Tote sponsored new race series is launched Horse Racing Ireland Ownership and Tote Ireland today announced three races worth E15,000 each, dedicated to Syndicate and Racing Club owned horses only. 'Tote Backs Your Team Handicap Hurdles' will be a series of three races open to horses which are the sole property of a Syndicate and/or a Racing Club. The horse must have run for the same owner on their previous run. The races take place in Cork, Bellewstown and Gowran Park, with the first race taking place in Cork on July 12th. Amber Byrne, Owner Development Manager, Horse Racing Ireland, commented: "This is a pilot scheme. Syndicate and club ownership is recognised as the growth area in the domestic market. "These dedicated races give us an opportunity to invite potential owners to the races and promote multiple ownership to our target market. We are grateful to both the Tote for supporting the races and the HRI Programmes Committee for allowing us to trial the scheme." Ross Kierans, General Manager, Tote Ireland, continued: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to support racehorse ownership through sponsorship of these unique races. "It is a new way for us to demonstrate our decades long support for Irish racing. This initiative also helps us to generate some extra engagement and excitement on race days at three racecourses - Cork, Bellewstown and Gowran Park - which are valued partners for Tote. "We look forward to working with HRI Ownership and the racecourses to make a success of these races." The Tote Backs Your Team races will take place on: July 12th: Cork 2m Handicap Hurdle August 29th: Bellewstown 2m 4f Handicap Hurdle October 5th: Gowran Park 2m Handicap Hurdle Each race will be a benchmark handicap (109 = 11.10) and will have a prize fund of E15,000.
