Boylesports to sponsor Irish Guineas festival

Boylesports have been announced as the new sponsors of the Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas until at least 2006.

The deal with the bookmakers will mean the meeting at the Curragh on May 22 and 23 will now be known as the Boylesports Irish Guineas Festival, and will include seven support races over the two days.

John Boyle, owner and managing director of the firm, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with the Curragh over the next three years to develop and promote the Boylesports Guineas Festival and copper-fasten its position as one of the must-see festivals of the season.”

Michael Osborne, chairman of the Curragh Committee, added: “We look forward to working closely with Boylesports to ensure the festival continues to be one of the most sought-after events in the international racing calendar.”

Boylesports are also offering any rider who can with both Classics €10,000, to be donated to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund.

The firm will also donate a minimum of €5,000 to the Fund to mark the beginning of their sponsorship.