ROBERT Hall introduced the €200,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes on Wednesday, and summed it up well. “It’s a huge deal for Ballyhane, it’s a massive deal for Naas, and it’s a ginormous deal for everybody involved in the racing of two-year-olds,” he said.

Hall outlined details of the brainchild of Ballyhane Stud master Joe Foley. Over six furlongs on Monday, August 3rd, it is a race restricted to the progeny of stallions whose median is €75,000 or less. The race closes on Wednesday, February 26th with an initial entry cost of €250. A field of 24 will line up and there is prizemoney down to €4,000 for sixth.