GAIN The Advantage Series will be run over eight racecourses from April to October 2021
There is an increase in the total prize fund for each race in the series
Overall prize of €5,000 worth of GAIN Equine Nutrition products to the winning trainer who tops the league
Recognition & Rewards for Stable Staff & Breeders
Horse Racing Ireland has today announced that GAIN Equine Nutrition will sponsor a new series for the upcoming Flat season. This new initiative, which was launched with Ado McGuinness Racing, will feature a variety of race conditions to cater for different trainers and horses throughout the season and encapsulates an increase of approximately 40% in prize money for each race.
Each trainer will receive points for their successes over the course of the series through a grading process, which is designed to give equal opportunity to all trainers to win the overall prize. The number of points per win or placing at each leg will be based on the number of winners the trainer recorded throughout 2020.
The series will commence on Classic Trials Day at Leopardstown Racecourse on April 11 and then proceed to Cork, Navan, Ballinrobe, Fairyhouse, Tipperary, The Curragh and culminate on October 17 at Naas where the overall winning trainer of the series will be decided.
The series aims to recognise all connections of the horse, including the hard-working stable staff, with a draw for one lucky groom to win a three-night luxury stay in The Alex Hotel in Dublin, kindly supported by The Alex.
The series also aims to recognise the role of the breeder. The winning breeder from each race will receive a framed photograph of the winning horse, and they will be entered into a draw to win one tonne of GAIN Equine Nutrition products. The lucky winner will be announced at the end of the series.
Joanne Hurley, GAIN Equine Nutrition, Irish Country Manager, said:
“The team at GAIN are really excited to launch the GAIN The Advantage Series. Thoroughbred racing and breeding customers are a key part of our business and we are delighted that we can support so much of the industry through this series that travels right around the country. The stable staff are often the lesser-known connections of the horse, but an equally important element to a racehorse’s success and it is fantastic that we can reward them through this series also.”
Paul Dermody, CEO HRI Racecourses, commented:
“We are delighted to partner with GAIN to create a new race series that recognises and rewards people from all parts of the industry. With the support of GAIN, this race series will further highlight the talent we have at every level within Irish racing and bring with it enhanced prizemoney opportunities.”
Michael Grassick, CEO Irish Racehorse Trainers Association (IRTA), said:
“GAIN The Advantage Series is good news for Irish Racing, the increase in prize money will be well received, especially after such a challenging year. The series gives everyone an opportunity to compete on a level playing field. It’s a very good and new approach and everybody in racing will benefit from this.”
NOTES TO EDITOR
GAIN The Advantage Series 2021 – Races:
| Racetrack | Date | Race Conditions |
| Leopardstown | April 11 | H’cap, 8f, 4yo+, (45-70 |
| Cork | April 23 | H’cap, 10f, 3yo only, (45-70) |
| Navan | May 29 | H’cap, 5f, 3yo+ (70) |
| Ballinrobe | June 21 | H’cap, 13f, 4yo+ (45-70) |
| Fairyhouse | July 11 | TBC |
| Tipperary | August 6 | TBC |
| Curragh | September 25 | TBC |
| Naas | October 17 | TBC |
Trainers League Points Allocation Table:
| 2020 Flat winners | First | Second | Third | Fourth |
| 40+ | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 20-39 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 19 or less | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 |