Joe Hernon, Chairman of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders (EFTBA), led a delegation to Brussels on Feb. 21 to share the concerns of the European Thoroughbred industry as a possible Brexit approaches in late March. Other members of the delegation included Hubert Honore and Paul Marie Gadot of France, Andreas Tiedtke of Germany, Giovanna Romano of Italy, and Des Leadon, EFTBA Veterinary Consultant along with Michael Treacy, EU lobbyist. The delegation met with many senior EU officials over a two-day period including, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan, Dr. Alf-Eckbert Fussel, EU Commission's Directorate General on Animal Health as well as David Bruck, Donal O'Donnell, Tom Tynan and Bernard Van Goethem to discuss the many issues and concerns facing EU Thoroughbred breeders as a result of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, which included free movement and transportation of Thoroughbreds post Brexit. If a hard Brexit or a no-deal Brexit occurs, breeders will face increased paperwork due to the possibility of border inspection posts coming into effect for horses entering the EU.
“The visit proved to be informative,” said Hernon. “The EU Commission and the respective Departments of Agriculture appear to be well versed in our needs and desires for international trade to continue.”
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