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Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine today attended the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Western Breeders Awards, on “Plate Day” at the Galway Racing Festival.

Speaking at the event the Minister stated that he was delighted to “celebrate and recognise the achievements of Irish-bred horses both Flat and National Hunt over the past year for the Western Region.”

The Minister paid tribute to the vital role that the Association plays “in providing advice and assistance to breeders and owners” in the areas of promoting responsible and quality breeding and in horse welfare.

Minister Hayes stated that 2013 had “so far been a very successful year for the thoroughbred industry with Ireland continuing to breed world class horses” and that “it has been estimated that this national industry has a huge economic impact in every county throughout Ireland and contributes almost €1billion to the Irish economy.” Minister Hayes concluded by congratulating the worthy award recipients and by wishing all involved in the Irish thoroughbred industry continued success in 2013.