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| Staff Writer |
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Rashabar, who finished second in last year's British EBF race at Chester, has gone on to prove himself as one of the leading lights of his generation, with the Brian Meehan-trained colt subsequently landing the Gr.2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing runner-up in two prestigious Group One contests in France.
The three-year-old made his seasonal reappearance when finishing second in the Gr.3 Greenham Stakes and currently holds entries for both the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The British EBF are co-sponsoring the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes for the second year running at today's Chester May Festival meeting, with the prize fund receiving a significant boost to US$62,000 from its previous level of US$37,000 in 2023.
This forms part of an ongoing initiative to support racecourses in running high-value Conditions races for juveniles, with the British EBF and Chester Racecourse working in partnership to enhance the attractiveness of the 5f contest.
Tomorrow's card features the US$49,600 British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f 110yds, which forms part of the 88-race High-Value Development programme in 2025, of which the British EBF are the single largest contributor.
The initiative is designed to encourage the purchase and racing of young talent in Britain while supporting the domestic breeding industry. With over US$4.1 million in total prize money available across the Flat season for both 2YOs and 3YOs, the races are thriving thanks to cross-industry support from the British EBF, Darley, Juddmonte and Tattersalls.
The British EBF is funded by contributions from British stallion owners and has strategically supported prize money in racing for over 40 years. The focus of their US$2.5 million annual contribution is the development stages of a horse's career.
Some of the sport's greatest horses, including Frankel, Alpinista and Dubawi, all had their first run or win in an EBF-supported race, highlighting the significance of the programme in nurturing equine talent from the early stages of their careers.
These races continue to serve as important stepping stones for juvenile horses, providing competitive opportunities with enhanced prize money that attracts quality fields and helps identify the stars of tomorrow.