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The New York Racing Association, Horse Racing Ireland and Naas Racecourse have announced a reciprocal sponsorship agreement that begins with Belmont Park’s Grade 2, $500,000 Man o’ War on Nov. 28, 2026.
According to Naas Racecourse, the partnership covers selected turf races at Belmont in 2026 and Naas in Ireland in 2027. Belmont Park will sponsor a fillies maiden race at Naas next June.
Man o’ War can reserve places for international runners
The New York race will be named the Man o’ War presented by Horse Racing Ireland. The 10-furlong turf event is open to horses ages 3 and older.
Up to two starting positions may be reserved for horses shipping from outside North America, subject to approval by the NYRA Stakes committee. Entries for the race’s 68th running are scheduled for Nov. 21.
Andrew Offerman, NYRA’s senior vice president of racing and operations, said the agreement promotes the connection between racing in New York and Ireland.
“We strongly believe this partnership continues to highlight the worldwide impact that the new Belmont Park can have on the thoroughbred racing industry,” Offerman said.
Belmont sponsorship heads to Naas in June 2027
The reciprocal event, the Belmont Park Irish EBF Fillies Maiden, is scheduled for June 23, 2027. It will be part of the Al Shira’aa Irish EBF Jannah Rose Stakes program at Naas.
The maiden race has previously produced notable fillies including Havana Anna and Merrily, according to Naas Racecourse.
Naas Racecourse Manager Aidan McGarry said the initiative strengthens the relationship between Irish and American racing.
The Naas event falls during a prominent week on Ireland’s racing calendar, ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at The Curragh, scheduled for June 25–27.
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Source: As reported by Naas Racecourse.
