
Dreamloper heads the field.
The Ed Walker-trained Dreamloper, winner of the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp last time, heads the field with a strong raiding party strengthened by two from the William Haggas yard, My Astra, the mount of Danny Tudhope and the Tom Marquand-ridden Purplepay.
The Paddy Twomey-trained Rosscarbery will be joined by La Petite Coco
Joseph O'Brien, bidding for a third win in the race as a trainer will run Tranquil Lady.
Aidan O'Brien has Concert Hall while Ger Lyons and Johnny Murtagh have declared Thunder Kiss and Lyrical Poetry respectively.
There are seven declarations for the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes with Aidan O'Brien’s Statuette, so impressive when winning at Navan, leading the way. Three course and distance winners head the opposition with the Lyons-trained Zarinsk, Fozzy Stack’s Papilio, the mount of Jamie Spencer, and Kieran Cotter’s Matilda Picotte all lining out.
The Paddy Power Rockingham Handicap has attracted a field of 18 runners with the Paddy Twomey-trained Erosandpsyche, Sarah Lynam’s Additional and the Johnny Feane-trained Ano Syra leading early fancies. Tees Spirit, winner of the Epsom Dash, will bid for his fourth straight win for trainer Adrian Nicholls who rode Awake, trained by his late father Dandy, to win the race in 2002.
A field of 15 runners go to post for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Ragusa’ Handicap with the Barry Fitzgerald-trained Dame Rapide, Jim Bolger’s Dancila and the Johnny Murtagh-trained Safecracker chief among them while 19 face the started for the Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Handicap with Natalia Lupini’s Blairmayne and the Jack Davison-trained Arnhem leading opponents to Kieran Cotter’s hat-trick seeker, Lord Dudley.
Gate Opening Times
Friday 3pm, first race 5pm
Saturday 11am, first race 1.25pm
Sunday 11.30am, first race 1.40pm
Transport
Trains to Kildare and Newbridge with free shuttle service with pick up locations in both to towns. See https://www.curragh.ie/transport-parking
Expressway service from Dublin City Centre– see expressway.ie
Free car parking
Admission
Special offers still available www.curragh.ie/tickets
Entertainment
The Curragh set to be alive with music at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival
The Curragh will be alive with the sound of music as musicians line up to entertain racegoers at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival this weekend
The action kicks off on Friday with an exciting seven race programme followed by “The Party after the last Race” featuring Qween, the ultimate Queen tribute band.
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day on Saturday will feature music acts throughout the venue with the Newbridge Gospel Choir welcoming racegoers at the start of the day, while NiteTrain, Bailey and Gordon and Roisin McAlindin will also perform during the afternoon. The superb Bunoscionn who originate from Rathangan, will bring their lively brand of music to the Green Zone of the venue (
Army Band, Chloe Agnew of Celtic Women will be accompanied by the Army Band to perform the Curragh of Kildare before the big race
Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish Man and Lady competition in association with The K Club with judges Irish broadcaster, writer and impressionist Doireann Garrihy, together with presenter and Olympian Greg O’Shea who will be joined by Breeda McLoughlin, wife of Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin, and Dubai Duty Free Style Ambassador Bairbre Power.
Sunday is themed as a family day with eight top class races, while younger racegoers will be entertained in the Kids Zone with lots of free activities featuring Junior Jockey Club, Marvin The Magician, Junior Einstein, face painters and giant games