Horse Racing Ireland is pleased to announce the continuation of the GAIN The Advantage Series in partnership with GAIN Equine Nutrition for its fourth consecutive year.

Last year, the trainer league of the GAIN The Advantage Series was clinched during the final leg by Tipperary-based trainer Andrew Slattery. Building on three successful years, the 2024 series includes nine races which will be run for points over a variety of conditions to cater to different trainers and horses throughout the Flat season. All races in the series will continue to benefit from a 50% increase in prize money.

The series will begin at Cork on Friday, April 26 and continue at Leopardstown, Navan, Ballinrobe, Tramore, Down Royal, Tipperary and Killarney. The series finale will be hosted at Naas Racecourse on Thursday, September 19 where the winning trainer of the series will be determined.

The GAIN The Advantage Series is committed to recognising the contributions of all those involved in horse racing. The trainer who tops the GAIN The Advantage Series will win €5000 worth of GAIN Equine Nutrition products. Grooms will be included in a draw to win an overnight hotel stay in Ireland. Additionally, breeders of winning horses from each race will receive a framed photograph of the horse they bred and each winning breeder will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one tonne of GAIN Equine Nutrition products.

Philip Gilligan, Irish Country Manager, GAIN Equine Nutrition, said: “I am thrilled to announce our continued partnership with the GAIN The Advantage Series, and I’m particularly excited to see the addition of Down Royal Racecourse to this year’s line-up. This initiative has truly thrived over the past three years, becoming an integral part of our commitment to supporting the thoroughbred racing and bloodstock industries, which are vital to our business.

“The series’ success stems from its inclusive recognition of all stakeholders involved. Not only does it offer increased prize money for owners, but it also acknowledges the hard work of trainers through the league table, as well as breeders and the dedicated stable staff.

“On behalf of our team, I extend our heartfelt best wishes to all connections involved. Here’s to an exciting and successful year ahead!”

Vicki Donlon, Commercial Manager, HRI Racecourses, commented: “The GAIN The Advantage Series is now a well-established feature of the Irish racing calendar during the Flat season and there is significant aspiration from all industry stakeholders that it continues. We are very grateful to GAIN Equine Nutrition for enabling this and delighted that it is evolving annually to suit the needs and feedback from the industry. We commend the recognition of everyone involved in the journey of a racehorse, from breeder, owner, trainer and stable staff, each play a critical role and our industry are dependent on them.”

Cormac O’Flynn, racehorse owner and breeder, commented: “The GAIN The Advantage series is such a brilliant initiative. Winning the last leg at Leopardstown with Yuzu last year was a real highlight. She’s onto her breeding career now. I was drawn to the series because of the boosted prize money, especially after purchasing Yuzu a few weeks prior to the race, but what really seals the deal for me is how it supports everyone involved, from the stable staff to the breeders, alongside the trainers’ league. It just shows how much GAIN values every aspect of the industry.”

 

GAIN The Advantage Series 2024 – race schedule

Racetrack Date Distance Race Conditions
Cork Racecourse 26 April 12.11 Handicap 3yo only (75 = 9.12)
Leopardstown Racecourse 17 May 8 Handicap 3yo and up (50-70)
Navan Racecourse 8 June 5 Handicap 3yo and up (47-70
Ballinrobe Racecourse 24 June 12.77 Handicap 4yo and up (47-70)
Tramore Racecourse 9 July 12 Handicap 3yo and up (75 = 10.4) (Weights 10.4 – 8.9) (Confined to horses owned by a syndicate or racing club)
Down Royal Racecourse 19 July 12.8 Handicap 4yo and up (70 = 10.0) (Apprentice not lost 7lb claim)
Tipperary Racecourse 9 August 12.52 Handicap 4yo and up (75 = 11.7) (Ladies – QR & Apprentices)
Killarney Racecourse 23 August 8.14 Handicap 3yo and up (47-70)
Naas Racecourse 19 September 8 Nursery Handicap (75 = 9.12)