BAR 1 Betting Commits to Further Five Years of Leinster National Sponsorship at Naas

BAR 1 Betting Extends Leinster National Sponsorship at Naas Until 2030

BAR 1 Betting has confirmed a new five-year extension of its sponsorship of the €100,000 Leinster National at Naas Racecourse, reinforcing a long-term commitment to one of Ireland’s standout National Hunt fixtures.

Having first partnered with the race in 2021, BAR 1 Betting will remain title sponsor of the Leinster National raceday through to 2030. The sponsorship also includes continued backing of the full supporting card, headlined by the Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle. The 2026 renewal is scheduled for Sunday, 8th March.

Strong Fields and Spring Festival Feel Continue at Naas

The Leinster National has developed into one of the most competitive staying handicap chases of the spring, regularly attracting high-quality fields and serving as a key stepping stone for major festival targets. This year’s entries once again underline the race’s strength, with 39 horses initially engaged.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins is responsible for 10 entries, including Scottish Grand National winner Captain Cody. High Class Hero heads the weights on 11st 12lb, with Irish Grand National-placed Quai De Bourbon also among the notable contenders.

Mullins last landed the race in 2019, when Pairofbrowneyes and Paul Townend secured back-to-back wins for the Closutton yard.

Elsewhere, Thyestes Chase winner Now Is The Hour is set to carry 11st 09lb and could provide a major contender for Gold Cup-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell. Former winner Hartur D’arc also returns, now under the care of John McConnell, having captured the race in 2024 before finishing runner-up last year to Bushman’s Pass, who also holds an entry.

Bushmans Pass is all heart to land the Listed @BarOneRacing Leinster National Handicap Chase, rallying on the run for home to deny Hartur d'Arc for the Phillip Enright and Oliver McKiernan combination 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0g04PggLOX

— Naas Racecourse (@NaasRacecourse) March 9, 2025

The undercard once again features the Grade 3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle alongside a strong mix of competitive handicaps and novice contests, ensuring another high-quality afternoon of National Hunt racing at Naas.

Long-Term Partnership Strengthens Key Irish Handicap Chase

BAR 1 Betting CEO Barney O’Hare welcomed the renewal, highlighting the race’s growing status on the Irish racing calendar.

“The Leinster National has become a race we’re very proud to be associated with. It’s a competitive, well-supported contest, and Naas have built the day into a proper fixture in the National Hunt calendar. We’re delighted to continue our involvement for another five years.”

Naas Racecourse General Manager Aidan McGarry also praised the extended partnership:

“BAR 1 Betting have been excellent supporters of Naas and of the Leinster National in particular. Their backing has helped strengthen the raceday year on year, and we’re very pleased to extend the partnership. A five-year commitment is a strong vote of confidence in the race and in the track.”

With a strong entry list already confirmed and long-term sponsorship secured, the 2026 BAR 1 Betting Leinster National looks set to deliver another competitive renewal of one of the season’s most important staying handicap chases.