Wow - the good old EBF reaches a massive milestone in sponsorship and I bet you wondered who they were! Well done to Sam Sheppard who is a legend and the man who runs it in Europe
The European Breeders'
Fund (EBF), since its creation in 1983 and the first contributions to the sport
in 1984, has been an integral part of European racing as well as a major sponsor
of races.
Now in its 29th year of
sponsorship, the EBF is justifiably proud that European racing has benefitted
by over €100,000,000 (one hundred million euros) from funds generated by the
organisation. That must be considered a spectacular result for what is
essentially a "self-help" scheme.
None of this could have
been achieved without the consistent support of European stallion owners who
pay the required EBF dues, and to the breeders and owners of horses bred
outside Europe who make payments to ensure their horses become EBF eligible.
The EBF is enormously
grateful to all those stallion owners and eligibility payers who have
contributed to the magnificent total of more than a hundred million euros.
Sam Sheppard, the EBF
chief executive, thanked the stallion owners: "The support we have had
over many years has been superb.
"I think the EBF
model has proved to be effective as well as standing the test of time, while
some other schemes have been put under considerable pressure, or have foundered.
"The EBF could not
have taken off in the way it did without the stallion owners and their input is
immensely appreciated.
"In addition, our
involvement with Breeders' Cup and the owner/breeders of US-sired stock has
reaped dividends. Altogether, this has allowed the EBF to provide
European racing with over €100,000,000 - an extraordinary figure."
Sheppard, who retires at
the end of 2012 after joining the EBF at its start, added: "I have come
across many wonderful people in my EBF role, most of whom dedicate a good part
of their lives to the thoroughbred.
"Inevitably, during
that time the EBF and I have been through some choppy waters but we remain
strong, sustainable and looking forward to the future."
Sheppard praised the
members of staff in the EBF's Newmarket office: "It is a small team,
dedicated and expert at their jobs. They exhibit great tenacity in achieving
results for the EBF. It is and has been a privilege to work with
them."
EBF co-ordinating
committee member Philip Freedman paid tribute to Sheppard. He said: "Sam
represents all that the EBF stands for - integrity, internationalism and a
healthy bloodstock industry.
"Not only does the
EBF owe him a huge debt of gratitude, but so do all those who have been
beneficiaries over the last 30 years - owners, trainers, jockeys, racecourses
and breeders."
D G Van Clief, president
of the Breeders' Cup from 1996 to 2006, commented on the healthy relationship
between the EBF and the Breeders' Cup: "It has been nearly three decades
since I discussed with Sam and Peter Willett the emergence of the EBF concept
and how it would relate to the equally new Breeders' Cup.
"Due in great part to
Sam's perseverance and diplomacy, that evening would prove to be the beginning
of a longstanding relationship between the two organisations.
"I have enjoyed
working with Sam and have watched the application of his tireless work ethic,
passion for the thoroughbred and leadership qualities that take the EBF from a
mere concept to an everyday reality."
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