Siskin pictured with trainer Ger Lyons© Photo Healy Racing
This year, GAIN will be sponsoring the GAIN First Flier Stakes Race which will take place on the 27th June alongside the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
This Listed race is now in its second year with the Godolphin owned Ickworth taking victory in 2019.
For the past seven years the Equine Nutrition company has sponsored the Group 2 GAIN Railway Stakes. The race which previously sat alongside the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will now take place on Irish Oaks Day, 18th July.
The race has consistently been one of the top races of the season for some of Europe’s best juveniles and has been won in recent times by subsequent Group 1 winners including Mastercraftsman, Sudirman, George Washington, Holy Roman Emperor and Rock of Gibraltar. The Ger Lyons trained Siskin landed the race in 2019 under Colin Keane. Siskin went on to win the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes later in the year, again over 6f and is the antepost favourite for the Irish 2000 Guineas next week.
Joanne Hurley, Irish Country Manager, GAIN Equine Nutrition commented:
“We are delighted to strengthen our sponsorship at The Curragh racecourse and believe that this partnership reinforces our commitment to both the Racing and Bloodstock industries. We have a successful long-standing relationship with The Curragh. Amidst the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in this year, the GAIN First Flier Stakes is a great fit to add to our signature sponsorship of the GAIN Railway Stakes. The two races are a good combination as trainers could aim a particular horse towards both contests. We wish all the connections the very best of luck.”
Pat Keogh Chief Executive of The Curragh, commented:
“We have enjoyed a great relationship with GAIN since 2012 and we are delighted that they have agreed to enhance their association through the sponsorship of two of our leading races for juveniles. There is a natural synergy between both races and we would hope that the winner of the GAIN First Flier will target the Railway Stakes three weeks later. Sponsorship was never more important to the industry than it is this year and we are extremely grateful to the support from our great friends in Gain."
