Barrier Trials return next Wednesday

The Irish EBF Barrier Trials are to return next Wednesday, 26 August at Leopardstown Racecourse. Trials beginning from 12.00 Noon

As in the past, each fixture will be restricted to named and unraced two-year-olds and three-year-olds with stalls certificates. ITM has run the Irish EBF Barrier Trials under the supervision of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board since 2018 to meet significant international demand for quality horses that remain officially unraced. IRIS will again be on hand to broadcast them live on YouTube, while videos of each batch will be uploaded to social media channels immediately afterwards.

The recent batch of trials at Naas Racecourse saw the likes of

Star Performer — 3rd in Batch 9 over 7f, Curragh maiden winner on debut, won Listed race in Gowran Park on second start, trained by Joseph O’Brien

On Just Terms — 3rd in Batch 3 over 6f, placed 2nd on debut in Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, unraced since for Australian ownership, trained by Joseph O’Brien.

Tosca No Candis — won Batch 5 over 7f, Dundalk maiden winner last weekend, rated 92, Robson Aguiar. trained by Robson Aguiar.

Bellesque — won Batch 6 over 7f, Leopardstown maiden winner on second start, Listed 3rd since, rated 92, trained by Joseph O’Brien.

Elusive Echo — won Batch 7, Roscommon maiden winner on second start, trained by Joseph O’Brien

Entries for Leopardstown on Wednesday 26th August are open. Entries will CLOSE Friday 21st August at 12pm.

“The barrier trials are hugely important because they give buyers a chance to see unraced horses in a competitive environment and get a genuine impression of their ability before they ever step onto a racecourse. “They are also a fantastic shop window for the Irish industry. We have an extraordinary depth of quality in our breeding and training, and the trials give international buyers the opportunity to see that first-hand.

“What we’re ultimately trying to do is create opportunities for the horses, for their connections and for the wider Irish bloodstock industry. The international interest and the success of horses coming through these trials show just how valuable they have become as a marketing tool for Irish thoroughbreds,” said Andrew Kelly, International Representative of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.