BARBERSTOWN Castle in Straffan, Co Kildare, is becoming increasingly popular with racing folk, no doubt helped by the venue’s growing sponsorship portfolio supporting local racecourses.

Hotel owner Amanda Torrens dug deep again last month when bidding €8,000 for a race sponsorship at Naas. Amanda secured the lot at a charity auction at the Curragh in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland, organised by Gavin Lynch’s Coast To Curragh Cycle initiative.

As a result, the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase at Naas on Saturday, November 12th, will carry the Barberstown Castle prefix.

Amanda said: “Barberstown Castle has been at the heart of the horse racing and horse sale industries in Kildare since 1288 and during its long history, there has always been an established association between the Castle and all equestrian pursuits. This was a great opportunity for us to become involved with the prestigious Naas Racecourse and we hope this is the start of a long running partnership.”