BIG NAMES ON COURSE FOR PRODUCE STAKES TILT

Peter Farrell

The draw for the opening round of the 2023 Thatch Bar & Restaurant National Produce Stakes was made earlier this morning and as expected, some top-class talent will take their chance in the hope of landing the €20,000 Classic.

In total, there will eleven first round heats and one of the standout entries is the reigning Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Champion, Clonbrien Treaty. The Graham Holland-trained charge will line-out in heat three and should prove too hot for his rivals when donning the striped jacket. Indeed, Graham Holland brings a hugely talented team to Clonmel for a competition he has won on three of the past seven occasions. Recent Shelbourne Champion 550 winner, Ballyhimikin Rex, will take his chance in heat one where he renews his rivalry with the Pat Buckley powerhouse, Bens Teddy, while Gaytime Hugo is another standout entry in heat seven.

Other big entries in this year’s National Produce Stakes include the likes of Hovex Tommy, Bogger Lucky, Pape Di Oro, Belinda Finn, Good Zeus, Borna Mick and Sober Glory.

A full preview of the opening round heats of the 2023 Thatch Bar & Restaurant National Produce Stakes will be available on Talking Dogs on Friday morning.