The Curragh and York Racecourses have announced a new partnership linking two of Europe’s leading Group 1 sprint races.
The BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh and the Coolmore Stud City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York will be connected through the new Golden Horseshoe Challenge, giving owners and trainers an added incentive to target both races with the same horse.
The challenge will see the owner of any horse that wins both prestigious sprint contests in the same season presented with the Golden Horseshoe Challenge Trophy.
The BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes is one of the major highlights of the Irish Champions Festival, while the Nunthorpe Stakes is one of the most prestigious sprint races on the British racing calendar.
Both Group 1 contests provide a stern test for Europe’s fastest sprinters and are also part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Win and You’re In Series.
The new partnership adds an intriguing cross-channel dimension to the sprinting season, with connections now having the opportunity to chase a unique double at The Curragh and York.
Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of The Curragh Racecourse, said:
“We are delighted to announce this new partnership with York Racecourse. The Flying Five Stakes is one of the highlights of the Irish racing calendar, and the Nunthorpe Stakes is rightly regarded as one of the great sprint races in Europe.
“Linking the two races through the Golden Horseshoe Challenge gives owners and trainers an exciting new target and creates a compelling story for racing fans on both sides of the Irish Sea.”
William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse, added:
“To be the fastest horse in a single Group One is impressive, to be the fastest in two just three weeks apart is worthy of special memory; which is why we created the Golden Horseshoe Challenge.
“The global nature of racing means ever greater connections between feature festivals and connections having a further incentive to take their chance on a big day at The Curragh can only help promote our sport.”
BAR 1 Betting extends Flying Five sponsorship to 2030
In a further boost for the Group 1 contest, BAR 1 Betting has extended its sponsorship of the Flying Five Stakes by a further three years, taking the partnership through to 2030.
The renewal underlines BAR 1 Betting’s continued commitment to one of the highlights of the Irish racing calendar.
The 2026 renewal of the Nunthorpe Stakes will also mark 20 years of support from Coolmore.
With the Flying Five Stakes and Nunthorpe Stakes now linked by the Golden Horseshoe Challenge, connections will have an additional incentive to target two of Europe’s premier sprint prizes in the same season.
This year’s BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes will take place at the Curragh on September 13.
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Founded in Dundalk in the 1990s, BAR 1 Betting has built a strong reputation for competitive betting markets, customer service and supporting Irish racing and sport through a growing portfolio of sponsorships and partnerships.
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For more information, visit BAR1Betting.com
