Mullins and Hogan back new initiative launched at Fairyhouse

Tony Mullins and Denis Hogan have voiced their support for the Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series that was launched at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The series, which will consist of 14 maiden and novice hurdle races, each worth a minimum of €20,000 with a final race reaching €75,000, will run from September 2018 until April 2019.

The conditions of the series specify that all horses must be by an EBF-registered stallion and bought as an unraced three or four-year-old at a recognised National Hunt store sale for €45,000 or less, with weight allowances depending on purchase price.

Hogan said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for a trainer like myself to help recruit and retain owners in the yard and give them a fair chance to win a valuable race.

“The percentage of horses available at the sales for this money is vast and it will be great to purchase at this level with a goal in mind.”

Tony Mullins backed Hogan’s appraisal of the initiative. He said: “This will be a super series, with big prize-money on offer in each qualifier, and in the final.

“I can see this being well supported. It will give me and my owners a focus for the sales this year, knowing the series is there as a target.”

John O’Connor, chairman of the Irish EBF, said: “Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish EBF designed this new series with the smaller trainer and owner in mind.

“This series will create a number of valuable opportunities where horses in this price range can compete on a level playing field.

He added: “Based on initial feedback, we anticipate the new series will be very well received and our goal is to establish this as a permanent fixture on the National Hunt scene.”

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