Entries Close For Irish EBF Ballyhane S. on Mar. 8

Entries close for the Aug. 7 €200,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane S. at Naas Racecourse on Wednesday, Mar. 8.

This year marks the fourth renewal of the race which is a median auction race for 2-year-olds that are European Breeders Fund (EBF) eligible, and whose sire established one or more yearling sales in the previous year with a median price of not more than €75,000. The breeder of the winning horse is also recognised by the race sponsors, as they will receive a free nomination to a Ballyhane Stud stallion. The entry fee is €250 per horse, and there are over 300 stallions eligible.

Since its inception, the Ballyhane has offered €920,000 in total prize-money, with the race being won by three different trainers and three different owners during the first three yearsIn 2022, the race attracted an initial entry of 303 horses owned by 192 different owners and partnerships worldwide. Joseph O'Brien trainee Voce Del Palio (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) won last year's edition.

Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, said, “We're once again delighted to sponsor the Irish EBF Ballyhane S., the richest race at Naas and a big prize fund for owners and trainers to aim at. Prize-money is the lifeblood of racing and races like the Ballyhane are so important to owners. I know that Naas have great plans for the race-day so the Bank Holiday Monday should be great fun.”