Over 80 Horses Remain For €200k Irish EBF Gowran Classic

A total of 81 entries remain in the June 1 €200,000 Irish EBF Gowran Classic, the culmination of the Smullen Series.

Nine entries are UK-based, including two recent winners: Bunyola Bay (Ghaiyyath) (Richard Hannon) and Mohaaraj (Mohaather) (Richard Hughes). There are four Irish-trained maiden winners entered: Yousaynothingatall (Australia) (Joseph O'Brien), Shaws Bay (Saxon Warrior) (Johnny Murtagh), Satoyama (Alson) (Joseph O'Brien), and Dark Lucinda (Dark Angel).

The Irish EBF Gowran Classic is the centre piece of the Smullen Series, 18 races for middle-distance horses, starting in July with the Listed Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas for juveniles and finishing with the valuable Irish EBF Gowran Classic the following season for three-year-olds with a total of €665,000 in prize-money. In addition, the winner will receive an automatic free entry into the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, and a winning filly gets a free entry to the G1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks.

There will be free entry for racegoers sponsored by the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association at Gowran on race day. To further reward attending fans there will be €1,000 cash sweepstakes connected to the Irish EBF Gowran Classic race on offer to all attending on the day. Tickets will go on release at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 8 on Gowran Park's website

Joe Foley Irish EBF Chairman, said: “The Irish EBF Smullen Series has quickly become one of our most significant sponsorships as it puts the spotlight on the breeding of middle-distance horses by giving connections a rewarding incentive to buy and race them. The Irish EBF Gowran Classic is the showpiece of the series and to see 81 horses standing their ground is very encouraging for ourselves and Horse Racing Ireland. Gowran Park must be commended on recent facility upgrades and their overall dynamic approach to hosting racedays. We look forward to seeing everyone at Gowran on June 1 and make sure to arrive early to enter the €1,000 Sweepstakes.”