O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey announce €50,000 bonus for Tramore New Year's Day Chase winner 

O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey announce €50,000 bonus for Tramore New Year's Day Chase winner 

Tramore Racecourse has announced that O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey will continue its sponsorship of the Grade 3 New Year’s Day Chase.  Pictured are (L to R): Owen Byrne, Tramore Racecourse Manager; Mark Sexton and Michael Stafford, O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey, and Karl Casey, Tramore Racecourse Chairman. Photo: Noel Browne

Tramore Racecourse is proud to announce that O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey will continue its sponsorship of the Grade 3 New Year’s Day Chase.

O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey have added further spice to next year’s renewal by offering a €50,000 bonus to the connections of the winner of next month's race, should they go on and win any race at the 2026 Cheltenham festival.

The race boasts a rich roll of honour. Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo won the race four years in a row for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. In 2023, Minella Indo came back to a huge reception after the former Gold Cup hero ran out a narrow winner for Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore, while last year’s renewal was won by Embassy Gardens, ridden by the late Mikey O’Sullivan.

Speaking on the announcement, Michael Stafford, Managing Director of O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey said: “We are delighted to add this extra layer of excitement to our sponsorship at Tramore. The race has grown in stature year on year with many future high-class winners going on to Cheltenham success in March.

“The race has grown and evolved over the last five years, and it is now a recognised trail for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.” Speaking on behalf of Tramore, Racecourse Manager Owen Byrne, said: “We are thrilled that Michael and his team have further enhanced their support here at Tramore. The O’Driscoll’s team are passionate about horse racing in Ireland and really get behind the sport which is so welcome.

“We have enjoyed working with Michael and the team at O’Driscoll’s Whiskey. We are thrilled to have them on board for what is our flagship race. Our New Years Day fixture is one of the most important social events during the busy Christmas/New Year period in this part of the country.”

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