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Prize Money Boost For Irish EBF Ballyhane S.

The value of the second running of the Irish EBF Ballyhane S. has been increased from €200,000 to €300,000, the Irish European Breeders' Fund, Ballyhane Stud and Horse Racing Ireland announced on Monday. The median auction race is now the most valuable 2-year-old race that will be held in Ireland in 2021, with the race aimed at EBF eligible 2-year-olds with a sire's median price of no more than €75,000 from last year's yearling sales. It will be conducted over five furlongs and 205 yards at Naas Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday, Aug. 2 with a maximum field of 24.

The winner of the €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane S. will receive €150,000 with prize money paid down to 12th place. There will also be the Silver Irish EBF Ballyhane S. added to the Naas card that will carry a purse of €50,000 with prize money paid down to sixth place. This race is automatically open to all those horses still entered which receive a ballot number in the Irish EBF Ballyhane S. and 48-hour declarations will apply. June 23rd is the next forfeit stage, with the final forfeit stage on July 28th.

Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, said, “We are thrilled to again be in a position to reward the owners and trainers who supported the race by increasing prize-money in the main race and staging the extra race, this will positively benefit a wide range of connections. We are looking forward to seeing the build-up to the race from now until Aug. 2nd and if our €50,000 bonus will be claimed this year by a Ballyhane sired 2-year-old.”

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IHRB Issues Strong Anti-Doping Statement

Following Irish trainer Jim Bolger voicing his concerns on doping in Irish racing this past weekend, a strong statement against doping was issued by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday evening.

The statement read: “Following comments made recently, the IHRB can once again stress there is a zero-tolerance approach to doping in Irish racing and we operate to the highest level using LGC Laboratories in Newmarket, who are one of five International Federation Horseracing Authorities certified laboratories in the world, and the same laboratory used by the British Horseracing Authority.

“The IHRB will continue our extensive testing programme with 5,000 samples in 2021, once again including every race winner, additional raceday samples, out of competition samples and now also at unlicensed premises following on from the receipt of authorised officer status for 12 employees of the IHRB last month, which allows us to access and sample any thoroughbred at any time in Ireland.

“Each and every one of the samples taken are sent to LGC for analysis and any sample that returns an adverse analytical finding is acted upon, and details published, following our disciplinary process. LGC have been world leaders in anabolic steroid detection for over 60 years and most recently have led detection of these drugs in hair.”

Since May, the IHRB authorised officers have visited studs, consignors and pre-training yards besides licenced trainers, with about a quarter of the samples collected being out-of-competition tests.

Denis Egan, CEO of the IHRB said, “There is no room for complacency when it comes to equine anti-doping. The IHRB have shown that by significant increases in testing over the last number of years, and through collaboration with LGC, we have been able to take advantage of the science available.

“Our focus is on risk-based and intelligence led strategy which directs us to get the right sample from the right horse at the right time. The appointment of IHRB officials as authorised officers further strengthens that.”

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, added, “Ireland is a global leader in racing and breeding, and that position brings with it a responsibility to always be vigilant when it comes to anti-doping.

“HRI considers it crucial that continuous investment is made in ensuring that testing is constantly increasing in both numbers and agility, utilising the most modern techniques, and is of an internationally accredited standard.

“HRI has consistently increased its investment in anti-doping through the IHRB in recent years, and that will continue to be the case. This is not a closed industry so I would encourage anybody who believes that there are people operating outside of the rules, to contact the IHRB and make their concerns known.”

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Brian Kavanagh Named Curragh Chief Executive

Brian Kavanagh, whose 20-year tenure as chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland comes to an end upon the conclusion of his latest term in September, will in November take up the role of chief executive officer of The Curragh. Kavanagh takes over from Pat Keogh, who has been in the role since July of 2019.

Padraig McManus, chairman of the board of The Curragh, said, “The board are looking forward to welcoming Brian into his new role as CEO of The Curragh Racecourse and training grounds, and look forward to Brian leading The Curragh as we prepare for racing post-Covid world and growing the world-class training ground facilities here at The Curragh together with the strong, committed team we have already in place.

“We also want to put on record how extremely grateful we are to Pat Keogh for the tremendous job he has done, and his leadership of The Curragh Racecourse and training grounds over the last two years.”

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Owners Welcome Back at Irish Racecourses on Monday

Owners will once again be welcome at Irish racecourses from June 7, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Wednesday. The news follows on the heels of the Irish Government announcement that up to 200 people can attend outdoor events from next Monday.

The last time owners were permitted on racecourses in Ireland was in September of 2020. Two owners per horse will be allowed to attend. There will be designated areas for owners to meet their trainers and jockeys at each track, while winning owners will be permitted to enter the parade ring after their race to welcome their horse.

“We have said all along that getting owners back on the racecourse has been a priority and it is great that it is happening from Bank Holiday Monday at Gowran Park and Listowel,” said Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh.

“Owners have stood by the industry during a very difficult period and their return on track paves the way for greater opening up of race meetings to racing fans in the coming months. Horse Racing Ireland's Ownership team will be in contact with all owners in advance of Monday with full details.

“Obviously, the overall experience for the time being will be an outdoor one, and to ensure that everybody can stay safe, there will be a number of requirements for owners, including registration in advance and arrival through the Health Screening Check-In Area.”

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