The Irish Horseracing Authority (IHA) have substantially increased the prize money for the January to May 2001 National Hunt programme.
A total of #2.3 million will be added to the prize pools, guaranteeing the minimum value of all National Hunt races, during the six month period, will be significantly improved.
The base value of all Grade 1 National Hunt races will be increased to #50,000, with Grade 2 races offering #35,000 while Grade 3 races will reach #25,000.
There will also be increases of up to #15,000 in the value of pattern black type handicaps. In addition high quality non black type chases and hurdles will be lifted by between #5,000 and #10,000.
The minimum value of all beginners and low grade handicap chases will be increased by #3,000 with maiden hurdles and low grade handicaps increasing by #2,000.
Winners bumpers will be bettered by between #1,500 and #2,000 and all maiden bumpers and hunter chases will be upped by #1,000. This in turn will raise the minimum value of chases to #10,000, hurdles to #8,500 and bumper / hunter chases to #7,500 at Grade 1 tracks.
