News Weatherbys Ireland extend title sponsorship of ITBA NH Fillies Bonus

Weatherbys Ireland extend title sponsorship of ITBA NH Fillies Bonus

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Last year was a fantastic year for National Hunt Fillies with Appleā€™s Jade, Vroom Vroom Mag, Fayonagh, amongst others, excelling on all levels on the racecourse. In addition there was also a 10% increase in the number of fillies returned in training with Horse Racing Ireland.

Both of these factors reflect very positively on the Weatherbys ITBA NH Fillies Bonus Scheme which has been running for the last four years. 

In 2017 there were 60 bonus winners, €300,000 of bonuses paid out to winning owners, and Don’t Kick Nor Bite and Kate Appleby Shoes joined Carrigmoorna Rock in the treble bonus winners club. In so doing so these mares won €15,000, on top of their prize money, for their owners. 

A very pleasing aspect of the bonus scheme is that 25% of winners were owner/breeders, solidifying the objectives of the scheme - to encourage breeders to race their fillies before sending them to stud.

Weatherbys Ireland are committed to supporting the scheme for 2018, along with financial backing from HRI, ensuring that the scheme maintains its ability to cover all Mares only maiden races in Ireland.

It is important to also acknowledge the support of Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland for collecting the ITBA funds, enabling the scheme to be developed seamlessly.

To further enhance the scheme, the ITBA have decided to add a €5,000 bonus to a number of Mares only handicap hurdles throughout 2018. This will afford the owners of mares who have not won their maiden races the chance to win a bonus in handicap company.

Russell Ferris, Chief Executive of Weatherbys Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to continue as title sponsors of the Weatherbys ITBA NH Fillies Bonus Scheme. It is an initiative which has been very well received since its inception in 2014 with close to €1 Million in bonuses being paid to connections during this period. 

“The sale price for store fillies and winning mares both from the Point-to-Point field and racecourse have increased significantly in recent years and we believe that this can be attributed to the Bonus Scheme. 

“Both Weatherbys and the ITBA believe it is important that the performance scoring of mares entering the broodmare band be supported.”