Irish EBF Announces Smullen Series and Record €3.25 Million Prize-Money Commitment for 2025

The Irish European Breeders' Fund (Irish EBF) has unveiled the Smullen Series, an 18-race program focusing on middle-distance two- and three-year-olds. This initiative includes the newly established Irish EBF Pat Smullen Stakes, a two-year-old listed race at Naas Racecourse in July, honoring the late Pat Smullen. The series also integrates the €200,000 Gowran Classic, enhancing opportunities for middle-distance horses throughout the season.

In 2025, the Irish EBF will contribute a record €3.1 million to Irish prize-money, funded by Irish stallion farms. An additional €150,000 is allocated to Irish EBF-named races in the UK and retired racehorse initiatives through Treo Eile, bringing the total sponsorship to €3.25 million.

Joe Foley, Irish EBF Chairman, stated, "The combined spend from Irish Stallion Farms to the industry is an enormous €3.25 million...showcases how significant the funding from Irish stallion farms is to the industry."

Since its inception in 1983, the Irish EBF has contributed over €63 million to Irish racing, supporting nearly 500 races annually across Flat and National Hunt disciplines.

Jonathan Mullin, Horse Racing Ireland's Director of Racing, added, "Today's announcement...is another reminder of the vital role that the Irish EBF play in Irish racing."

For more information, visit the Irish EBF website.

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Irish European Breeders' Fund