Last summer, Cathy Grassick succeeded John McEnery as president of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the industry’s representative body. She told Racing Post Bloodstock about her first few months in the position.
Race track: What interests you in the role?
Cathy Grassick: My late father, Brian, was a strong supporter of the ITBA and was very attached to the organization as a member of its board. He felt it was important to look after and support the interests of the Thoroughbred industry in Ireland, so he encouraged me to join the regional structure when I first started working full-time in the industry. .
I’ve been involved ever since, working my way up to board member, then vice president, and now president.
respondent: What does it entail and is the industry supported?
CG: The roles are varied and, as you can imagine, a number of different skills are required—whether you are supporting breeders through consulting or education, representing them at the national, European, or regional level. European or international or work with regulatory agencies and government policy.
I wouldn’t be able to do this role without the support and hard work of a few people. The team in the office has been very productive, led by Una Tormey and supported by Danielle Deveney and Hannah Marks—the Irish breeders are lucky to have them as a resource.
The great commitment and dedication of ITBA board members, including our vice president Cathal Beale and our veterinary officer Des Leadon, is also a huge asset to ITBA. I have been fortunate to have so many past presidents who were quick to offer support and advice, such as Eimear Mulhern, John McEnery, Christy Grassick, Derek Iceton, Joe Hernon, Joe Foley, John O’Connor, and Stephen Collins.
respondent: Una Tormey was also recently promoted to chief executive officer. What does ITBA feel she can bring to the role?
CG: Una is an interesting rendezvous and is no stranger to breeders and members of ITBA. She joined two years ago as a membership coordinator and was quickly promoted to chief executive officer.
We have a great team of speakers for the 2023 Breeding Prep Workshop!!
🗓️ Tuesday, January 10
📍 ITBA HQ & webinartheme:
⚕️Newborn & postpartum care
🐴Assist in the deception process
Nutrition
🔖Mating PlanEmail [email protected] to register pic.twitter.com/D1Forfi1RN
– ITBA (@ITBA_Official) December 27, 2022
She has extensive experience representing Irish breeders during her time working closely with former chief executive Shane O’Dwyer. She is a dynamic team leader and passionate about the industry, so I’m sure she’ll do a great job.
respondent: Surely you are also pleased that this sees two women holding prominent positions in an important body of Irish industry?
CG: There are a large number of women at the top of Irish industry, one need only think of Suzanne Eade, chief executive officer of HRI, Eimear Mulhern, president of Goffs, Jane Hedley is chief executive officer at Leopardstown and director the former executive director of the Irish Horse Center, Sarah McNicholas, as well as the newly appointed to that role, Deborah Grey.
There are a lot of female breeders and leading experts in the breeding industry who have earned their place through their achievements and hard work, and I think this is a very positive thing for the industry as a whole.
respondent: Sales are still vibrant and lots of good horses and riders are still from Ireland. How do you assess the health of the country’s industry at the moment, and do you have any particular concerns?
CG: There are many excellent breeders in Ireland and our worldwide reputation for producing top class horses and riders is very exciting as it means that there is a great market demand for them. both of these horses.
ITM’s excellent work in promoting Irish Thoroughbreds goes a long way to improving demand for Irish horses, but we cannot be complacent in such a competitive market. The IRE initiative of a €10,000 voucher to purchase Irish mixed horses on sale in Ireland was developed by HRI in collaboration with ITBA and is a great tool for promoting Irish crossbreeds and promoting encourage successful owners to reinvest and support Irish-hybrid horses.
We still need to be careful to continue to protect the high quality of our stallion and herd, and continue to educate and encourage new entrants to the industry to maintain this position.
Personnel qualifications and work visas are definitely top priorities for breeders and therefore ITBA will work hard in this area.
respondent: Securing new breeders to enter the industry, including through the Next Generation initiative, is another ITBA priority. Do you feel there are still people that racing and ranching can attract, and how do you think the industry can do that?
CG: The Next Generation Commission is very important, not only to me but to the future of industry and livestock in Ireland. It is important to encourage and support young breeders and future leaders in our industry if we are to keep moving forward and cement our success.
The new committee is doing great things, led by Orla Donworth as president and Conor Wixted as vice president, both of whom work at Goffs. Other committee members come from a variety of backgrounds in the industry, such as David Skelly of Rathmore Stud, Clare Manning of Boherguy Stud, Robert O’Callaghan of Yeomanstown Stud, Taragh Brady of Tattersalls Ireland, and Luke Bleahen, who comes from a famous Quoc Hunt but is still studying at university.
❓Want to come see the amazing stallions❓
👉Join ITBA Next Generation on for an exclusive tour @coolmorestud & Castlehyde Farm
📝FREE for next generation members. Email [email protected] to sign up
𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 !! pic.twitter.com/fgQx32Nobz
– ITBA Next Generation (@ITBAnextgen) December 21, 2022
The committee is young, vibrant and enthusiastic and is working hard to cooperate with the high council on relevant issues and to support young breeders and new entrants to the industry. Their first event this year will be a trip to visit Coolmore and Castlehyde Studs on January 6, and you can expect even more exciting developments to come.
respondent: Breeders will be eligible for Target Agricultural Modernization (Tams) grants in 2023. Is this something you see yourself involved in? What difference could it make?
CG: The ITBA board members and office team worked very hard alongside the Department of Agriculture, and most importantly, with the great dialogue and support of Secretary Charlie McConalogue, as well as Secretary Martin Heydon and Minister Pippa Hackett, to allow horse breeders participating in Ireland to have access to Tams by 2023.
This plan will make a huge difference to horse breeders in Ireland when it comes to developing their facilities, but we are waiting for confirmation on the final details of the plan before we do. I know all the benefits.
respondent: In recent times, TBA has been interested in environmental related industry activities, such as improving biodiversity and contributing to combating climate change. Is this an issue that is or will be on the ITBA agenda?
CG: This is definitely an issue on the ITBA agenda. We are working hard to encourage members to practice good and provide them with the right advice and education about sustainable farming and improving biodiversity.
The purebred industry is already eco-friendly, but there are certainly ways that we can improve to make it even better for the environment. Together with HRI, we are constantly looking for ways to support our members in this endeavour.
respondent: Many will enjoy the online and in-person services from the ITBA Education Program. Any secrets up your sleeve for this year?
CG: There will be another expansion for our breeders, especially now with Hannah Marks in her dedicated role as education director at ITBA. We are looking forward to the first workshop of 2023, which is the prep workshop for the spawning season on January 10 at ITBA headquarters, or also available online. This will include topics such as feeding and postnatal care, support during feeding, nutrition and mating planning. Registration can be done by sending an email [email protected]
respondent: Finally, you also participate in every aspect of the industry, including livestock, buying and selling. What are your personal highlights for 2022?
CG: There were many exciting moments last year on the track and at sales, but one of the highlights of this past year was when my mom, Sheila Grassick, and customer Tim Pabst won the Breeders Award ITBA for 2 year old breeding. girl of the year 2021 flower out of Newtown Stud mare Florida .
Flotus working on Keeneland before Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
It was a wonderful evening, filled with success by so many of Ireland’s great breeders. I’m really looking forward to the 2023 event taking place at the Heritage Hotel in County Laois on January 28.
