PADDY Power have announced they will award €5,000 to the stable staff connected to the winner of the race they sponsor today at Leopardstown, the Group 3 Paddy’s Rewards Club Stakes.

Additionally, the groom in charge of the best turned out will receive €1,000, which is four times the usual total put up for grabs.

Paddy Power spokesman Tom Nugent said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to put up some extra prize-money specifically for stable staff.

“While the public might only see horses on the track, the stable staff are there 365 days a year and they graft away in all types of weather. They keep the show on the road and Paddy Power are very pleased to have the chance to support them.”

Paddy Power brand ambassador Ruby Walsh suggested it’ll be well worth going down to see the horses in the parade ring before their sponsored race at 4:55. He said: “There’ll be some grooming and plaiting done on Saturday to see who can do the best job. It’s a lovely incentive for the stable staff. Whoever wins it will be having a big party! Any bonus that incentivises staff in any business or any operation is always very welcome.”

Both Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh and chief exectuvie of the Irish Stable Staff Association commended the incentive and the latter added: “These generous bonuses will be very well received by the industry and in particular by the hard-working grooms who are a vital part of horseracing.”