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May 29, 2012

Barclays Bank Ireland to Sponsor Pretty Polly Stakes

curragh-logo Barclays Bank Ireland has announced that it is to sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh Racecourse. 

The Group 1 contest will take place on Sunday 1st July as part of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

The €200,000 contest over 10 furlongs is one of the most prestigious races for fillies and mares in Europe and is part of the Breeders Cup Challenge series.

First run in 1948 and named after one of the best thoroughbred fillies of the 20th century, past winners include such legendary racehorses as Princess Pati, Flame of Tara, Dance Design and Alexander Goldrun while Misty for Me won the race in 2011.

Entries for this year’s race include recent Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas winner Samitar, The Fugue, Princess Highway, Homecoming Queen, Discourse, Maybe, Bible Belt, Mahooba, Khawlah and Nahrain.

Andrew Hastings, Chief Executive of Barclays Bank Ireland said:  “The Barclays Pretty Polly Stakes is one of the most prestigious Group 1 race in the Irish racing calendar and will showcase the cream of European fillies and mares and we look forward to a successful event on 1st July”.

“The support of the Pretty Polly Stakes by Barclays Bank Ireland is hugely positive for both the Curragh racecourse and Irish horse racing and their association with one of our most prestigious races will ensure that we continue to attract the very best horses and riders for what promises to be an outstanding race day with great racing, stunning fashion and great food in our Good Food Ireland Village,” said Curragh General Manager Paul Hensey,

“We look forward to working closely with Barclays to ensure they maximize their association with our most high profile weekend of the year”.