Skip links and go to Page Content

County Kildare News

logo-166-100.jpg

News Menu

News Archive


kws-advert.gif

Advertise Here



April 11, 2011

Stobart Ireland to sponsor Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes

Stobart Ireland is the new title sponsor of the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh racecourse on Saturday 25th June. 

Stobart Ireland's two-year commitment includes sponsorship of the prestigious €200,000 Pretty Polly contest for fillies and mares, the feature race on Day Two of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. 

In addition, Stobart Ireland will sponsor three other races on the day – one in the name of Aer Arann, one in the name of London Southend Airport, and one to promote the Cannonball Run - the charity event sponsored by Stobart Ireland which raises funds for the Barretstown Camp for sick children.    

The Pretty Polly Stakes – to be now called the Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes - is named in honour one of the great racehorses of the 20th century, Pretty Polly.  The race, first run in 1947, is part of the prestigious Breeders Cup Challenge Series and is also linked to the Grade One Beverley D Stakes taking place at Arlington Park in Chicago.

Stobart Ireland operates a significant transport logistics, warehousing and distribution business across Ireland from its facility in Dublin Port, servicing household national and international brands.  Stobart recently partnered with Aer Arann, Ireland’s regional airline.  The company’s interests also include London Southend Airport, which services commuter flights to and from Waterford and Galway airports.

Sean Brogan, Managing Director, Stobart Ireland said:  "Stobart Ireland is delighted to support one of the premium events on the Irish sporting calendar.  The Pretty Polly Stakes has a proud heritage and we are delighted to be part of its ongoing success.  As Stobart expands in Ireland, it seems a natural progression for us to be associated with a major Irish event. This sponsorship provides a platform to promote our business interests, in particular Aer Arann and London Southend Airport.  It also compliments our existing sponsorships in Ireland, in particular the Cannonball Run which raises vital funds for the Barrettsown Gang Camp."

Paul Hensey, General Manager, the Curragh Racecourse said:  "This is a very positive development for Irish racing.  We are thrilled to partner with a company like Stobart Ireland and to host the Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes.  Stobart Ireland’s commitment will ensure that Irish racing can continue to attract some of the top fillies in Europe to compete for this prestigious Group 1 prize and in doing so, encourage more people to attend the races."