IRISH racing has been boosted by an increased sponsorship contribution of €3.2 million from the Irish European Breeders’ Fund for 2026 - a record investment from the organisation.
Funded by Irish Stallion Farms, the latest figure (up from €3.1 million announced in 2025) represents a 100% increase in the Irish EBF’s annual contributions compared to a decade ago.
Horse Racing Ireland has welcomed this week’s announcement, which is said to complement the strategic prize money increases they recently pledged alongside owners and racecourses, as part of a three-year industry growth strategy.
On the flat, all Irish EBF two-year-old maidens will now run for a minimum of €22,000, and every race in the Irish EBF Two-Year-Old Auction Series will carry an increased minimum prize fund of €25,000 (ahead of the €120,000 Auction Series Final at Naas in October).
Median Sire Series races continue to have a minimum prize fund of €25,000 (leading to the €200,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes in August), while all races in the Smullen Series, designed to drive middle-distance racing and breeding, are to be run for €25,000, culminating in the €200,000 Gowran Classic in June.
As for the National Hunt sector, the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series will see an expanded race programme and significantly widened eligibility criteria. In a move to support a broader range of owners and breeders, the series is no longer restricted to store-bought horses; it will now welcome horses purchased at all ages, while home-breds will also be eligible to compete based on their sire’s median price.
The Irish EBF Academy Hurdle Series is also set to expand for the 2026/2027 National Hunt season.
‘Ambitious’ plan
Joe Foley, Irish EBF chairman, said: “It is very encouraging to see HRI prioritising prize money for 2026 and the Irish EBF Governors are delighted to play their part by committing a record €3.2 million to the Irish prize money fund this year.
“We welcome HRI’s ambitious three-year plan to achieve increased prize money levels and to ensure its success, we look to Minister Martin Heydon and his Department to provide the vital extra funding required to sustain Ireland’s world-leading bloodstock and racing industry.”
HRI’s director of racing Jonathan Mullin added: “From the very outset of planning around a three-year prize money strategy for Irish racing, the Irish EBF were enthusiastic supporters and contributors, which tallies with their generous support towards prize money levels in Ireland for many decades.
“The Irish EBF’s contribution to prize money comes from voluntary contributions from stallion farms all over Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland is hugely appreciative of this long-standing investment.”