RACEHORSE owners and trainers have given a huge thumbs-up to the new Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes by contributing over €140,000 in initial entry fees for the contest, to be run at Naas on bank holiday Monday, August 3rd.

It’s believed that the 563 entries constitute an Irish record. Such has been the popularity of the race, which is confined to juveniles whose sires have a median auction price of no more than €75,000, that Horse Racing Ireland is expected to increase the total prize from the original €200,000, and a consolation race is being considered.

The initial entry fee was €250. In the light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation the first forfeit stage will be deferred from April 22nd to an unconfirmed later date that will be announced when there is a clearer indication of the resumption of racing and dates for the breeze-up sales.

Jason Morris, HRI’s director of racing, said: “Once the picture becomes clearer over the timing and basis for a resumption of racing, we will evaluate the feasibility of increasing the prize money for the feature race and/or the creation of a consolation event.”

Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, said: “A big thank you goes to all the owners and trainers who have entered two-year-olds, especially to the 81 Ballyhane Stud-sired entries, who are in with a chance to win the €50,000 bonus should one of them win the race.”

John O’Connor, chairman of the Irish European Breeders’ Fund, said: “The board is encouraged to see yet another Irish EBF initiative being so well received by the industry and looks forward to this race becoming an established feature of the flat season for two-year-olds. Irish EBF is fully committed to continuing with race sponsorship when racing resumes and will work closely with HRI when the time comes.”