3FO: Grand National magazine

Page 1

1


2

Contents 3.NEIL WATSON 4.FAMOUS FENCES 5.SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT 6. PERSONALIZED JOCKEY COMPANY 7.BRUCE BETTING 8.VALUE SELECTIONS 16.THE NATIONAL COLOURS 9.MEMORBLE GAMBLES 18.MONEY RIDER 10.IRISH HORSES AT AINTREE 19.JP TIPPING 12.THE MELLING MEMORIES 22.MONEY RIDER 15.EXCLUISVE @PUNTERFORM 23.BET EAST 26.EQUINE MEDIRECORD 24.EQUINE ROLE GLOBEL 34.PIONEER RACING

20.EQUI ROLE GLOBEL APP 22.EQUI NE MEDIRECORD 24.KOROPICK FEATURE 25.BETEAST 26 INSPIRE SYNDICATE

Special preview 2018 Magazine


3

ON ROUTE TO THE NATIONAL - Written By Neil Watson “Every year come Grand National week it's the same, the anticipation and excitement for this race still gets me excited more than it does for the Cheltenham Festival”. I guess it's because it's about sixteen miles from my home, having a big sporting event close by always feels good. The potential for stories come Sunday is huge at the moment, Bryony Frost on Milansbar could be the one that puts the sport higher into the mainstream,. Seeyouatmidnight bidding to give Scotland back to back victories in the race was purchased by the Cheveley Park Stud and will carry the same colours Party Politics in 1992. At the moment the race has 63 horses left before Thursday mornings deceleration time and having looked at it many times, I'm still unsure what I will back, Oddly I don't really like most of the well fancied horses and I will probably be picking some down at the bottom of the weights but Saturday is a long way off and anything can happen come race day.

Nothing beats Grand National Day for me, from the morning spent reading the form and trying to discount what's not going to win to eventually work out what I think will before my selections all capsize or get placed anywhere but first.

Come around 5.30 then I'll either be jumping for joy and kicking myself how I didn't spot what won it, Come Thursday morning I'll set off doing the about 6.00 I'll feel deflated because it's all done for traditional journey of getting the train into Liverpool then off for some breakfast at a well known pub chain another year but at a few times before Monday morning I know full well I'll have watched a few replays before heading off to my new place of residence in on YouTube like many others. the Alan Lee Media Centre for the first two days, hopefully bagging a few interviews with racing people “Like everyone who follows the sport I would and hoping that my planned preview shows all go to like to wish all the horses, trainers and jockeys plan. Friday and the sight and sounds of Ladies Day will be in full force right from the small stations of the the best of luck and that everyone comes ride in from Newton like Huyton,Lea Green and back safe and sound”. Wavertree up to the City Centre of Liverpool that will already be full of activity.


4

THE GRAND NATIONAL THE MOST TALKED ABOUT FENCES IN RACING The Chair – 5ft 3in Fence 15 or ‘The Chair’ is the tallest fence in the race, standing at 5ft 3in. Horses must clear a 6ft open ditch on the take off side and land safely on the far side. The ground is 6in higher on the landing side than take off side, creating the reverse of the Becher’s Brook fence.

Canal Turn The 90 degree turn just after this fence presents major problems for riders and horses. Jockeys have two choices when approaching, play it safe and jump on the outside or attempt the risky manoeuvre ,at it’s narrowest point and steal a few yards.

Becher’s Brook – 4ft 10in Official the 6th and 22nd fence in the race Becher’s Brook is probably the best known fence in the world. Jockeys have compared it to ‘jumping off the edge of the world’.


5

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT EXCLUISVE WITH Brian Hughes

The Grand national is run over much larger fences than those found on conventional National Hunt tracks.

March, but is unquestionably a lively contender for this Aintree spectacular on the pick of his best form which was boasted further since showing no ill effect for that injury, when bouncing back to form, most recently finishing and staying on third over an inadequate trip, which bode extremely well for this further trip, “The distance is not a problem, though he has never raced over these fences, but I am quietly confident of a bold show”.

Many of these, particularly Becher's Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn, have become famous in their own right and, combined with the distance of the event, create what has been called "the ultimate test of horse and rider” which Hughes knows all too well, “This will my seventh attempt at Hughes is well known to be the journey man of winning the race and it definitely doesn’t get any horse racing, as he frequently travels up and down easier” jokes Hughes . the country in search of , “I like to think of it the “My ride in the national this year is definitely good same as winning any other race, to enable me to keep my cool, though there is nothing I would enough to win it, though I will need plenty of luck could envisage being better than to be crossing going around, as it’s every man for himself and the line in first place and I have a good a ride as there certainly is no mercy” insists Hughes. any this year, so fingers crossed”. Hughes also expressed his delight after Seeyouatmidnight was allotted 10st 8lb for the Grand Seeyouatmidnight is currently best priced a 16/1 National by the handicapper, “Weight stops trains, shot with most betting firms and wouldn’t it be something else if the Newtownhamiltion born Brian but my lad has no excuses on that angle, as he Hughes could claim glory in this race but either has a lovely weight” adds Hughes. way we just hope Hughes comes back safe and The 10-year-old had been side-lined by injury sound as we are aware of the dangers that come since finishing second over hurdles at Kelso last with this contest.


6

THE PERSONALIZED JOCKEY COMAPANY

www.thepersonalisedjockeycompany.co.uk specialise in creating personalised jockey figures for the racing enthusiast. All jockeys are hand painted to owners specification with a lacquered brass plaque bearing their details. We aim to respect owners individual colours and will only produce a personalised jockey at the owners request or permission.

ABOUT THE OWNER My name is Alison Thorpe, I am no stranger to the racing industry as In the year 2000 after being a racehorse owner for several years I took out a licence to train racehorses from my home in Carmarthen. I loved the challenge of turning horses around from sellers to winners. In 2012 I retired from racing, however my interest in racing continues to this day. In my spare time I took up the opportunity to attend a course in ceramics at the community centre in which all my work revolved around horses and racing. In clay I found a way in which I could express myself. A little alien to me was the human figure but inspiration from a trip to the '21 Club' in New York led me down the path of creating the modern day lawn jockey.

CONTACT US Give us a call to discuss your requirements - Telephone: 07795832004 We love our customers, so feel free to call between 10:00 am and 20:00 pm, 7 days a week. The Personalised Jockey Company Visit our website - www.thepersonalisedjockeycompany.co.uk or follow us on twitter - @pers_jockeyco


7


8

THE VALUE BETS GRAND NATIONAL Selections By Darren Connolly (In ascending order of chances in our opinion)

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT Trainer: Sandy Thomson - Weight: 10-11 - Form: 1173/1P2-3 - Age: 10 Won three of his first five starts over fences in 2015/16, before running a brave race to finish third in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on his final start that season. Though this season he has been fairly quiet ran well on comeback run over an inadequate trip at Newbury. Looks very well treated at the weights if returning anywhere near his best, he could possibly be the one they all have to get with local lad Brian Hughes in the saddle 16/1

GAS LINE BOY (IRE) Trainer: Ian Williams - Weight: 10-10 - Form: 31445-F13 - Age: 12 Won the Grand Sefton Chase over these fences by 4½ lengths from Ultragold last December and was a credible five lengths third to Buywise in a Veterans' Handicap Chase Final at Sandown last time out and his prominent racing style is suited to this race, travels strongly and should give punters a good run for their money, really deserves to win a race like this as he does very little wrong but doesn’t have much to show for it 33/1.

ALPHA DES OBEAUX (FR) Trainer: M. F. Morris - Weight: 11-3 - Form: 6-2414646 - Age: 8 He Is a very good chaser who won Clonmel Oil Chase by an eased down five and a half lengths in November though was seriously well below form in 10runner Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown last time, off the bridle a long way out. Has reportedly bled twice over fences which explains his price, but I think he has all it takes to be a player, as he looks like a horse that has been trained for this race 40/1

VIEUX LION ROUGE (FR) Trainer: David Pipe - Weight: 10-12 - Form: 67/116-474 - Age: 9 Well up to the task in hand having won both the Becher Chase here and Grand National Trial at Haydock in 2016/17, both off lower marks, and looked back to form with the blinkers replacing cheekpieces in a listed event at Ascot last time won by Regal Encore. I think this horse has the capabilities of going very well, though the negative about the stamina is a slight concern, but I am going with my own opinion I think he is good enough to win this race on the pick of his best form.


9

THE GRAND NATIONAL THE MEMORABLE GAMBLES BY Shane Kane “We take a look back at a few substantial gambles, that have been landed throughout the years” Papillon’s success in 2000 for trainer Ted Walsh and his jockey son Ruby was a popular victory. Tipped by the Racing

Irish solicitor Harry Dyas. He was 5/1 second favourite two years later when scoring for new owner John Bulteel. The 4/1 favourite was his half-sister Gentle Ida, who fell.

A confident Vincent O’Brien told owner Joe ‘Mincemeat’ Griffin to have a good bet on Early Mist in the 1953 race. Griffin won £100,000 when his horse came in and he also owned the 1954 winner Royal Tan, trained by O’Brien too. Another successful 19th century punt came in 1866 when owner/ trainer Edward Studd had £1,000 at 40/1 about Salamander. His £40,000 winnings would equate to nearly £3 million at today’s values. Prolific gambler Terry Ramsden bet £50,000 eachway at 8/1 about Mr Snugfit in the 1986. The horse, who was also combined in doubles and trebles, returned a profit when coming fourth.

Part-owner Mike Futter estimated his total winnings were Post’s Pricewise column at 33/1 on the £800,000 when Monty’s Pass scored in morning of the race, he was sent off at 2003. The five-person Dee Racing 10/1 by before the off hit the bookies hard on both occasions he syndicate netted over £1 million on the winner, who started at 16/1 but had been won the Grand National, in 1897 and 1899. He was sent off 6/1 favourite for his backed down from 66/1 by his owners first win when owned by heavy-gambling


10

THE IRISH HORSES AT AINTREE Written by

Sarah Shannon

The Cheltenham Festival may seem like a distant memory, but in terms of race wins and festival dominance, it’s a week that set Irish racing apart from the rest and showcased their ascendancy over national hunt racing. With Aintree just around the corner, you would think that the Irish contingent would give the British a well-earned break by not sending some of the best horses on the national hunt circuit across the Irish Sea. However you’d be wrong, and as the clock ticks down to the festival, here are some of the top chances for Irish victories.

Tiger Roll A dominant performance in the cross country put all the doubts about his favouritism firmly behind him, and when travelling well in the closing stages of the race, he powered up the Cheltenham hill to the roars of the crowd. However, the National course is a different story, four miles of not stop concentration is needed to get over the most challenging obstacles in racing, and it is quite a challenge for even the most skilled jumpers. It’s going to take a lot more for him to fight off his competitors this time around, but with the memory of Cheltenham firmly in mind, what a performance it would be if he could win here.

Supasundae Robbie Power and Jessica Harrington have forged quite the partnership on the National Hunt scene. A famous victory for Sizing John in the Gold Cup last season catapulted the duo even further into the spotlight, and it looks as though their elite status could continue with Supasundae in the Aintree Hurdle. He looked a force to be reckoned with when taking the track last season, and revelled when running here last season, although finishing second. This season Apple’s Jade has kept him firmly in that position except for one win over Faugheen, but with Gordon Elliott set to send her to Punchestown, his luck might be changing. This time around, the race looks to be very much in his favour with know Penhill to compete against. At eight-years-old he’ll have the edge to beat My Tent or Yours, his nearest rival in the betting, so if your heading to Aintree, get your flag ready to wave when he flies past the post.


11

THE IRISH HORSES AT AINTREE Written by Sarah Shannon Unbeaten this season heading to the Gold Cup, he seemed a solid each-way chance in the hands of Young Joseph O’Brien is garner- David Mullins. Confident on the testing ground, he ing quite the reputation as a certainly looked more than capable of handling himtrainer. Perhaps one day he can self, and if he’d managed to stay on all fours, I susbe as famous as his old man. pect his odds would be shorter here. If the race goes From the early decelerations, it right, we could have an Irish one-two here, which seems as though he’s sending although different trainers would make punters very quite the contingent to Aintree, and from those Early happy. Doors looks a solid pick, as he’ll look to build on his win at Cheltenham.

Early Doors

Owners View

Starting the season well with two wins from three, his, his campaign got off to a flyer, and he’s one not to be ignored, especially as the other run was a second place finish behind Mengli Khan. He seemed to suffer at Leopardstown, perhaps the ground wasn’t suitable, but Cheltenham offered better fortune for the five-year-old. He still has a lot of learning to do, but f he does run, there’s no doubt he’ll give a strong performance, so we’ll have to wait and see when the cards are confirmed.

It isn’t always about the trainers when it comes to Aintree, and owner J P McManus has indeed shown us that when comes to landing big races, he knows precisely where he wants to target his horses. Nicky Henderson may train Apple's Shakira, but with McManus colours in the saddle, a victory for him is a victory for Ireland. Unbeaten heading to Cheltenham, he was sent to post as the favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, which was taken by Farclas (keep an eye on him at Punchestown).

This time around, he looks as though he’ll have an easier time of it in the Doom Bar, although, he’ll still have to keep an eye on stable companion We Have Let’s be honest, both Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh A Dream who probably won’t go down without a haven’t had the best of times this season. Walsh has fight. suffered two very nasty injuries, and the horses from is another McManus horse the Mullins stable just haven’t fired on all cylinders. that knows how to perform on the big stage, and altMin, however, is one of those horses that can change that fortune, that’s if he can get the better of hough he didn’t fare too well at Cheltenham this time Altior in the Melling Chase. A steady build-up to the around, it is hard to completely rule him out in the Foxhunters after his run back in 2016. festival saw two wins from three after a rather long

Min

On the Fringe

Final Thoughts

break, and at Cheltenham, I believe may punters expected him to lay down more a challenge to what seems an unstoppable Nicky Henderson horse. When looking for the top contenders for Aintree, in If he can pull off the unthinkable here, then I think the truth, it’s all about who turns up on the day. We could continue to list every horse that has a link to whole of Ireland will be on their feet, so fingers Ireland here, and they still might fail to fire on race crossed he goes to post. day. I’m optimistic this won’t be the case, especially with such a strong contingent expected to invade British soil so we could be seeing the Irish flag flying Opposing Tiger Roll is a difficult task, but I have to high once again. mention Total Recall. He’s a 10/1 chance for the National, and after falling at Cheltenham, he’ll have something to prove at Aintree to back up his strong form at Newbury and Leopardstown.

Total Recall


12

THE MELLING CHASE Down through the years with Joe Smith The Melling Chase from Aintree for me is always one of the most anticipated races in the national hunt calendar. Ran over a distance of 2 miles and four furlongs. It’s a race which attracts the very best from those who have generally competed in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase. Since its debut in 1991, Barry Geraghty has ridden the most winners (4) and Nicky Henderson has trained the most winners (3). The roll call of this race is a who’s, who’s of national hunt heroes. As I have said, this race has always provided bundles of quality but for me there are three standout performances in recent times which blew me away.

SPRINTER SACRE 2013 It seems that whenever the words mind-blowing and spine tingling get used in a conversation on horse racing, the name Sprinter Sacre isn’t far away. He arrived on Merseyside on a back of a demolition job performance in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Amongst his 5 rivals though was the Ryanair Chase winner Cue Card, 2012 Champion Chaser Finians Rainbow and Irish superstar Flemenstar. Now the main talking point was how would Sprinter cope with the extra 4 furlongs. Would his stamina last out? Cue Card was proven at the trip so were things tipped in his favour? The match up was well and truly on and the build up was just as memorable as the race. Everywhere you turned you saw Sprinter or Cue card on newspapers, billboards and supporters wearing scarves of their heroes. Everywhere your ears dared listen the matchup was on the lips of pretty much everyone. Cue Card took a lead role and made it a true test. He was jumping well up front with Barry Geraghty happy to sit in 4th place no more than 3 lengths behind. 4 from home and the race was well and truly on. Sprinter was about to enter the unknown as he entered the final 4 furlongs of the race. It was at this point when the pair of Finians Rainbow and Flemenstar began to feel the pinch with the other two of Sanctuaire and For Non Stop completely beaten out of sight. 3 out and still no rider had fully asked for anything from their mounts. 2 out and Sprinter ranged up to Cue Card. Joe Tizzard began to work away on Cue Card but Barry sat motionless on Sprinter Sacre and breezed past Cue Card with unbelievable ease before jumping the last and cruising to a comfortable victory. The commentator used words like “Horse of a lifetime” and “No one trick pony”. Looking back at the race still gives me goosebumps.Being in attendance was particularly special. The way Sprinter just made a Ryanair Chase winner look so average wasn’t real! It shouldn’t happen but that’s how good he was.


13

THE MELLING CHASE Down through the years with Joe Smith MASTER MINDED 2011 Master Minded unfortunately suffered a career ending injury during the 2011 King George Chase but just 8 months earlier he produced one of the most breath-taking performances ever seen at Aintree. He arrived in Merseyside on a bit of a comeback mission. In the Champion Chase he was a well beaten 2-1 favourite and many felt he wouldn’t have the grit and stamina needed to beat the Ryanair Chase winner Albertas Run. Even the admirable Somersby and Kalahari King were ahead of him in the betting so Master Minded was somewhat of an underdog. In the early stages Ruby Walsh settled his mount in mid division allowing him to find his rhythm and along the back straight he really pinged his fences without breaking stride. Turning down the side of the course a couple of his rivals were hard at it and you can see Ruby in his familiar posture quietly sneaking Master Minded into the race. On the turn for home Master Minded was still absolutely tanking and to be honest from this moment it was a matter of how far. Again he pinged three out and Ruby then released an inch of reign and the response was instant. He stormed clear, jumping the last two fences with such efficiency it was scary. To win a Melling Chase by 9 lengths takes some doing, especially in such a stacked field that Master Minded faced here. When Master Minded was fit and on song he was one of the greatest horses Ive seen. The 2011 Melling Chase was a fine example of this and one that I ask those who have yet to watch to do so. “Equine Brilliance at its best”


14

THE MELLING CHASE Down through the years with Joe Smith DON COSSACK 2015

Alarm Bells starting to ring? Was the Don in trouble? Well, within a matter of strides he was back alongside A lot like Master Minded, Don Cossack arrived at AinCue Card and suddenly the roles were reversed with tree on the back of a disappointing performance at Cue Card now under pressure and Don Cossack the Cheltenham Festival. Beaten favourite in the Ryatravelling within himself. The further they went the furnair Chase, he probably deservedly got beat as he ther he went clear and the winning margin was an just didn’t jump well enough. astonishing 25 lengths. The Don had announced himself and he did so in style. Plus he ran into a determined Sir AP McCoy who For me these standout amongst many but every was hell bent on tasting festival glory one more time in his farewell season. At Aintree though it was McCoy who had been given the leg up on Don Cossack who was the 3-1 joint favourite with fellow Irish raider Champagne Fever. Again Cue Card lined up this race along with Al Ferof and and some other very talented horses. The doubts about Don Cossack this day were the combination of the trip and track being on the sharp side as he was always thought of as a proper stayer and that theory was proved right as in 2016 he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup but before then his Melling Chase performance really fast tracked him into the limelight. Cue Card once again tried to make sure this was a truly run race like he did in 2013. You could see though from an early stage that AP was keen not to let Cue Card have to much of a lead and was always in close proximity of the two leaders. Again Don Cossacks jumping was a bit jerky and not as fluent as it could be. The last two fences the signs were that AP had seen enough of Don Cossacks jumping and started to really drive him at his fences in which his mount responded with two fantastic leaps. Then as they turned for home and jumped the final fence before the straight, Cue Card was still tanking with Don Cossack seemingly hitting a flat spot as Ap started to work away.

Melling Chase seems to produce a superstar performance. It really does take a special horse to win one of these. The imposing winning machine Sprinter Sacre who laughed at his opposition with his high cruising speed. The nimble and magical Master Minded who tanked his way through Merseyside with Ruby Walsh producing another masterclass. The laid back tank Don Cossack who used his huge engine to submit his field and leave them stranded up the Aintree straight.

I cannot wait to see what this years renewal produces but I'm pretty sure whoever lines up in the race, we will wit-


15

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With MIKE FROM @PUNTERSFORM Tell us about yourself?

What makes you business different to others?

My name is Mike O’Neil I have owned my own software companies since I was 23, I have been developing/designing software for the best part of 40 years now. Chances are if you sold or bought a house in the last 18 years your conveyancer used software I designed and developed.

We are the only company to ever look at the Punters Form and explore its credibility in finding the winner. Once we were convinced that it worked it was a case of finding a way to display the data in such a way that it makes it easy to interpret, that turned out to be the hardest part, we developed 100’s of ways to display results, we launched RaceStatsApp 1 over two years ago when we thought we had it, but it wasn’t long before we discovered we had missed what turned out to be critical stage and that was the ability for the user to get a match to track and day, in RaceStatsApp2 we do it for them. Obviously if everyone one in racing starts using RaceStatsApp2 it won’t be long before it doesn’t work but I am 100% confident the vast majority will never accept that the form of the punter is more reliable than the form of the horse / jockey / trainer. RaceStatsApp2 is not just for the days racing but for finding systems also, it gives the user the ability to run unlimited combinations and instantly gives the income / losses it would produce over the defined period for every one of the last ten years.

How did you happen to start your business? Ten years ago I started a website called HereAfterMe.com unfortunately it did not take off and I then decided it was time to do something that did not require customers, employees, partners, taxman or banks and the only thing I could come up with was punting on horses but I wasn’t going to jump straight in, I figured with my abilities with computers and mathematics I could create a program that would guarantee my success at it. Not a single friend believed it was possible which is probably why I didn’t quit after the first 5 years, when someone says it cannot be done all I hear is no one else could do it. In that time we have spent in excess of 60,000 hours (includes my time and the time of the best programmer I ever employed in my commercial life) writing 1,000’s of algorithms, designing and ditching 100’s of calculators. Truth is if I had known it would take this long and cost what it has I never would of started but never let it be said that I am a quitter whatever the cost. Tell us all about the app and the idea behind it?

What the future have in store for your concept We have a very exciting addition for our next release but for now it must remain hush hush. What was your most memorable bet? The last one I won. I forget the losers instantly. Most memorable racing memory?

A very good friend Steve Tilley organized a tent (beer tent) in the infield at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland New Zealand on boxing day for their big meeting. Friends flew in from everywhere in the world for what turned out to be one of the best days ever with great friends I had not seen in After 5 years what I discovered is there are NO constants in years. Never to be forgotten. any data outside the punter. The Punter and Bookie are the only ones that go out every day with just one goal and that Away from racing, how do you unwind? is to win. Punters have been around longer than every I have been doing this for so long now I need a break away horse/trainer/jockey and compete in every race so the data and that was is why I originally released RaceStatsApp they create is easier to see patterns in than anything else when I realized it wasn’t right and I had to get my head you can find. All you need is a race that has been held on back in the game and keep going it was not easy, but now I the same day on the same track and is the same race type am confident everyone who uses RaceStatsApp2 which with approximately the same number of runners for at least includes PuntersForm will make money from it and not mind 5 years, they don’t happen every race but they happened paying less than £1.00 a day for it, I can finally after 10 many times a day and on certain days they do happen for years start thinking of what I can do to unwind …and it will every race. be sailing somewhere warm. The vast majority of Punters bet based on the research they have done or copied from those who have taken the time Release of RaceStatsApp including PuntersForm only to do it. ONLY punters make a favourite. A punter every weeks away now. Learn more read their blog. https://racestatsapp.blogspot.co.uk/ Register now to be year (+/- 1% or 2%) gets the favourite right 33% of the among the first to access this truly unique way of looking at time, NOTHING is more consistent. I have been collecting Horse Racing Data since 2008, Initially everything to do with racing including Betfair Betting data, Trainers/Jockeys/Horses even as far as travelling distances and the weather to mention just a couple.

data at http://www.vexter.co.uk/ follow on @Puntersform


16

THE COLOUR CHART THE NATIONAL CONTENDERS SILKS


17

THE COLOUR CHART THE NATIONAL CONTENDERS SILKS


18


19


20

Have you been struggling to find the staff you need? Or are you frustrated with the lack of staff available locally for your yard or business? Equi Role Global is the new global equine industry recruitment app. The app ‘matches’ employers and candidates worldwide, by looking at the industry and available role type of the employer and the chosen industries, skills and role choices of candidates. It then goes on to automatically ‘match’ the employer to the candidate and both can scroll through their ‘matches’ until they find someone suitable. Employers can shortlist candidates and candidates can apply for jobs. Interviews can also be offered through the app as well as job offers too.

Candidates are joining the app every day, looking for work in Ireland, UK as well as further afield. There were 1,107 downloads in the 43 days since our launch. 88% of those registered are candidates looking for work. 144 are looking for work in Ireland alone, 183 are looking for work in the UK. There are 9 live roles. They are looking for a range of roles in a range of industries - see end of article for details. Improvements Each month we will let you know about new features and bug fixes, so that you can see what we are improving on based on your feedback. We want to be open and honest with the industry, so that we can continue to improve the app to meet the industry needs. New Features We are currently adding the ability for Candidates to choose multiple job types and an option to ‘see all jobs.’

Candidates upload their CVs to the app and upload photos and videos that showcase their skills, so that We are currently adding the ability of Employers to employers can see skills before shortlisting. ‘see all candidates’ so that they can browse through all candidates and see the staff that are available on The app is most importantly for ALL job types in all the app. equine industries worldwide, not just yard The android app is coming soon - this is a point jobs - there have been a significant number of both employers and candidates have raised, lots of people looking for work in feed companies, equine candidates have come forward asking for the anproduct companies, equine insurance, colleges, droid app. It will allow even more candidates to join bloodstock sales, media, advertising, bookmakers the app and an even greater choice for employers. etc as well as in all the equitation sectors. We are working on that as quickly as possible. Sign up to our website (below) to be kept up to date on product release dates etc. “Employers must create a role to be able to see potential candidates.”


21

January/ February bug fixes:

Website bug - CVs not pulling through to

website. Solution in progress and should be fixed in the next couple of days.

Facebook invite friends not working -

Unfortunately Facebook recently changed their requirements for ‘inviting friends’ to be for gaming apps only, which has affected the sharing of our app through social media. There is currently no workaround so we are advertising heavily on social media and through other outlets. Push notifications (i.e. to phone home screen) on new match, application, interview acceptance and job acceptance, rather than having to go into app to check notifications. Feedback received & being actioned

Image skewed in Employer registration - resolved

Phone number pulling through incorrectly to preview screen - resolved

Too cumbersome for employers to set up. We are deleting some of the fields Employers have to fill

in in when registering, to save them time.

Should not have to create a role image. We are changing the app to allow for the employer logo to

pull through as the role image.

Arrow for experience field linked incorrectly - resolved.

CV and photos/ videos of skills mandatory for Candidates - resolved.

App archaic because it includes an industry match requirement. We included this so that e.g. a

racing yard rider role would not be matched with e.g. riding school rider candidates, but we will remove it at the request of current users. Over time as more and more users join the app, we may turn the industry match requirement back on. What are your thoughts?

Shouldn’t have to offer interviews. We will keep this in as it is a recruitment app, but we will also add

a contact now button. It should be free. We invested considerable sums in building the app on both iOS and Android and so we cannot offer it for free. It is always free for candidates. We kept the price as low as physically possible £9.99 per month (no contract) for unlimited vacancies, or 12 months for the price of 10 (allowing your roles to stay ‘live’ for longer). If you are interested in our app and want to discuss how it could help you, please contact us via the email jobs@equiroleglobal.com and we will arrange a suitable time to chat. We want to thank those in the industry who have supported us in the early weeks of our new venture some top flat yards, eventing yards, dual purpose yards, showing yards and studs are currently advertising roles. If you are an employer in need of staff, please join the app and remember you need to create a role to see potential staff.”

You can download the app from the app store, search Equi Role Global in the App Store.


22

EQUINE MEDIRECORD “READY TO REVOLUTIONISE RECORDS OF THOROUGHBREDS” The award winning Equine MediRecord – www.equinemedirecord.com is founded by Trinity College, Dublin graduates Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary, who are prepared to revolutionise the multi-billioneuro horse racing industry by digitising the medical regulatory records of its thoroughbred. The exciting tech business targets a previously unmet need by allowing proper, timely recording of all regulatory medicines records and vaccinations administered to bloodstock. “Our system has been well received and is already in use by trainers and vets and has been deemed an acceptable alternative by racing regulators. It is easy to use and keep up to date. It provides vital information to trainers and allows technology to assist in horses’ welfare.” insists Pierce Dargan, CEO of Equine MediRecord. The mastermind concept behind Equine MediRecord is that they sell and maintain a mobile application, website and database to allow proper, timely recording of the many medicines and vaccinations that are regularly administered. Existing medicines registers, which must be kept up to date for each racehorse under a trainer’s care, currently are physical books that require trainers and vets to input data by hand on a day-by-day basis. But these books are easily misplaced or damaged, and, because racehorses and the many people that manage them travel frequently, the process can be time-consuming and laborious. Additionally, different racing jurisdictions across the globe have different rules regarding the medications that are permitted, but there is no central database or system to easily check specific regulations. Equine MediRecord resolves these problems as records can be updated easily and securely in real time as medicines and vaccinations are administered. It is the first system to be deemed an acceptable alternative to the current Medicines Register system by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board. Additionally, all records are securely stored in the cloud, so that they cannot be lost or damaged; users will receive notification updates automatically when regulations around certain medications change, so that it is far easier to comply with regulations; horse locations are updated when they move to vets or other stables, so that it is easier to track their whereabouts; complete medical records are easily exported as data files, so that there are no grey areas regarding a horse’s history; and alerts are provided automatically to trainers regarding treatments and upcoming vaccinations. Many trainers and vets have helped the company from its inception to develop a very user-friendly system..


23

EQUINE MEDIRECORD “READY TO REVOLUTIONISE RECORDS OF THOROUGHBREDS”

Many well-known racing figures have spoken out about their approval of the concept that is certain to immensely improve the thoroughbred industry in countless ways. “The system is easy to use and will make my life a whole lot easier” insisted Noel Meade’s assistant trainer Emma Connolly. ‘It’s a progressive initiative with an easy to use system which will help trainers save time while keeping their records up-to-date and secure” added trainer William T Farrell. “it’s easy to use and the list of drugs that autofill is great and saves time” stated Siobhain O’Sullivan, Assistant Trainer at Michael O’Callaghan Racing. “I have been very impressed with this programme which combines a very user-friendly platform for both trainer and veterinary surgeon with the ability to accurately record medication and treatment details of the racehorses under their care. This is vital in today’s increasingly regulatory environment. I am very confident that this program will be an essential tool that can be run from phones or laptops.” insisted Hugh Dillon, veterinary practitioner & Partner at Troytown Equine Hospital. Michael Grassick, Chief Executive of Irish Horseracing Trainers Association also added “From the first conversation with Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary I always felt it was a good idea. With more Regulations from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, regarding medical record books states it is imperative that we keep records up to date. Using Equine MediRecord solves these problems. It gives you added security and peace of mind.” Equine MediRecord passion and determination has been celebrated as their drive has already seen them winning numerous awards and competitions, including two important recent successes at the IrishThoroughbred Breeders Association Expo, which concluded this week. Well-regarded Classic-winning Trainer, John Oxx has quoted “Their idea is innovative, useful and will be a great asset for all those striving to keep and share accurate records.” which speaks volumes about the potential of this company which you will be hearing plenty more about in the forthcoming months and years. “A wise man adapts himself to circumstances as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.” And that comparable reasoning can be related to Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary, who unquestionably have the work ethics and know how to help others in the thoroughbred industry and beyond.

For more information about Equine MediRecord, see: https://www.equinemedirecord.com/ or email info@equinemedirecord.com


24


25

- BEST ODDS GUARANTEED - BETTING OFFERS DAILY - EXTRA PLACE SPECIAL

The Aintree Festival

SIGN UP TODAY


26


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.