The Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, the richest race at Naas, has attracted 209 entries ahead of its running on Bank Holiday Monday, August 3, with €200,000 in prize money on offer.
The Ballyhane Stakes is a six-furlong contest for EBF eligible two-year-olds by a sire with a median price of no more than €75,000. Last year's contest was won by the €38,000 purchase Howd'yadoit, trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Colin Keane. His owner Sean Jones looks set to mount a strong defence of the title, with nine horses among the initial entries.
Joe Foley, owner Ballyhane Stud said, “Now in its seventh year, Ballyhane Stud's sponsorship of the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes continues to go from strength to strength. We are thrilled to see such a phenomenal response once again; the 209 entries confirm the race as a prime target for owners and trainers across both Ireland and the UK. Our mission from the outset has been to provide a high-value opportunity for two-year-olds by sires with a median price of €75,000 or less, levelling the playing field and giving a wide range of owners and breeders a genuine shot at the €200,000 prize fund. We are also particularly proud to introduce the Ballyhane Breeders' Raffle, which allows us to directly reward the breeders who form the backbone of the industry. Tina Dargan and Sandra Fox were the inaugural winners, receiving nominations to Magnum Force and Sakheer respectively. With a significant prize fund and high-quality entries, August 3rd promises to be a standout day of racing at Naas.”
Of the 209 initial entries, 72 are UK-based, with the race continuing to attract strong interest from trainers and owners on both sides of the Irish Sea. The Paddy Twomey-trained Velozee, by Sioux Nation, is among the entries and is already a winner of the opening two-year-old maiden of the season at Cork earlier this month. The stallion is responsible for 12 entries in the race.
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