BOTH Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland have committed €50,000 each over the next three years to the Weatherbys ITBA National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme.

The scheme encourages owners and breeders to put National Hunt fillies in training by offering a €5,000 bonus to the owner if a filly nominated to the scheme wins a maiden bumper, maiden hurdle or beginners’ chase. Now in its 10th year, the scheme has already paid out €2.8 million in bonuses and is widely regarded as having played a significant role in the increase in the number of National Hunt mares in training and the improved prices for fillies at the sales.

This latest support from the sales companies follows an investment of €100,000 from Horse Racing Ireland through the Foal Levy.

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s National Hunt Committee established the highly successful self-help scheme in 2013. The main objectives were to enhance the prices of fillies at store sales and encourage breeders to return their fillies in training.

The scheme has maintained an entry fee of €200 for 2024 with each filly having the opportunity to win €15,000 without deduction on top of the prize money.

In 2018 the scheme was extended to include a number of mares-only handicap hurdles for fillies who did not win their maiden and also supports the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Race Series.

ITBA NH Committee chairman William Flood said: “ITBA and its National Hunt Committee are delighted with the commitment of Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland towards the Fillies Bonus Scheme. Both sales companies have been huge supporters of the initiative from the outset.

“The additional support, together with the commitment of €100,000 from Horse Racing Ireland through the Foal Levy, will ensure the future of the scheme and will enable National Hunt breeders and owners to benefit from keeping their fillies in training.

“Together with our title sponsors Weatherbys and media partner The Irish Field, the scheme is in a very good position to further enhance and grow in the coming years.”

Henry Beeby, CEO of Goffs, added: “We have nothing but admiration for the ITBA NH Committee, led by William Flood, and the executive in this connection as they have made a huge success of the NH Fillies Bonus Scheme which has had a most positive effect on the viability of NH fillies over the last 10 years.”

Simon Kerins, Tattersalls Ireland CEO, said: “This initiative has proven to be a huge success since its inception in 2013, and we are proud to play our part in encouraging breeders and buyers to return their fillies to training and enhancing their residual value.”