Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland have committed support of €50,000 each over the next three years toward the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme, the ITBA announced.
The support is in addition to the €100,000 from Horse Racing Ireland through the Foal Levy. Established in 2013, the scheme's aim was to enhance the prices of fillies at store sales and encourage breeders to return their fillies in training. The Weatherbys ITBA NH Fillies Bonus scheme pays out €5,000 to any eligible filly who wins their mares-only maiden bumper, maiden hurdle and beginners' steeplechase. The scheme has awarded more than €2.8m in bonuses to winning connections over the past nine years. The entry fee is €200 for 2024 with each filly having the opportunity to win €15,000 in addition to prize money.
“ITBA and its National Hunt Committee are delighted with the commitment of Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland towards the Fillies Bonus Scheme,” ITBA NH Committee Chairman William Flood said. “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 for keeping their fillies in training.”
Henry Beeby, Goffs Group Chief Executive, added, “Goffs has a rich heritage in NH racing and sales so it was very easy for us to offer increased support to this superb ITBA initiative.”
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. We look forward to working with Una Tormey and her team at ITBA, Goffs, Horse Racing Ireland, Weatherbys, and The Irish Field to further develop and grow this important scheme for the benefit of breeders and owners.”
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