Calyx colt foal the first thoroughbred to receive the Weatherbys ePassport

The Weatherbys ePassport has gone live to British and Irish thoroughbred markets, with a colt foal by Coolmore sire Calyx the first to receive the world's most advanced equine digital passport.

Bred by Julian Richmond-Watson’s Lawn Stud, the foal has got a passport which will become the norm, with all thoroughbreds born in Ireland and Britain this year set to receive an ePassport over the following months.

Weatherbys are continuing to work with the BHA and Horse Racing Ireland on the rollout of the ePassport, which is a platform for all regulatory and legislative requirements relating to identification, health, welfare, movement and ownership.

Available via both Android and iPhone App stores, some elements of the ePassport are already in use in Britain, Ireland and other jurisdictions, including vaccination and movement functionality.

It also includes stallion, mare and foal registration capabilities, medication recording, plus ownership updates and full identification details.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “The importance of the Weatherbys ePassport cannot be overstated and we see it as a central part of the welfare and traceability strategy for Irish racing over the coming years.”

The Weatherbys ePassportCredit: Weatherbys

James Given, BHA director of equine health and welfare, said: “The vaccination functionality within the Weatherbys ePassport played an important role within the protocols that allowed for racing to resume last year.

"The additional functionality that comes with the full rollout of the ePassport will be vital for the traceability of thoroughbreds – a central pillar of our horse welfare strategy."

Claire Sheppard, chief executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, added: "The movement functionality within the Weatherbys ePassport was hugely important when it came to maintaining the movement and traceability of stock during the 2020 and 2021 breeding season as part of the TBA’s Covid-19 protocols.

"The enhanced functionality within the ePassport will bring many more benefits to breeders and the thoroughbred industry, and we welcome its introduction. We will be working closely with Weatherbys and breeders to ensure an effective rollout and application of this exciting new technology.”

Read more

Juddmonte’s Royal Ascot winner Sangarius sold to stand in Brazil

Code switcher Laafy tops final day of Tattersalls July Sale at 105,000gns

Group 1 glory for Snow Lantern eight years after her dam was denied

Man Of The Night tops second day of July Sale