6th August 2020
The Curragh is delighted to announce that leading US based owner Scott Heider and his family will sponsor the Round Tower Stakes. The Group 3 contest, taking place on 28th August, is for two year olds over 6 furlongs has an impressive roll of honour with previous recent winners including Ten Sovereigns, US Navy Flag and Lightning Pearl, while Lope Y Fernandez won the race last year to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his seventh victory.
Scott Heider and his family has been involved with racing in Ireland for 5 years. The history of the Irish horse is what initially drew them in and caused them to expand their racing operation from The States to Ireland.
Scott Heider commented “It’s just been a fantastic experience for us. We love our partnership with Joseph O’Brien and we’ve been very fortunate to race some talented individuals on Irish racecourses the last few years including “Crossfirehurricane”, “A New Dawn”, “Take A Deep Breath” and our latest winner, an American Pharoah filly named “Pista”.” Horse Racing Ireland has been a pleasure to work with as they always seem to go out of their way to make sure our experience is quite special.”
“I began racing and breeding thoroughbreds with my father 25 years ago in The States. We’ve enjoyed some terrific times and been blessed with a number of high caliber horses including 2019 Grade I winner “Mia Mischief”. But there’s something extra special about racing in Ireland with it’s incredible history. I’ve enjoyed reading everything I can get my hands on the last few years starting with several biographies about the iconic Vincent O’Brien. I have to admit I’ve developed an appreciation I thought I’d never have for horse’s over the jumps! It’s safe to say, we’re here to stay racing in Ireland.”
Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager The Curragh said,
“We are very grateful to Scott and his family for their generous support and hope the sponsorship of the Round Tower Stakes will be the start of a very positive partnership between us. Scott’s racing colours have become very familiar to Irish racing fans and following the victory of Crossfirehurricane in the Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Gallinule Stakes in June, we hope that he will enjoy many more successes at the Curragh”
