BAR 1 extend sponsorship of Leinster National Naas Racecourse today announced that BAR 1 Betting has extended its sponsorship of the €100,000 BAR 1 Betting Leinster National for a further five years. The bookmaker has sponsored the Leinster National and the full supporting card, including the Grade 3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle, since 2021, and will continue as title sponsor of the entire raceday through to 2030. This season’s renewal takes place on Sunday, 8th March. The Leinster National has become one of the most competitive handicap chases of the spring, consistently attracting strong fields and serving as an important target for leading yards. This year’s race has drawn 39 entries, underlining its continued appeal. Mullins Dominates Entries For €100,000 Feature Chase Champion trainer Willie Mullins leads the field with 10 entries, headlined by Scottish Grand National winner Captain Cody, while High Class Hero tops the weights at 11st 12lb, followed by last year’s Irish Grand National-third Quai De Bourbon. The trainer has not landed the spoils since 2019, when Pairofbrowneyes and Paul Townend combined to land the first prize for the second consecutive season. Gowran Thyestes winner, Now Is The Hour, will carry 11st 09lb and could start off a big week for last year's Gold Cup winning trainer, Gavin Cromwell. Hartur D’arc is back, with a trainer change to John McConnell, to see if he can regain his crown after winning the race in 2024, before coming second to Oliver McKiernan’s Bushman’s Pass last year, who also holds an entry in the race. The supporting programme once again features the Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle, alongside a strong undercard of competitive handicaps and novice contests. CEO and Track Management Hail Commitment to 2030 Barney O’Hare, CEO of BAR 1 Betting, said: “The Leinster National has become a race we’re very proud to be associated with. It’s a competitive, well-supported contest, and Naas have built the day into a proper fixture in the National Hunt calendar. We’re delighted to continue our involvement for another five years.” Aidan McGarry, General Manager of Naas Racecourse, added: “BAR 1 Betting have been excellent supporters of Naas and of the Leinster National in particular. Their backing has helped strengthen the raceday year on year, and we’re very pleased to extend the partnership. A five-year commitment is a strong vote of confidence in the race and in the track.”
