification – to be checked with your racing organisation, such as the IRTA, for all horses registered in UK).

� Coggins-Test, with a negative result, which shouldn’t be older than 30 days.

� Calculated as of the running date - Confirmation of UELN# and Microchip# of the horse

According to the international agreement regarding the mandatory vaccinations, all horses need to have the first two initial vaccinations against Equine Influenza at intervals of not less than three weeks and no longer than three months (21 to 92 days). A third vaccination is due after the second one between five to seven months

(150 to 215 days). The booster vaccines should be executed at intervals of no more than 12 months (365 days). Shorter sequences are possible and recommended.

Tools for the tethering of horses’ tongues are prohibited!

Customs - for a smooth procedure at customs, the following documents have to be provided to customs clerk:� Passport of the horse � Health certificate TRACES or Annex II � ATA Carnet (international customs document

that permits the tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import – to be asked at the International Chamber of Commerce)

Customs opening hours: Geneva, Basel, Kreuzlingen freeway & Au - 24h/24 – daily

Please don’t forget to stamp the ATA Carnet

at both customs (abroad and Switzerland)

for outward journey and return journey!

Important information concerning racing in Important information concerning racing in

Switzerland

14

Stand-Out Condition and Performance without the Stand-Up!

T H E I R I S H T R A I N E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8

Some youngsters can be challenging, when the stresses of backing and early training are expressed as difficult behaviour. Traditional racing feeds don’t always help the situation as, whatever the energy content, they tend to contain a high proportion of cereals. For sensitive individuals, however, the increased gastric acidity levels caused by the ingestion of cereals, can lead to discomfort and even ulceration, which gives rise to the unwanted behaviour.

Baileys have a range of feeding solutions to help keep horses’ feet on the ground; from reduced starch, Prep-Ease - formulated to support optimum growth, while supplying slow release calories and supporting performance - to Ease & Excel, the market-leading low starch performance feed for horses prone to gastric ulcers.

Baileys Prep-Ease Reduced Starch – 18%

DE – 13.5MJ/kg

Contains Stud Balancer to support continued optimum growth and development in the young horse, while encouraging a calm temperament.

Baileys All-Round Endurance Mix Reduced Starch – 22%

DE – 13MJ/kg

Supplies a blend of slow release energy sources to promote stamina and recovery in the adult horse.

Baileys Ease & Excel Low Starch – 8%

DE – 13MJ/kg

Contains no cereal flakes yet delivers performance levels of slow release energy supported by a bespoke In-Feed formula, from Protexin, for gut and gastric health.

For more information and advice on feeding any challenging horses, contact Baileys Horse Feeds, on +44 (0) 1371 850247 or +44 (0) 7885 065531 (Judy Maxwell, Ireland Agent) or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk/racing

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