As part of the wider Forte Healthcare group, ARKequine is proud to announce a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Naas Racecourse.

ARKequine and Naas Racecourse Celebrate Five-Year Partnership with Launch of New “Nursery of Champions Awards”.

ARKequine is proud to confirm the continuation of its partnership with Naas Racecourse for a fifth consecutive year, marking a significant milestone in a collaboration built on shared values, progress and a commitment to supporting the Irish racing and breeding industry.

As part of the 2026 season, ARKequine will once again sponsor two races at Naas Racecourse, while also launching an exciting new initiative, the ARKequine Nursery of Champions Awards; a series designed to celebrate excellence in breeding and performance across both the National Hunt and Flat codes.

Over the years, ARKequine has been delighted to introduce new traditions at Naas Racecourse, including the launch of the Grooms Canteen in 2023, an initiative created to recognise and support the people working behind the scenes in the sport. ARKequine is proud to have played a role in establishing the Grooms Canteen, and we are pleased to confirm that the reins have now been handed over to another sponsor, ensuring this valued tradition continues to grow.

This long-standing partnership reflects ARKequine’s ongoing dedication to the industry and our continued focus on developing meaningful new initiatives that contribute positively to racing, breeding and the wider equestrian community.

Introducing the ARKequine Nursery of Champions Awards

The ARKequine Nursery of Champions Awards will feature three end-of-season honours, recognising the achievements of exceptional mares, fillies and breeders who play a vital role in the success of the sport.

Three major awards:

Best Mare – 2025/26 National Hunt Season

Best Filly – 2026 Flat Season

Best Owner-Breeder (across both codes)

Winners will be invited to Naas Racecourse on a raceday for dinner and an official presentation of their award by ARKequine, with further details to be confirmed.

Naas Racecourse has long been recognised as a true “Nursery of Champions”, with many top-class mares and fillies beginning their careers at the venue before progressing to the highest levels of the sport, including Grade 1 success at Cheltenham and Group 1 glory at Ascot and beyond. This new awards initiative aims to shine a spotlight on those elite performers, while also recognising the dedication and long-term investment of breeders and owner-breeders.

Kristy McCann, Nutritional Manager at ARKequine, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to continue our sponsorship at Naas Racecourse for a fifth year. Naas has become a hugely important part of the ARKequine calendar and it genuinely feels like being part of a wider family. It’s a superb racecourse, run by an exceptional team, and one that continues to produce quality racing across both codes. We’re also really excited to launch the ARKequine Nursery of Champions Awards. This initiative is about recognising excellence not only on the track, but behind the scenes. Owner-breeders in particular invest an incredible amount of time, care and dedication into developing their own families and bloodlines, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements alongside those of outstanding mares and fillies.”

Aidan McGarry, General Manager at Naas Racecourse, added:

“Naas has built a strong reputation as a nursery of champions over many years, so this initiative with ARKequine feels like a perfect fit. These awards recognise the importance of mares, fillies and breeders, and we’re proud to help shine a light on their contribution to the sport.”

Peter O’Reilly, CEO at ITBA, said:

“It is great to see recognition given to the Owner Breeders who play such an important role in Irish racing. The ITBA is delighted to see this initiative from ARKequine and Naas Racecourse.”

About ARKequine

ARKequine is a Newbridge-based equine nutrition business offering veterinary-formulated, high-performance supplements, feed and horse care products. Its comprehensive range supports horses at every stage of life from broodmares and foals through to elite racehorses.

For more information, visit www.ark-equine.com