Arqana branches out to back new juvenile fillies' sprint at Naas this summer

Arqana will sponsor the inaugural Marwell Stakes, one of a number of new races added to the Flat programme at Naas this year.

The track will stage the first running of the Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes on July 22, with the race restricted to two-year-old fillies and run over five furlongs.

Eamonn McEvoy, the general manager of Naas, said: “We are absolutely delighted to associate our new race, the Marwell Stakes, with a company such as Arqana.

"Arqana are a world class company and have a phenomenal record in selling top bloodstock in France that go on to international success. The world renowned Deauville yearling sale is in August so the end of July is a perfect time for Arqana to come to Ireland to meet their Irish clients and enjoy an evening of great racing.

I would like to thank Eric Hoyeau and Freddy Powell for getting the partnership under way."

Powell, executive director of Arqana, added: “We consistently aim to support the racing and breeding industry all over the world and Ireland was an obvious choice as we have so many links with the Emerald Isle’s horsemen.

"Al Boum Photo, Magic Wand, Min, Channel, War Of Will and Asterion Forlonges are only the latest examples of horses who went through the Arqana sales ring having come from or on their way to Ireland.”

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