Frank Ward has today announced the signing of a 3-year deal with Leopardstown Racecourse to sponsor the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Chase, which will be run on Sunday, 24th January in 2010. This Grade 1 race is long established as one of the most important steeplechases for novices in Ireland.

This year the race, the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Chase, has attracted a quality entry with a total prize fund of €80,000 and at this stage looks like a wide –open event that has attracted some very impressive horses at the early entry stage. Sizing Europe heads the 18 entries, although connections may yet decide to go straight to Cheltenham.

Amongst the other very smart horses engaged are Edward O’Grady’s Osana, runner-up to Sizing Europe at Christmas which was his first defeat over fences, and the only English trained contender in Paul Nicholls’s Take The Breeze, who is unbeaten on his only three chase starts and was a good winner at Newbury on his most recent appearance.

Trainer Willie Mullins can choose from a seven strong entry with the likes of both Cousin Vinny and Mikael D’Haguenet likely to be strong contenders if lining up while recent impressive course winner, Zaarito, would have to be feared it allowed to take his chance for the Colm Murphy yard. Noel Meade has entered two horses with top class hurdler Muirhead, who was fifth in last season’s Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, an intriguing contender, while Liam Burke’s Major Finnegan has done nothing wrong on his two chase starts to date and merits plenty of respect.

Frank Ward, Solicitor said: - "Despite the recession we thankfully have a vibrant practice and are delighted to be in a position to make a three year commitment to a race named after Ireland's greatest chaser, which will now be called the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Chase. We have previously sponsored the Bumper on Hennessy Gold Cup day but we jumped at the opportunity to get involved in such a prestigious race."

Ciaran Conroy, Commercial Manager, Leopardstown Racecourse said: - "Frank Ward is a wonderful supporter of Irish racing and Leopardstown Racecourse. It is a pleasure to welcome him as the sponsor of this long-established steeplechase on a wonderful weekend of top-class National Hunt competition on the 23^{rd and 24th January."}