WEATHERBYS Ireland has come on board as title sponsors of the ITBA National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme for 2017, giving the successful initiative a further significant boost and endorsement.

Established just three years ago with the primary objective of grading mares prior to their stud career, and with the backing of The Irish Field, the scheme has already paid out more than €550,000 in bonuses up to the end of September. The 2016 pay-out is set to eclipse the €225,000 won in 2015 alone. Carrigmoorna Rock is the only mare to date to win three bonus payments following her maiden bumper, hurdle and chase wins, though 18 fillies or mares have been double bonus winners and earned their owners €10,000.

HIGH PROFILE

Augusta Kate is among the high profile graduates of the scheme which costs nominators just €200 to enter. In 2017 some 19 racecourses will stage 94 bonus scheme races, a 24% increase on the number run in the first year.

Analysis of the scheme’s impact shows that the cumulative average for fillies sold at the Goffs Land Rover Sale and the Tattersalls Ireland Derby and August Sales rose by 68% last year from that achieved in 2010.