The TBA launches inaugural TBA ACCESS Foal Forum

• New FREE Event during Tattersalls December Foal Sale: TBA ACCESS Foal Forum, Thursday, 30 November 2023.
• Expert panel: Mimi Wadham, Violet Hesketh, Alex Elliott, Robert Dallas MRCVS, Kate Sigsworth, Ed Harper and hosted by Sky Sports Racing’s, Vanessa Ryle
• Q&A session: Learn and discuss the art of breeding and pinhooking foals and how to get involved.

The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) is delighted to announce a new FREE to attend event - TBA ACCESS Foal Forum, set to take place on Thursday 30 November, during the Tattersalls December Foal Sale.

The TBA ACCESS Foal Forum aims to educate and enlighten attendees about the intricacies and challenges of breeding and pinhooking foals. With an emphasis on fostering excellence and innovation in the industry, as well as providing networking opportunities with fellow thoroughbred enthusiasts, the inaugural event will take place in the sales ring at Park Paddocks by kind permission of Tattersalls and will be FREE to attend, but individuals must pre-register in advance here.

The event will be hosted by Sky Sports Racing's, Vanessa Ryle, with an expert panel featuring Mimi Wadham and Violet Hesketh of WH Bloodstock, leading bloodstock agent Alex Elliott from Elliott Bloodstock Services, Robert Dallas MCRVS of Rossdales, Kate Sigsworth of West Moor Stud, and Ed Harper of Whitsbury Manor Stud.

The panel will discuss a range of aspects covering the art of breeding, preparing, selling, purchasing and veterinary examinations of foals before a Q&A session for attendees to get involved with.

Philip Newton, Chairman of the TBA said: "We are thrilled to offer this unparalleled opportunity for our members as well as interested individuals to immerse themselves in the world of bloodstock breeding and pinhooking.

"The TBA ACCESS Foal Forum is poised to be an exemplary gathering, providing an engaging platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to exchange knowledge, ideas and ask questions."

Ed Harper of Whitsbury Manor Stud added: “I am looking forward to this panel discussion and opening the lid with other experts on breeding and buying foals. I have some burning questions to ask some of the panel and I would encourage anyone with friends who may be interested in the subject to come along and find out a bit more – its great its Free to attend.”

Matt Prior, Head of Sales at Tattersalls commented: “We are delighted to be able to support the TBA with this inaugural Foal Forum and host to what promises to a be a fascinating event during the Tattersalls December Foal sale. With an expert panel lined up, it should be an educational session.”

Kate Sigsworth of West Moor Stud added: “This is great initiative by the TBA giving everyone who has any interest in breeding and pinhooking or working in the industry the chance to ask questions and network with others on the foal sale circuit. Thank you to Tattersalls for providing the venue and enabling this forum to take place.”

To enhance the festive atmosphere and to help ward off the winter chill, attendees will be treated to complimentary mulled wine and mince pies on arrival from 5pm before the panel kicks-off at 6pm, followed by a Q&A session.

An event not to be missed, anyone interested should be encouraged to bring along friends and colleagues as it presents a unique chance to discuss, learn, and celebrate the passion that lies at the heart of thoroughbred breeding.

Attendance to the event is free, but pre-registration is required to secure a spot at this exclusive event. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official event website at www.thetba.co.uk/events to register today and guarantee their spot at the TBA ACCESS Foal Forum.