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16 May 2010

NEWS RELEASE

European Breeders Federation Annual General Meeting

The 16th Annual General Meeting of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders'

Associations was held on Sunday 16 May at Longchamp Racecourse, Paris, France.

Nearly 30 delegates from the main EU thoroughbred breeding countries attended

Joe Hernon (Ireland) continues as Chairman for a final year. Rhydian Morgan-Jones (GB)

takes over as Vice-President, joining Bo Helander of Sweden, with Franco Castelfranchi

taking a new role as Treasurer. Princess Zahra Aga Khan remains in place as Honorary Chairman..

There was an official awards giving after the AGM to Alec Head to thank him for his many years

in supporting the European racing and Breeding industry. This was collected in his absence by

his daughters Criquette and Patricia.

Issues discussed at the meeting, included the hot topic of potential disease spread due to the expansion

of the EU, EU betting developments including the progress of the new French betting legislation in relation

to whether this will be accepted by the Commission. The case of reduced VAT on horse sales which is still

before the European Court of Justice and the ongoing animal welfare in transport review.

Joe Hernon said during his opening speech, "It has been another difficult year for breeders because

of the economic situation throughout Europe, and indeed, the world. However, quality stock still seem to be in

demand.

In relation to the EFTBA and its activities it has also been an interesting and active year. For a long time we have

been one of the few horse organisations active in Brussels. The need to work more closely with other

organisations was brought up at our AGM last year. So we have not been complacent on this front and last October,

EFTBA was one of the leading organisations in the launch of a new EU horse network in Uppsalla, Sweden.

"EFTBA has also been very active on the veterinary and disease control side and the Chairman of our

Veterinary Advisory Committee, Tim Richardson, has been instrumental in making sure that EFTBA

respond in depth to EU consultations and proposals. This is a vital way in which EFTBA supports all

thoroughbred breeders throughout Europe  - not just in promoting European thoroughbred success at

an international level, but the hugely important task in making sure that the specific requirements

of thoroughbred breeders are taken into account at the highest levels of EU policy making in Brussels."

Editor's Notes: For more information please contact the Secretariat on 00 33 4 71 58 49 17 .

A full copy of the Chairman's address is available on request from info@eftba.eu