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26 May 2026

EBF publishes Industry tool to familiarise participants with the important role British stallion studs play in supporting racing’s prize money.

 

The British EBF publishes its annual industry document today, covering its activities for the 2025 Flat and 2025/2026 National Hunt seasons.

A leading supporter of prize money in British racing since 1983, the British EBF has maintained record contributions of £2 million for the past three years and is committed to providing the same amount for 2026.

The document details how funds are allocated following the generous contributions made by British stallion studs from their covering income, a system that has played a vital role in nurturing domestic prize money for over 40 years.

Two races are highlighted as examples of racecourses and the British EBF working together to provide successful development opportunities for horses destined for Group competition: the British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes at York and the British EBF Ripon Champion 2yo Trophy at Ripon.

The Westow Stakes currently boasts five graduates which are active stallions including Overbury Stud’s ARDAD, Mickley Stud’s SOLDIER’S CALL, currently a leading sire of two-year-olds in Great Britain and Ireland, and BIG EVS, who has his first foals this year.

The British Stallion Studs Ripon Champion 2yo Trophy also claims a rich seam of stallion talent with SHOULDVEBEENARRING, SUPPLICANT and MAYSON all graduating from the race. Perhaps its most famous graduate, INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, went on to become a hugely influential stallion and sire of MAYSON, INNS OF COURT and KINGMAN.

British EBF Chair, Emma Berry, comments in her introduction: “Throughout an ever-changing landscape for the racing and breeding industry, the European Breeders’ Fund has provided a consistent backdrop for the sport for more than 40 years. Its contributions directly from stallion studs to prize money are now more vital than ever.

“Ninety-three stallions from 32 studs across Britain have ensured that this year’s funding from the BEBF has remained at the £2 million mark for the fourth year in a row. A fund which was started to aid prize money in two-year-old maidens now plays its part across a range of developmental races which help to ensure that British racing remains among the best in the world.”

The British EBF Industry Document can be viewed here or downloaded from ebfstallions.com/news.

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