ARKequine and Naas Racecourse Launch New Nursery of Champions Awards
Naas Racecourse is delighted to confirm the continuation of its partnership with ARKequine, who will once again sponsor two races at the track during the 2026 season, while also launching an exciting new awards initiative celebrating excellence in breeding and performance.
As part of the renewed collaboration, ARKequine will introduce the ARKequine Nursery of Champions Awards, a new series recognising outstanding mares, fillies and breeders at Naas Racecourse. The initiative will feature three awards, honouring excellence across both the National Hunt and Flat seasons.
The awards reflect ARKequine’s strong commitment to breeding and development, supported by its extensive range of veterinary-formulated products designed to support mares, fillies and young horses at every stage of their careers. This reflects Naas Racecourse’s well-known reputation as a “Nursery of Champions.”
Naas Racecourse has long been recognised as a key starting point and stepping stone in the careers of many top-class mares and fillies, with countless horses using the track as an early platform before progressing to the very highest level of the sport. Over the years, performers who first showcased their talent at Naas have gone on to achieve Grade 1 success at Cheltenham, Group 1 success at Ascot and many other major race meetings, underlining the course’s importance in the development of elite racehorses.
The three ARKequine Nursery of Champions Awards, to be presented at the end of the season, will recognise:
- Best Mare of the 2025/26 National Hunt Season
- Best Filly of the 2026 Flat Season
- Best Owner-Breeder Across Both National Hunt and Flat Seasons
Together, these awards aim to shine a spotlight on the vital role breeders play in the success of the sport, while celebrating the elite mares and fillies competing at the highest level.
Winning connections will be invited to Naas Racecourse on a raceday for dinner and the official presentation of their award by ARKequine, with further details to be confirmed.
Kristy McCann, Nutritional Manager at ARKequine, said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to continue our sponsorship at Naas Racecourse for a fifth year. Naas has become a hugely important part of the ARKequine calendar, and it genuinely feels like being part of a wider family. It’s a superb racecourse, run by an exceptional team, and one that continues to produce quality racing across both codes.
This year is particularly exciting as we introduce a new awards initiative, and we want to recognise the vital contribution of owner-breeders, who invest so much time, care and dedication into developing their own families and bloodlines. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements alongside those of exceptional racing fillies and mares.”
Aidan McGarry, General Manager at Naas Racecourse, added:
“Naas has built a strong reputation as a nursery of champions over many years, so this initiative with ARKequine feels like a perfect fit. These awards recognise the importance of mares, fillies and breeders, and we’re proud to help shine a light on their contribution to the sport.
Peter O’Reilly, CEO at the ITBA, added: “It is great to see recognition given to the Owner Breeders who play such an important role in Irish racing. The ITBA is delighted to see this initiative from ARKequine and Naas Racecourse”
ARKequine is a Newbridge-based equine nutrition business offering veterinary-formulated, high-performance supplements, feed and horse care products. Its comprehensive product range supports performance horses at every stage of life, from broodmares and foals through to elite racehorses. Find out more about them at www.ark-equine.com
