The Racing Post sponsors new Grade 2 two-mile novice chase at Naas in January

The Racing Post will sponsor a new two-mile Grade 2 novice chase at Naas racecourse as part of the Grade 1 Lawlor's of Naas meeting on Sunday, January 5.

The track, which celebrated its centenary this year, will host the contest alongside its Grade 1 novice hurdle, which was won by Readin Tommy Wrong last season and has the likes of Bob Olinger and Envoi Allen on the roll of honour.

Given its place in the calendar, the Racing Post Novice Chase will be a standout event in the post-Christmas period and serve as an ideal stepping stone to the spring festivals.

Aidan McGarry, general manager at Naas, said: "As we near the conclusion of our centenary celebrations at Naas, it’s thrilling to see the racecourse continue its momentum into the new year with such an exciting addition to our calendar. The Racing Post Novice Chase is perfectly positioned in the Irish racing calendar to appeal to top-class novices on their road to the spring festivals.

"As the ‘Nursery of Champions,’ we are eager to see which horse will rise to the occasion and mark themselves as a standout performer of the 2024-25 National Hunt season. We are also immensely proud to welcome the Racing Post as the sponsor of this new race. Their support underscores the importance of this addition to our raceday and highlights the Racing Post’s commitment to championing excellence in the sport.”

Ireland's editor of the Racing Post, Richard Forristal, said: "The Racing Post is proud to continue its support of the two-mile novice chase division by sponsoring this new race on what is such an important and landmark day, not only in Naas's season but in the National Hunt season as a whole. 

"We are thrilled about the partnership and look forward to seeing a new star emerge. This addition ensures that the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas raceday continues to be a cornerstone of the National Hunt season, promising a day of top-class racing and unmissable drama."

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