UK challenger joins 41-strong entry for €200,000 Irish EBF Gowran Classic
There is free entry to Gowran Park on Monday
A field of 41 high-quality middle-distance horses remains in contention for the €200,000 Irish EBF Gowran Classic, the centrepiece of the popular Smullen Series, setting the stage for a great day's racing and family fun on the June Bank Holiday Monday at Gowran Park.
The star-studded lineup boasts some of Ireland's most progressive three-year-olds alongside a formidable UK challenger in Richard Hannon's Bunyola Bay. Adding to the day's excitement, racegoers can get directly involved in the action with a €1,000 Cash Sweepstakes linked to the feature race.
Everyone is reminded that admission is completely FREE courtesy of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association; tickets can be downloaded now at www.gowranpark.ie
Last year’s winning trainer, Joseph O’Brien, is mounting a strong defence in his bid to win the race again. Hardy Warrior is likely to set a high standard for the yard, with Perisher (winner of his last two races), Nil Bua Gan Dua (successful at Roscommon last time), and recent course winner Satoyama all holding decent form. Trainer Richard Hannon has his eyes on the prize as his charge, Bunyola Bay, looks sure to take a hand in the finish, having shaped very well on his two starts to date—winning at Doncaster in late April and finishing third on his racecourse debut at Newbury last October.
Trainer Andy Slattery is having a terrific season to date and his charge, Pollenca, fourth in the recent Oaks Trial at Naas, looks sure to play a prominent role, while stable companion Mo Mhuirin is capable of making her presence felt on the balance of her form to date. Jessica Harrington saddled the inaugural winner of this race two years ago with Fleur De Chine, and following a short-head defeat at the Curragh last weekend, her Punica Granatum could get involved.
Others to note in a quality contest are Paddy Twomey’s Dark Lucinda, quite an impressive winner of her only start at Gowran Park to date; the Eddie & Patrick Harty-trained Killashee Warrior, fourth to subsequent English 1000 Guineas winner True Love at Leopardstown in April; Dave Marnane’s Manton Bay, who went very close in a premier handicap at Navan last time out; and Gavin Cromwell's two fillies, Camino Vino and Brownstown, who could both be in contention.
Adding to the day's excitement is the €1,000 Cash Sweepstakes, linked directly to the €200,000 Irish EBF Gowran Classic race. Entry forms will be available on the day, with a live draw taking place in the parade ring approximately one hour before the main race. One name will be drawn for each horse in the race, and the name linked to the winning horse will scoop €1,000 cash.
Families are in for a treat with a packed lineup of entertainment, featuring the Sonix Entertainment Zone and the much-loved Nore Valley Pet Farm. Live music will include performances by the Lady Dysart Choir and Ryan Nugent, followed by an energetic live set from After Dark in the Thyestes Bar to keep the celebrations going long after the final race.
Thanks to the sponsorship of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association, admission to the track is completely free for all racegoers. Secure your complimentary tickets ahead of time by downloading them directly from www.gowranpark.ie