The fourth running of the Irish EBF Ballyhane S. on Monday, August 7 will be worth €300,000, with every runner in the race set to earn prize-money.
At a twin launch at Ballyhane Stud and the Lord Bagenal Hotel on Wednesday evening, representatives from Naas Racecourse, the Irish EBF and Ballyhane, ably helped by the stud's impeccably behaved new stallion Space Traveller (GB), also announced an accompanying prize for one lucky racegoer of a trip to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Entrance to Naas Racecourse for the meeting will be free.
A median auction race for juveniles whose sire had one or more yearling sold last year with a median price of not more than €75,000, the six-furlong contest has attracted 345 entries. A total of 29 Irish-based trainers have horses entered, with 145 entries hailing from Britain. Connections of the winner are in line to scoop €150,000, while the breeder of the winner will receive a free nomination to a Ballyhane stallion.
Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, which will also sponsor free admission to the racecourse for the meeting, said, “It was great to see the Flat season kick off last weekend and we are once again eagerly awaiting the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes in August. The race may be a few months away yet but owners and trainers alike love to dream and it's fantastic to see such a strong number of entries for what will be the fourth renewal of the race at Naas. The Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes is a valuable race and prize-money is so important to the owners so we are excited to be associated with such a popular day once again.”
Prior to the race, a draw will be made at Naas, assigning one racegoer to each horse in the feature race, with the name linked to the winning horse set to win a two-night package for the Ireland vs South Africa match, including return flights, hotel transfers, hotel B&B, pre-match lunch and two tickets.
“The Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes is a highlight of the August Bank Holiday weekend now and we are delighted with the huge number of entries we have received,” said Eamonn McEvoy, manager of Naas Racecourse. “Everyone at Naas is very grateful to Ballyhane for their support by also sponsoring the gate on the day and some lucky racegoer is going to leave on the day with a trip of a lifetime to see the best rugby team in the world at the World Cup. It promises to be a fantastic afternoon.”
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