THE Irish European Breeders’ Fund, who are funded by Irish stallion farms, will put a record €2.7 million into prize money this year. The spend will encompass nearly 500 races, both flat and National Hunt.

Since its foundation 40 years ago, the Irish EBF has contributed over €57 million to prize money in Irish racing.

Over 42% of this year’s Irish EBF total spend is targeted at two-year-old races. This includes almost all maidens, the successful Irish EBF Auction Series and the Median Sires Series, with the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes as a valuable showcase for median races.

The Irish EBF Auction Series, now in its ninth year and worth a total of €745,000, has 24 qualifying races and two finals to target. The Auction Nursery Final, over six furlongs, will be run for €50,000 at Cork in September and the series will finish with the €120,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Final at Naas in October.

All listed fillies’ races will be worth a minimum of €50,000 and all other listed races will have a minimum value of €40,000.

About 50% of the National Hunt allocation is targeted at mares’ chases, hurdle and bumpers. The popular Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series, worth nearly €400,000, has 16 qualifying races and a €75,000 final at the Punchestown Festival which is backed up by the Irish EBF Auction Bumper Series with six races worth €15,000 each.

Irish EBF chairman Joe Foley said: “This level of spend is only possible thanks to the voluntary contributions made annually, by every stallion owner and manager in Ireland.”