BAR 1 Betting to sponsor the Bobbyjo Chase BAR 1 Betting will sponsor both the Bobbyjo Chase and the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday February 21. The Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting Bobbyjo Chase has been a leading Grand National trial in the past, with the Willie Mullins-trained pair Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus both doing the double in the last two years. The race itself is named after Bobbyjo who was trained locally by Tommy Carberry and ridden by Paul Carberry to win the 1998 Irish Grand National and 1999 Aintree Grand National. Speaking about the announcement John Sheridan, Fairyhouse Racecourse Manager commented: “The Bobbyjo Chase is one of the key Grand National trials and we are delighted that BAR 1 Betting have come on board as this year’s sponsor of the race along with the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle. Bobbyjo and the Carberry family are synonymous names in Irish Racing, and we are very proud to host these races in their honour. “The BAR 1 Betting Bobbyjo Chase winners over the last two years have gone on to success in the Aintree National with I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett, so we will be keeping a keen eye on the winner from this year’s race wherever they go next. Testament to the strength of the race is that it will also be shown live on ITV Racing as part of their Saturday broadcast. “I would like to extend my thanks to Barney O’Hare of BAR 1 Betting who is a great supporter of Fairyhouse, and Irish Racing as a whole, and look forward to another great renewal of the race.” Barney O’Hare, CEO of BAR 1 Betting said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. This is a race that carries real history and emotion, named after a horse who remains so fondly remembered by the Irish racing public and, of course, the Carberry family. It was fantastic to have Paul Carberry with us to help announce the sponsorship, and his connection to Bobbyjo adds even more significance to the occasion. “The Bobbyjo Chase has long been a proven stepping stone to Grand National glory, both at Fairyhouse and Aintree. Nick Rockett won the race last year before going on to land the National at Liverpool, while past winners such as I Am Maximus and Hedgehunter underline the calibre of horse this contest attracts. “At BAR 1 Betting, we’re proud supporters of Irish racing and we’re looking forward to a big crowd at Fairyhouse on the 21st. With ITV set to broadcast the race, it promises to be a fantastic day and a brilliant showcase for the sport.” General admission tickets are available online for €15.
