Comer Group International have agreed to extend their commitment of the Irish St Leger horse race at the Curragh.

The additional support in 2017 will lead to the race being worth €500,000 and is a key element in the Longines Champion’s Weekend that has put domestic Irish racing onto a world stage.

The Comer Group International Irish St Leger is now one of the richest races of its kind in the world and looks sure to attract a high class international field including many aiming at the prestigious Melbourne Cup in Australia two months later.

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The Comer Group International is a leading property company with substantial development and investment interests in a number of market sectors including: luxury residential homes, office parks, retail parks, hotels and leisure facilities. It has supported the race at the Curragh since 2014 under the banner of Palmerstown Estate.

The extension of the deal also includes an additional two races under the Comer name in August and on the weekend of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

“We are delighted to renew our support of the Curragh as they embark on their very exciting redevelopment, said Luke Comer.

“We look forward to working with the team at the racecourse helping to ensure that the Irish St Leger remains one of the most prestigious and important Classic Races in Europe”.

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The Irish St Leger has been won in the past by such well known performers as Vintage Crop, Vinnie Roe, Yeats and Brown Panther.

“We are very grateful to both Luke and Brian Comer for their generous support and their increased sponsorship will ensure we can attract the best staying horse from Europe to compete at the Curragh,” said Evan Arkwright Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse.

Work on the redevelopment of the Curragh into a state of the art racecourse for the 21st century has already begun. Racing will continue at the historic venue throughout the development over the next two years.