Irish EBF

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...

The Irish European Breeders' Fund will contribute its highest level of sponsorship with its allocation devoted to races set to increase to €2.6 million in 2021. The largest sponsor of Irish racing, the EBF has already contributed €52 million since the foundation of the Irish European Breeders' Fund in 1983. The funding will be spread across 320 Flat races and 160 National Hunt races, all carrying EBF conditions. The popular Median Sires Series will comprise of 26 races, each worth a minimum of €25,000, while the Irish EBF Ballyhane S.,...

Following its successful inaugural running in 2020, the valuable Irish EBF Ballyhane S. has attracted an entry of 369 juveniles for its return on Aug. 2. With guaranteed prize-money of at least €200,000, the juvenile contest, which is run over six furlongs at Naas on the August Bank Holiday Monday, has understandably proved popular. It also offers a bonus of €50,000 if the winner is by a Ballyhane Stud stallion. "We are delighted to co-sponsor with the Irish EBF and have been thrilled with the response from a large variety...

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, with the support of the Irish European Breeders' Fund and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, will resume Barrier Trials for unraced 2- and 3-year-olds at Dundalk Stadium July 29. The Irish EBF Barrier Trials will operate under the same COVID-19 protocols in use on regular race days. Entries, which opened July 15, will close July 24. Terms & Conditions are listed at www.itm.ie. A later date for the Irish EBF Barrier Trials is scheduled for Aug. 24, pending approval.

The nomination cost for a 2-year-old to the European Breeders' Fund for 2020 has been reduced from $6,000 to $4,500, the EBF announced on Tuesday. Also, the deadline at this fee has also been extended to Aug. 31 or prior to entry in an EBF race. This nomination stage applies to 2-year-olds by a sire not registered to the EBF and standing outside of Europe and which has not been nominated at the previous deadline. Approximately 1,000 races throughout Europe are confined to EBF eligible runners and have added prize...

The Irish EBF has increased its contribution to prizemoney to €2.5-million for 2020, its highest-ever contribution since its establishment in 1983. The Irish EBF is working closely with Horse Racing Ireland to support the restart of racing on June 8 by ensuring all funds--including those not distributed during the suspension of racing--are allocated and the remaining prizemoney is assigned with a focus on grassroots races throughout the rest of the year. John O'Connor, chairman of the Irish EBF, said, "Prizemoney is the lifeblood of racing and supports owners, trainers, jockeys...