GAIN Equine Nutrition is supporting three high-quality two-year-old races at the Curragh this summer with a total value of €220,000.

Entitled the Champion Collection Series, the trio of races starts on May 1st with the First Flier Stakes, followed by the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes on May 27th and then the Group 2 Railway Stakes on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day, July 2nd.

The Gain Railway Stakes will be part of the Tote World Pool this year which will ensure increased international exposure. In addition, the Railway Stakes winner will receive free entry into the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes in early August.

Philip Gilligan, Irish country manager for Gain Equine Nutrition, commented: “This series reinforces Gain’s commitment to both the racing and bloodstock industries. Now in its third year, the synergy between the races is obvious.

“We have seen the same horse win two out of three legs in 2021 (Castle Star) and 2022 (Blackbeard). Will 2023 be the year the same horse can win all three?”

Trainer John O’Donoghue hosted the press launch of the series at his Curragh yard. He said: “We have a couple of nice horses that would certainly be up to having an entry in the Champion Collection Series. We have a very nice filly named Miss Black Jack and hopefully she will warrant an entry in those nice two-year-old races.”

Evan Arkwright, the Curragh’s racing and sponsorship manager, said, “The Curragh is delighted to continue its long standing partnership with Gain Equine Nutrition.

“The association has gone from strength to strength since the launch of the Champion Collection series, which has greatly enhanced the profile of three of our most prestigious races for two-year-olds.”