Tonybet Secure Irish Champions Festival Sponsorship for Third Consecutive Year
Deal confirms online bookmaker as title sponsors of Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes
International iGaming operator Tonybet will return to Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday, 12 September, as a title sponsor of the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes for the third consecutive year.
The continued partnership further strengthens Tonybet’s connection with Irish racing, with the brand once again putting its name to the race as part of its ongoing involvement at Irish Champions Festival.
Tonybet will bring a strong brand presence to Leopardstown throughout the opening day, including a bespoke trophy commissioned for this year’s Tonybet Solonaway Stakes, which will be presented to the winning connections on the day by Irish football legend Tony Cascarino. Cascarino will also take part in a live Q&A session at the racecourse during the afternoon, giving racegoers the chance to hear from the former Republic of Ireland striker between races.
The Tonybet Solonaway Stakes will form part of a world-class card at Leopardstown, headlined by the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, one of Ireland's richest races and among the most prestigious contests in world Flat racing.
The opening day brings together some of the leading horses, trainers and jockeys in international Flat racing, alongside live music, premium hospitality and entertainment throughout the afternoon. The festival then moves to The Curragh on Sunday, 13 September for the Comer Group International Irish St Leger.
Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet, said:
“Irish racing inspires a loyalty and passion that very few sports can match, and nowhere is that clearer than at Leopardstown on the opening day of Irish Champions Festival. Sponsoring the Solonaway Stakes for a third consecutive year means a great deal to us. The race has already given us two memorable renewals, and with the opening day now carrying three Group 1 contests, the 2026 festival promises to be the strongest yet. Tonybet is honoured to play its part in a great sporting weekend, and we look forward to 12 September.”
Now in its 13th year, Irish Champions Festival is the showcase of the Irish Flat season, with more than €5 million in prize money across the weekend and a world-class international field expected at Leopardstown and The Curragh.
Tickets for Day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown are on sale now at leopardstown.com.
