Keeneland extends Phoenix Stakes sponsorship.
The Curragh is delighted to announce that US-based Keeneland is to extend its sponsorship of the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes for a further three years.
An emphatic seven-length victory in last year’s race saw Little Big Bear this week crowned Europe’s champion two-year-old of 2022 with a rating of 124.
Keeneland’s commitment to the six-furlong contest will see prize money increase to €350,000 in 2024 and €400,000 in 2025 to ensure that the race remains one of the most sought-after juvenile prizes in Europe.
Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland, commented: “Keeneland’s close connection with the Irish bloodstock and racing industries goes back many decades and we are delighted to celebrate that ongoing bond with the continuation of this longstanding sponsorship.
"We witnessed Little Big Bear win one of the best renewals of the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes last season, with a performance that this week saw him crowned Europe’s champion juvenile, and we look forward to working with the Curragh to continue to grow the race in future years."
Located at Lexington in Kentucky, the Keeneland Association operates both the world’s largest thoroughbred sales company and an iconic racecourse which hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 2022.
Keeneland has sponsored the Phoenix Stakes since 2010 and other notable recent winners include Siskin, Caravaggio, Lucky Vega, Sioux Nation and Advertise.
Brian Kavanagh, CEO Curragh Racecourse Ltd, said: “Keeneland have been a valued partner for the Curragh for many years and we are delighted to be able to announce this extension and enhancement of their sponsorship. They are a pleasure to deal with and the ties between Keeneland and the Irish racing and breeding industries have become stronger in recent years. Their commitment to increasing prize money for the race over the next three years is most welcome and we greatly look forward to working with Keeneland on this sponsorship.”