Naas

racing_news/

Goffs Move Ireland’s Richest Race Day to Naas

The €3.2 million Goffs Million Races will be run next year at Naas, following the closure of the Curragh in mid 2009.

In addition the two races, which carry a combined prize fund of €3.2 million, will be held over different distances, one six furlong event and one over a mile. Both races will be open to colts, geldings and fillies catalogued at this year’s Goffs Million Sale which takes place from 29th September to the 1st October.

Commenting on the decision, Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby said:

“As our local course, Naas offers great opportunities for the races on the eve of our sale. It has much in common with the Gold Coast Turf Club in Australia where Magic Millions have held their races so successfully for many years.

The two distances gives a better range of options to differing types of horses, and both races will still carry a first prize of €1,000,000, - something offered by no other sales races. The Shelbourne Hotel Goffs Million race in 2006, open to colts and fillies was won by Group 1 winner Miss Beatrix, while The Caretaker won the old Cartier Million at the Phoenix Park, so fillies have every chance.”

Tom Ryan, manager of Naas added:

“We are delighted to be hosting the 2009 Goffs Millions which is another huge addition to our flat program. We look forward to working with Goffs and the people of Naas to produce a memorable festival occasion for Ireland’s Richest Race Day.”

Formerly two seven furlong races, one for each sex, the Goffs Million fillies winner in 2007 was Lush Lashes who went on to victory in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, while the 2007 colts’ race went to Luck Money who was subsequently Group 2 placed and recently won his first race for US Champion trainer Todd Pletcher at Saratoga. Classic winners New Approach and Halfway To Heaven are also graduates of the Goffs Million Sale.