On Tuesday evening, the Irish European Breeders’ Fund (EBF), who are funded by Irish Stallion Farms, announced another record high sponsorship of €3.1 million for 2025. Additionally, Irish racing’s largest sponsor have committed €150,000 to Irish EBF named races in the UK and for retired racehorses through Treo Eile, bringing the overall 2025 prize money sponsorship amount to €3.25 million.

The Irish EBF also revealed a number of new initiatives, most notably the new Smullen Series of eighteen middle distance races for two and three years olds. These include a new two-year-old Listed race at Naas Racecourse in July, the Irish EBF Pat Smullen Stakes, as well as the valuable €200,000 Gowran Classic. The winner of this year’s Gowran Classic will earn free entry to the Irish Derby or Irish Oaks.