Naas sets the stage for two-day Flat Season Finale
The Red Lily Racing Syndicate could have more big-race celebrations in store at Naas this weekend, with Goffs Million winner Trean and Sunday’s Curragh stakes winner King Cuan among the entries for the racecourse’s Flat Season Finale on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October.
Entries released today set the scene for two days of top-class racing, with €540,000 in prize money on offer across the weekend and eight UK-trained entries adding an international dimension.
Trained by Paddy Twomey, Trean has been a remarkable success story for the syndicate. Purchased for just €20,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale, the two-year-old landed the €500,000 first prize in the Goffs Million last month and has already earned more than €535,000 in Irish prize money, alongside earnings in Britain. He remains in contention for Sunday’s €120,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final, offering his connections another opportunity to compete for a valuable prize.
The syndicate’s King Cuan, also trained by Twomey, added to the celebrations with victory in the Listed Concorde Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. He is entered in Saturday’s Listed RFL Steels Stakes, which has received a €10,000 increase in prize money to €55,000 thanks to increased support from RFL Steels and Horse Racing Ireland. The local company returns for a fourth consecutive year as sponsor of the sprint contest.
Paddy Twomey said: “Both Trean and King Cuan have come out of their races very well and hold entries at Naas this weekend. We’ll see how they are over the next few days before making a decision on whether they take their chances.”
Saturday’s €50,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Birdcatcher Premier Nursery Handicap carries an added incentive through the new Irish EBF Birdcatcher Series. Two qualifier winners Lars Soldier, trained by Michael Mulvany, and Pink Venom, trained by Johnny Murtagh, are among the entries and will each be eligible for a €20,000 bonus if successful at Naas. With €30,000 going to the winner, victory for either horse would bring their combined series earnings beyond €70,000.
Michael Mulvany, trainer of Lars Soldier, said: “We’re on target for the Birdcatcher now and having a real crack at that €20,000 bonus. Lars Soldier is a tough, competitive little horse, the nursery races really suit him and have brought out the best in him after knocking on the door all season. Heading to Naas with a chance to land a massive payday for connections is hugely exciting.”
Irish EBF is a major supporter throughout the weekend, with Sunday’s €120,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final providing a valuable showcase for eligible auction-bought two-year-olds. Eleven of the 19 entries are already winners, with recent winners Diamonds And Dames for Jessica Harrington and Letmeentertainyou for David Marnane among the entries alongside Trean.
Sunday’s programme also features the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Garnet Stakes over a mile and the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Bluebell Stakes over almost a mile and a half, each worth €50,000. Meriden and Princess Child feature among the Garnet entries, while Beset and In My Teens are among the Bluebell contenders. British interest includes entries from Roger Varian, Sir Mark Prescott, Ed Walker and William Haggas.
The €100,000 Colm White Bookmaker Beggar’s End Handicap adds another major prize to Sunday’s card and marks the last of five races sponsored by the local bookmaker at Naas this season. The two-mile staying contest has attracted entries including Sunchart, Helvic Dream and Comfort Zone, with Ed Bethell’s Minstrel Knight among the British-trained contenders.
Sunday will also celebrate TRM’s season-long support of trainers, jockeys and stable staff. The TRM Riding and Training Performance of the Season Awards winners will be announced, each receiving €1,000 worth of TRM products, while the TRM Best Turned Out League concludes with a €1,000 TRI Equestrian voucher and a celebratory breakfast for the winning yard. On the track, the TRM Calphormin – Strong Foundation, Strong Future Apprentice Handicap offers its winning rider a one-year TRM sponsorship, including branded riding gear and apparel, provided they do not already have a sponsorship agreement.
Aidan McGarry, General Manager of Naas Racecourse, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing our flat season to a close with two excellent days of racing. With €540,000 in prize money on offer and some exciting horses among the entries, there is plenty for racing fans to look forward to. We are very grateful to all our sponsors for their support across the weekend.”
Tickets, hospitality and further information are available at naasracecourse.com.
ENDS
