How the Irish equine industry can work
together for global excellence is the central theme the 2017 GAIN Equine
Nutrition and Alltech Equine Summit which takes place on Thursday, November 9
in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge. Organised in association with Grant Thornton
and The Irish Field this is the first time the thoroughbred and sporthorse
sectors will come together for a series of presentations and interactive panel
discussions with equine experts and industry leaders.
The purpose of the
Equine Summit is to reinforce the importance of the equine industry to the
overall Irish economy from an employment, export, marketing and education point
of view. The exciting line-up of speakers and panellists
includes high profile industry figures from the racing, bloodstock and
sporthorse worlds. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael
Creed, TD, will address attendees of the Equine Summit.
The central theme of the summit,
“Striving for Global Excellence” will feature a plenary discussion titled “How can we evolve, compete and lead the
global equine industry - can we collaborate to overcome the challenges?”
This will be chaired by Leo Powell, Editor of The Irish Field and feature Brian
Kavanagh, CEO Horse Racing Ireland; Ronan Murphy, CEO Horse Sport Ireland; Noel
Cawley, Chairman Teagasc and Meta Osborne, Senior Steward of The Turf Club.
Attendees will
then have the opportunity to attend a break-out session to explore topics specific to the thoroughbred or sporthorse sector. For
the sporthorse session the discussion will focus on the theme “How can the Irish sporthorse sector
position itself in a changing market?” and will be chaired by Suzanne Campbell,
journalist, broadcaster and author. The panel includes Lucinda Creighton, CEO Vulcan
Consulting; Cameron Hanley, International showjumper; Johann Knapp, Director
KWPN Dutch Stud Book and Oliver Townend, international event rider.
The thoroughbred breakout session will be chaired by Lorna Fowler,
thoroughbred breeder and trainer, Rahinstown Stud. It will discuss “What does success look like for
thoroughbred breeders, an international viewpoint.” Participants in this
session include Jim Bolger, racehorse trainers and breeder, Joe Foley, Ballyhane
Stud; Richard Aston, Goldford Stud UK and Brendan Holland, Grove Stud.
Leo Powell, Editor of the Irish Field, who is chairing the plenary discussion, commented: “The
importance of both the thoroughbred and sporthorse sectors to Ireland’s economy
is very
significant. Together they are worth some €2.5 billion and provide huge direct
and secondary employment
throughout the island. This makes it a vital component of both the agricultural
and agri-related sectors and this summit will highlight that importance to wider
audience.”
Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing
Ireland, who will speak at the plenary session added: “I’m really looking forward to
participating in the Equine Summit. It is through events like this that new
ideas are exchanged and discussed and I’m sure it will be a very welcome
addition to the equine calendar as we plot our way through the opportunities
provided by globalisation and the challenges offered.”
The Equine Summit will kick off at 3pm
on Thursday, November 9 with a welcome address from Glanbia Group Chairman
Henry Corbally followed by a keynote address from Founder and President of
Alltech, Dr. Pearse Lyons. Industry statistics will then be presented by Sasha Kerins,
Partner, Head of Agri Food, Grant Thornton before the central plenary
discussion commences. Dinner will be served following Minister Creed’s address
and the breakout sessions will commence at 6.30pm. View the Equine Summit full
agenda for this one-day event here.