Lyons and Fogarty Named Inaugural Recipients of ITBA Next Generation Breeders’ Grant

[Wandering Eyes]

The ITBA Next Generation has announced the introduction of the ITBA Next Generation Breeders' Grant, sponsored by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Irish EBF.

The grant will be awarded annually, and with immediate effect in 2026, to young breeders in recognition of the achievements of horses they have bred. In year one, it will be awarded to two young breeders – one in the Flat racing category and one in the National Hunt racing category.

The inaugural recipients of the ITBA Next Generation Breeders' Grant are Joann Lyons and Jack Fogarty, with each receiving a €5,000 Irish EBF Stallion Farms Voucher, redeemable against the next covering of one of the recipient's mares.

Lyons, who earlier this year also received the ITBA Next Generation Award at the Irish National Breeding and Racing Awards, bred last year's G2 Gimcrack Stakes winner Lifeplan (Kodi Bear). Fogarty, meanwhile, has bred a number of talented National Hunt performers, including Myretown (Dylan Thomas), winner of the 2025 Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, as well as Myretown's half-brother, Dalston Lad (Ocovango), who more recently captured the G2 Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock Park.

Ross O'Mahony, chairman of the ITBA Next Generation, said, “The ITBA Next Generation Breeders Grant is an exciting new initiative recognising and encouraging the success of young breeders in Ireland. The grant is yet another mechanism exclusive to ITBA Next Generation Members designed to support young breeders.

“The Next Generation Committee congratulates inaugural recipients Joann and Jack and thanks the Irish EBF and Horse Racing Ireland for their support in making the initiative possible.”

Irish EBF manager Nessa Joyce added, “The Irish EBF board is proud to collaborate with the ITBA Next Generation and Horse Racing Ireland on this fantastic initiative. By providing these €5,000 Irish EBF Stallion Farm Vouchers, we are offering tangible support to young breeders, like Joann and Jack, at a pivotal stage in their breeding careers, while launching a clear incentive for the next generation to strive towards.

“We look forward to seeing the future stars the ITBA Next Generation breeders will produce with the support of this grant.”

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the ITBA Next Generation Breeders Grant, young breeders must meet the following conditions:

• The recipient must have been under 30 years of age at the time the mare was covered or purchased in foal.
• The recipient must be a fully paid member of ITBA or ITBA Next Generation.

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