THE prize money for the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas on August 2nd is likely to receive a substantial boost.

Already the purse for the six-furlong race is €200,000 but, as a total of 278 two-year-olds have stood their ground for the race at this week’s forfeit stage, there is a strong possibility that the prize money will go up and that a consolation race will be added.

Joe Foley of Ballyhane Stud said: “The intention is to increase the fund and, depending on the number, a ‘silver’ version will be added to the card.”

The race was worth €320,000 when run for the first time in 2020 and the consolation race carried €80,000 in prize money. The race is open to juveniles who are EBF eligible and whose sire established one or more yearling sales in the relevant year with a median price of not more than €75,000.

There are 90 British-trained horses still engaged in this year’s race.

Ballyhane Stud offer a €50,000 bonus if the winner of the race is by a sire standing at Ballyhane, and the winning breeder will receive a free nomination to a Ballyhane stallion.

Trainer Ger Lyons said: “The Irish EBF are brilliant as the primary sponsor of Irish racing. They have put a huge amount of money into the sport, recently announcing an all-time-high allocation of €2.6 million in prize money for the year. Everyone in Irish racing should be very thankful to them for that.

“I will always want to have entries in a race like the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes with such a substantial pot.

“Any contest that puts sizeable prize money up for the owners has to be greatly appreciated and has to be supported. I’m only too happy to back it because it is beneficial to our owners in the long term.”

The classic-winning trainer added: “The €50,000 bonus to the winner if sired by a Ballyhane Stud stallion is an obvious attraction and I have two by Elzaam in it. I’d take great pleasure out of taking an extra 50 grand from Joe Foley!”

The next forfeit stage for the race is June 23rd.