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TBA FORUM
Benefit in Focus:
TBA diary dates
Regional Activity
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
This year has seen numerous events take place around the country, to which members were invited. The TBA strives to give its membership plenty of opportunities to get together and works hard all year to try to distribute, as evenly as possible, the various events that take place. The Welsh and West Midlands region
had nine events in 2013, with the West hosting six, whilst the North and the South-East both held four. Through race sponsorship, where TBA members are granted free entrance, regional days, several stand-alone events and the two stallion parades, we hope that you will find something to attend without having to travel too far.
Regional days: The North
NH Stallion Parade, Cheltenham The parade of NH stallions will take place on Countryside Day prior to racing. More information will be available next month. TBA Members can gain free entry on production of their Membership Card. Members also have use of the Stallion Parade Marquee, giving the opportunity to speak with connections of the stallions parading on the day. For further details contact Pauline Stoddart at the TBA.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 TBA Mares-only Novice Hurdle at Warwick
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 PwC Economic Impact Study Launch at Tattersalls
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 TBA Novice Hurdle (Listed) at Newbury
TUESDAY 10 – THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER TBA Annual Stud Farming Course at the British Racing School, Newmarket
Members gather in Richard Ford’s training barn at Lancashire Racing Stables
TBA Regional Representative Philip Bamford organised a superb regional day in September. Members met at Lancashire Racing Stables, owned by Paul Clarkson and his wife Stella, and run by trainer Richard Ford. Interestingly, the yard had successfully attracted EU funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013, no mean feat as many can testify. This has funded a smart American barn which Paul Clarkson explained brought their capacity up to 37 boxes, a number which he and Richard were content to maintain with the focus being on improving the quality of the horses in their care. With a business geared to offering affordable syndicate ownership, the economic downturn had created some challenges, but hopes were high that the recent arrival of Tony Culhane as assistant trainer would lead to further interest. A number of horses were pulled out for members to view, including Philip Bamford’s Seamster, with connections looking forward to a good run two days later. A tour of the remaining yard and an opportunity to watch four horses work on the
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woodchip gallops completed the visit. The party took a short journey back down the A6 to Oakhill Veterinary Centre where we were met by Senior Partner Alistair Kirkham, who gave members a fascinating insight into his progressive veterinary practice. Despite the fact that the number of thoroughbred clients had fallen, the emphasis on equine investment was clearly apparent with a stateof-the-art operating theatre offering a range of surgeries, shock-wave therapies and digital Xray facilities on site, interestingly located next door to a decommissioned nuclear bunker, which attracted much comment. Finally, after a delicious lunch at the Marriott Hotel, World Horse Welfare Chairman and founder partner of the Oakhill Veterinary Centre, Barry Johnson, gave an enlightening presentation on the work of WHW both in a supportive role to the British Horseracing Authority’s veterinary and welfare responsibilities and its vital campaigning and practical support on behalf of all horses, which stimulated some valuable debate and questions. Our thanks to Philip for a great day.
Places are strictly limited for this popular course. For further information contact Christine Standley at the TBA on 01638 661321 or email Christine.standley@thetba.co.uk
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 TBA Mares Only Novice Hurdle at Fakenham
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 TBA Mares-only Handicap Hurdle at Doncaster
NEW MEMBERS R Bailey Esq, Bedfordshire; Essafinaat, Suffolk; C Jenkins Esq, Gloucestershire; W Kinsey Esq, Cheshire; Mrs P A Miles, West Sussex; H Shields, London; Miss T Taylor, Rutland.
18-35 MEMBERS Anna Alcock, Wiltshire; Rob Davey, Suffolk; Des Hernon, London; Molly May, Suffolk; Paul McIvor, Middlesex; Violet Stopford, Hampshire.
THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER