Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Series Launched

The 2019 Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Series, featuring two additional qualifying races this term, was launched by the Irish European Breeders' Fund and Foran Equine, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Tuesday. Total prize-money for the series, now in its fifth year, has increased to €666,000 with 24 qualifying races, a €120,000 final and a new €30,000 nursery handicap, which will take place a week after the final. The two new races are targeted at horses bough for €30,000 or less and the €30,000 nursery handicap will offer a shorter race at Navan Racecourse. All 24 qualifying races, eligible to horses purchased for €72,000 or less at a yearling or 2-year-old and EBF eligible, will be worth a minimum of €20,000, as well as being Plus 10 registered, with qualified winners eligible for a €12,500 bonus, if they are also by an EBF registered sire. The first race is slated for Naas Racecourse Apr. 12 and the final will be held there on Oct. 20. For the full schedule go to www.hri-ras.ie/ or www.auctionseries.ie.

“The series has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2015, with double the prize-money on offer this year and already double the number of runners taking part up to 2018,” said Irish EBF Manager Nessa Joyce. “In response to requests from the industry, the Irish EBF board with the commitment of our co-sponsors Foran Equine, are delighted to be in a position to add two more maiden races this year, to cater for horses purchased for €30,000 or less. In addition, the new nursery handicap will give qualified horses another option to aim for at the end of the series.”