How to GAIN an advantage in racing
The GAIN The Advantage Series recognise all connections of the horse, including the hard-working and dedicated stable staff, with a draw for one lucky groom to win a luxury weekend away in Ireland.
The breeder of the winning horse from each race receives a framed photograph of the horse they bred, and they are entered into a draw to win one tonne of GAIN Equine Nutrition products.
Trainer receives points for their successes over the course of the series through a grading process, which is designed to give equal opportunity to each trainer to win the overall prize. The number of points for winning or being placed in each leg is based on the number of winners the trainer recorded throughout 2022.
This is the third year of the initiative which has been supported by HRI and positively received by all stakeholders as it addressed an industry need, in addition to recognising the importance of the role of the owner, trainer, breeder and stable staff.
Last year’s Trainer League for the GAIN The Advantage Series was jointly won by trainers Pat Martin & Kevin Coleman who shared an overall league prize of €5,000 worth of GAIN equine products.
After two successful years, the series adheres to a similar format. This year there has been an enhancement to the series, with an additional race at Tramore Racecourse. The race will be restricted to horses owned by a syndicate or racing club, supporting the growth in this area of ownership. Like all the other legs of the series will benefit from a 50% increase in prize money.
Reaction
Philip Gilligan, Irish Country Manager, GAIN Equine Nutrition, “We are delighted to be extending our GAIN The Advantage Series this year with a ninth leg taking place at Tramore Racecourse. It is a fantastic initiative that has grown in popularity over the past two years and gives us the opportunity to show our support to the thoroughbred racing and bloodstock industries, which are vital parts of our business.
“I think the series has grown in strength over the past two years because it acknowledges not only the owner with the increased prize money, but also the trainer with the league table, the breeder and the hard-working stable staff. The team at GAIN Equine Nutrition are really looking forward to following the action throughout the series and following the trainer’s league to see who will be our 2023 winner. On behalf of the team, I would like to wish all connections the very best of luck this year.”
Vicki Donlon, Commercial Manager, HRI Racecourses, commented, “We are delighted and grateful that GAIN has continued and enhanced their support of the GAIN The Advantage Series. This series was created to meet a need from the industry, GAIN enabled this need to be met and the feedback has been very positive.
“The addition of a new race specifically aimed at syndicates and racing clubs is a testament to GAIN listening and responding our industry requirements.”
The schedule
Cork Racecourse 21 April
Navan Racecourse 11 June
Ballinrobe Racecourse 26 June
Tramore Racecourse 11 July
Tipperary Racecourse 11 August
Killarney Racecourse 24 August
Naas Racecourse 14 September
Fairyhouse Racecourse 18 September
Leopardstown Racecourse 22 October
The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to thank all our member racecourses taking part in the series and indeed Gain for supporting our industry with this exciting initiative. For more information on the series visit goracing.ie.
By Leo Powell
