HRI increase Irish Champions Weekend prize-money to over €4m

Horse Racing Ireland has announced an increase in prize-money for Irish Champions Weekend which takes the total on offer over €4 million.

The top-class action on September 12th-13th is highlighted by the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, which is now worth €1.1 million, an increase of €100,000.

Three races at Curragh a day later have also been raised in value. The Derrinstown Stud Flying Five has been upgraded to a Grade Two for the first time and has doubled in value from €100,000 to €200,000.

The Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger has increased from €300,000 to €350,000, and the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes also rises by €50,000 to €250,000.

Total prize-money at the Curragh has risen by €200,000 to €1.9 million.

Brian Kavanagh, HRI chief executive, said: "As we aim to build on the success of the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend, we are delighted that the total prize-money on offer at both Leopardstown and the Curragh has been increased to €4.03 million this year.

“This is our flagship event for Flat racing in Ireland and the weekend will continue to go from strength to strength.”