Two Irish EBF Barrier Trial dates announced for 2026 The Irish EBF Barrier Trials will return later this year with two dates approved for May and August. Naas will again host the first day on Monday, May 25 on the inside track over six and seven furlongs. The second date is set for Leopardstown on Wednesday, August 26 with heats also over six and seven furlongs. Strict Eligibility for Unraced Prospects As in the past, each fixture will be restricted to unraced, named 2yos and 3yos with stalls certificates and in the care of licensed trainers. “We are grateful to everyone involved for giving us the go-ahead to put on two more days of barrier trials and thanks also to the Irish EBF for their support once again. Last year we had 200 horses take part over the two days with 44 different stables sending runners,” Charles O’Neill, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, said. “They generated significant trade with horses changing hands to stay in Ireland and others selling unraced to Britain, America, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia.” ITM has run the Irish EBF Barrier Trials under the supervision of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board since 2018 in a bid to meet the significant international demand for quality horses that remain officially unraced. Digital Coverage and Entry Details IRIS will again be on hand to broadcast live on YouTube, while videos of each batch will be uploaded to social media channels immediately afterwards. The forthcoming dates will be advertised on the HRI RAS webpage around three weeks in advance with entries opening shortly afterwards. Further inquiries can be addressed to barriertrials@itm.ie or to 087 112 1625.
