Irish Thoroughbred Marketing expand promotion of NH fillies

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) have expanded their ongoing promotion of National Hunt fillies by sponsoring four mares-only bumpers in Britain in 2019.
 
The sponsorships will take place at Wetherby on February 17, Plumpton on February 25, Chepstow on March 21, and Musselburgh on March 22. At each meeting, ITM will host hospitality at the racecourse for all owners and trainers.
 
The sponsorship for each race will include a €2,000 voucher awarded to the winning owner, redeemable on a filly at an Irish store sale, as well as flights and accommodation for the winning trainer for their chosen sale.
 
ITM’s promotion of National Hunt fillies will be accompanied by an advertising campaign highlighting the success of Irish-bred National Hunt fillies. ITM will also continue to present the leading mares’ point-to-point handler with a similar voucher at the Irish Point-To-Point Awards.
 
ITM Client Relations Manager Eimear Grant, who manages the UK and National Hunt markets, commented on the sponsorship: “Over the past number of years, vast improvements have been made to the National Hunt mares’ programme in both Britain and Ireland. In 2018 alone, there was an 11% rise in prize money for mares-only contests and an 8% increase in mares-only black type opportunities. ITM sponsored three mares-only bumpers in 2018, with two of the three €2,000 vouchers being subsequently redeemed at the Irish Store Sales. It is fantastic to add another race this year and I hope it is an initiative that can continue to grow.”