Horse Racing Ireland and Naas Racecourse have announced a new partnership with the New York Racing Association.

The first-of-its-kind deal creates a reciprocal sponsorship arrangement that strengthens the commercial connections between Irish and American racing.

The agreement, confirmed on Thursday, will see Horse Racing Ireland sponsor the Grade 2 Man o’ War Stakes at Belmont Park on 28 November, with a $500,000 purse.

In return, Belmont Park will sponsor the Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at Naas on Wednesday, 23 June 2027, during a particularly important week for the Irish bloodstock industry.

The Naas fixture will coincide with the Goffs Breeze Up Sales and precede the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh, bringing international racing, breeding and sales interests together.

Charles O’Neill, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, welcomed the agreement, pointing to the historic successes of Irish-trained horses in American racing.

Naas Racecourse Manager Aidan McGarry described the association with Belmont Park as an opportunity to reinforce the international standing of a racecourse known for developing future champions.

 

Sport for Business Perspective

This partnership connects racing organisations, owners, breeders and commercial audiences across two established international markets.

The timing of the Naas fixture is particularly valuable, creating opportunities to promote Irish racing to international buyers and owners already engaged with the bloodstock sales calendar.

The reciprocal model also offers a way to develop commercial relationships without relying solely on traditional sponsorship expenditure. Its value lies in mutual exposure, industry connections and the potential to encourage greater participation in races on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

 

Horse Racing Ireland is a full member of the Sport for Business community of sporting, business, and state organisations.

If you would like to join the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the daily conversation around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.

Image Credit: Naas Racecourse

 

ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS

Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.

Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.

Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.

Find out more about becoming a member today.

Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.

Sign up for our News Bulletins here.