Mayo racecourse a host venue for GAIN The Advantage Series
HORSE Racing Ireland, in partnership with GAIN Equine Nutrition, has announced the return of GAIN The Advantage Series. Launched in 2021, the series has become a key initiative recognising the vital contribution of those who underpin Ireland’s racing and breeding sectors.
The 2026 GAIN the Advantage Series will get underway on Thursday, June 11, at Bulmers Live at Leopardstown Racecourse and will span across a further five race meetings throughout the summer, including Ballinrobe Racecourse.
Listowel Racecourse will join the roster for 2026, hosting the final leg on September 21, the second day of their seven-day Harvest Festival. Ballinrobe (Monday, June 21), Fairyhouse (July 1), Down Royal (July 17) and Navan (August 27) will also stage a leg of the series.
The series will continue to follow its established format, with trainers earning points for wins and placings at each leg. Points are allocated through a grading system based on the number of winners recorded by each trainer during the 2025 season, ensuring a competitive and balanced league throughout the series.
The trainer who tops the GAIN The Advantage Series League table at the conclusion of the series will be rewarded with €5,000 worth of GAIN Equine Nutrition products.
Previous winners include:
2021: Ray Hackett, Co. Tipperary
2022: A draw between Kevin Coleman in Co. Tipperary and Pat Martin in Meath
2023: Andrew Slattery, Co. Tipperary
2024: Paul Flynn, Co. Longford
2025: Ross O’Sullivan, Co. Kildare
The series also celebrates the dedication of stable staff, with all grooms involved entered into a draw to win a luxury weekend break in Ireland. In addition, the breeder of each winning horse will receive a photograph of their horse in action, along with entry into a draw to win one tonne of GAIN Equine Nutrition products.
Philip Gilligan, Irish country manager, GAIN Equine Nutrition, said: “We are delighted to launch GAIN The Advantage Series once again, and our commitment to supporting the thoroughbred racing and bloodstock industries remains as strong as ever. The series continues to recognise the collective efforts of all involved, from owners, trainers and breeders to stable staff, which has been central to its ongoing success.
“Our valued partnership with Horse Racing Ireland continues to be key to the development of the series, supporting its purpose and impact across the industry. We are pleased to welcome Listowel Racecourse as the final leg, further strengthening the profile and reach of the 2026 series.”
Rob Crabbe, commercial manager, HRI Racecourses, commented: “Horse Racing Ireland are thrilled to collaborate with GAIN Equine Nutrition again for the hugely popular GAIN The Advantage Series for the sixth year. Since its inception in 2021, GAIN have continued to support small to medium size trainers and all industry stakeholders.
“We are proud to partner with a brand that actively supports all facets of the industry and recognises the people who are central to its success. We are looking forward to another fantastic GAIN The Advantage Series this year.”
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 series, racehorse trainer Stephen Thorne said: “It is fantastic to see GAIN The Advantage Series continue into its sixth year. The series has established itself as a significant initiative within the industry.
“This is certainly one I will be targeting this season given the prize fund prize fund and additional associated prizes for the winning trainer, groom and stable staff, showing how much GAIN truly value all aspects of the industry.”
Meath-based racehorse trainer Jack Davison commented: GAIN The Advantage Series gives trainers with all types of horses a genuine target throughout the summer. It recognises everyone involved in the horse from the breeder to the stable staff who put in the hard work every day.
“The variety of race conditions across different tracks means smaller yards can compete alongside the bigger operations. It’s become a valuable part of the Irish flat season.”