It’s not too often that racing writes positive headlines these days, particularly if it comes to prize-money. But credit where credit is due. Horseracing Ireland has done a fantastic job last year to create and execute the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend – which we know now, was a huge success. And even better is the latest announcement from HRI: Prize-Money Increase for Irish Champions Weekend.

There was already an awful lot of money up for grabs last season, but the Champions Weekend has seemingly attracted further support for the high-class two-day long meeting. The total prize-money on offer this year will be a whopping €4.03 million! With the two flagship races, the Irish champion Stakes (up by €100k, now worth €1.1 million) and the Irish St. Leger (up by €50k, no worth €350.000) seeing further increases. But most notably is the increase for the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes, which is now worth some €250k!

The Flying Five has been upgraded to Group 2 status, which rates a huge boost for the otherwise rather weak looking Irish sprint programme. The race is now worth €200.000 and is established as the premier sprint race of the Irish racing calendar.