Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted January 21 Journalists Share Posted January 21 The Irish European Breeders' Fund (Irish EBF) has today been announced as the flagship sponsor of the new National Hunt Academy Hurdle Race Series, which will commence in October 2025 with the aim of encouraging National Hunt horses to enter training earlier. The races will be open to three-year-old horses who have not had any previous run on the Flat or under National Hunt Rules, other than in Academy Hurdle races. Winners of such races will still be qualified to run in bumpers and maiden hurdles in Ireland, guaranteeing these young horses access to a programme that does not require them to be rushed. Other elements of the series to note is that each National Hunt Academy Hurdle run will be considered by the IHRB Handicapper in assessing a horse for a handicap rating; a number of these races will carry IRE Incentive-style vouchers for eligible winning and placed horses; and non-winners will remain eligible to be registered for a Hunter Certificate to run in point-to-points. Joe Foley, Irish EBF chairman, said, “The Irish EBF Academy Hurdle Race Series is a progressive initiative for National Hunt racing and the Irish EBF are delighted to become overall sponsor. “The series will offer an earlier shop window for stallion and mare owners and become a positive catalyst for National Hunt breeding and racing in Ireland. We look forward to the first races in October to see what talent will emerge from the three-year-old ranks.” The post Irish EBF to Sponsor New Academy Hurdle Race Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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