Latest news with #CurraghRacecourse
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Duty Free powers Irish Derby's 160th running into racing history at The Curragh
The thrill of thoroughbred racing and the flash of fashion are set to return to The Curragh Racecourse this weekend, as the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby gears up for three spectacular days of world-class flat racing and social celebration. The historic Curragh Racecourse, nestled in the heart of Co. Kildare, Ireland will once again play host to Ireland's most prestigious racing event, this year marking the 160th running of the historic colt's Classic. The headline act? Derby Day on Sunday, June 29th, when some of the UK and Europe's elite thoroughbreds will battle it out for glory over 2,400 metres in the race that has defined generations. In 2024, it was Los Angeles, trained by the legendary Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, who stole the show, a reminder of the calibre of horse this race continues to attract. Since Dubai Duty Free became the title sponsor in 2008, the festival has grown in global stature. Today, it stands proudly among the most prestigious events of the international flat racing calendar, with the prestigious airport retailer now sponsoring six of the eight races on Derby Day. Impact of strategic sports alliances Speaking ahead of the Festival, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi reflected on the power of sporting partnerships saying: 'Sports sponsorship is part of Dubai Duty Free's marketing strategy and that has been the case for many years, as it enables the business to reach a global audience via the media exposure that goes with the various sporting events the company is involved with. 'We are looking forward to a great day of racing and entertainment at The Curragh, one of the world's most iconic racecourses and home to all five of the Irish Classics.' On Derby Day, Mr Cidambi will welcome up to 100 guests to the exclusive St. Leger Suite. At the same time, the infield action will include the eagerly anticipated Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition. Making her debut as Lead Fashion Judge is none other than Clodagh McKenna, celebrity chef, author, and style icon, bringing a touch of glamour and culinary flair to the racecourse. Clodagh will be joined by Alpana Cidambi, a connoisseur of fashion and Dubai Duty Free ambassador, and Bairbre Power, one of Ireland's leading fashion journalists. Adding to the pedigree of the event, Clodagh's husband, Harry Herbert, a lifelong racing enthusiast and prominent figure in global bloodstock, will also be in attendance. 'Harry just loves Irish racing,' said McKenna. 'He's worked with Irish breeders and trainers for over 20 years. We're both really looking forward to Derby weekend, it's going to be so much fun.' Dubai Presence Adds Prestige Meanwhile, two renowned Dubai-based brands will lend their support to Saturday's card, setting the stage for Sunday's showpiece. The Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes (Group 3) for two-year-olds over 6½ furlongs. Shortly after that, the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai International Stakes (Group 3), run in honour of legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast, which will see top-class three-year-olds and older horses battle it out over 1 mile and 2 furlongs adding further prestige and visibility to Dubai's enduring connection with international flat racing. One stylish racegoer will walk away with more than just bragging rights. The Best Dressed Competition winner will receive a luxury travel package courtesy of Dubai Duty Free, including return flights for two to Dubai, a five-night stay at the 5-star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and a €1,000 shopping spree at Dubai Duty Free's iconic retail haven. As the build-up begins, the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby promises not just a sporting spectacle, but a celebration of Irish heritage and enduring passion for the turf.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Dozens of caravans parked on the Curragh must leave by Friday, court rules
The Minister for Defence has been granted High Court orders preventing dozens of caravans camping on land in the Curragh, Co Kildare. Mr Justice Brian Cregan ordered that caravans, cars and other vehicles parked on the Department of Defence land, including areas used by horse trainers for gallops attached to the Curragh Racecourse, to be removed by 1pm this Friday. Advertisement Some of the caravans are also close to the Defence Forces firing ranges and have prevented the carrying out of training exercises. In an affidavit, Department principal officer of property management, Eoin McDonnell, said "mountains of rubbish" have been left behind by the transient and changing groups of caravan occupants, who the court heard are believed to be members of the Travelling community. There were caravans on the land for nine months of last year and the bill for cleaning up the rubbish was nearly €186,000. Since the arrival of the first group of caravans in March, the bill has reached some €31,700, he said. The dumped waste includes garden waste dumped as a result of transitory businesses along with household rubbish including clothing, bedding, mattresses, furniture, used nappies, sanitary towels and other such items. On one occasion a young pup was found in rubbish dumped in a gully along the side of a road. Advertisement The use of scramblers and quad bikes on the lands have caused damage to greens at Cill Dara Golf Club while local residents have complained about noise and general nuisance from the encampments, Mr O'Donnell said. Fires have also been lit causing damage while on occasion illegally dumped material partially buried on the land create a serious trip hazard for horses galloping on the Curragh plain. Dogs are running around the horses and animals have been left to graze on the land by the caravan occupants. Some 200 horses are trained daily on the land and the trainers based at the Curragh have said it is becoming very difficult to train due to the increased volume of caravans being parked close to a gallops known as Little Curragh, Mr O'Donnell said. Applying for the injunctions one a one-side only represented basis, Kelley Smith SC, for the minister, said there has been quite a history over the decades of regular trespass on the lands by caravans, usually coming from England or France, during the months of May and August. Between 1992 and 2000 six separate court orders were obtained prohibiting the trespass. Advertisement Despite those, since 2000, the unlawful caravan encampments have continued. Last year, counsel said, the number hit a record 75 at one point but this year that number was exceeded with 89 counted. The caravan dwellers change as some move on and others arrive and they are located in a number of different areas around the Curragh. The Dublin-Cork rail line runs through the lands at a fire next to the line last March caused major disruption, counsel said. Ireland Search of Dublin property as part of Annie McCarri... Read More Bailiffs had been employed to serve notices to quite upon the caravan occupants and only 21 people were identified but because of the changing composition of those involved it has not been possible to identify everybody, counsel said. Mr Justice Cregan ordered that notices of the court order be pinned to the doors of each of the caravans, including the 21 named people, along with a "plain English" notice explaining the order. He said anyone who wishes to contest the orders can turn up in court on Friday. He further ordered that the defendants and all persons have notice of the orders be prohibited from returning once the Friday deadline has passed.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Dozens of caravans parked on Curragh must leave, judge orders
The Minister for Defence has been granted High Court orders preventing dozens of caravans camping on lands in the Curragh, Co Kildare . Mr Justice Brian Cregan ordered that caravans, cars and other vehicles parked on the Department of Defence land, including areas used by horse trainers for gallops attached to the Curragh Racecourse, be removed by 1pm this Friday. Some of the caravans are also close to the Defence Forces firing ranges and have prevented the carrying out of training exercises. In an affidavit, department principal officer of property management, Eoin McDonnell, said 'mountains of rubbish' have been left behind by the transient and changing groups of caravan occupants, who the court heard are believed to be members of the Travelling community. There were caravans on the lands for nine months of last year and the bill for cleaning up the rubbish was nearly €186,000. Since the arrival of the first group of caravans in March, the bill has reached some €31,700, he said. READ MORE The dumped waste includes garden waste dumped as a result of transitory businesses along with household rubbish including clothing, bedding, mattresses, furniture, used nappies, sanitary towels and other such items. On one occasion, a young pup was found in rubbish dumped in a gully along the side of a road. The use of scramblers and quad bikes on the lands has caused damage to greens at Cill Dara Golf Club, while local residents have complained about noise and general nuisance from the encampments, Mr O'Donnell said. Fires have also been lit causing damage while on occasion illegally dumped material partially buried on the land create a serious trip hazard for horses galloping on the Curragh plain. Dogs are running around the horses and animals have been left to graze on the land by the caravan occupants. Some 200 horses are trained daily on the lands and the trainers based at the Curragh have said it is becoming very difficult to train due to the increased volume of caravans being parked close to a gallops known as Little Curragh, Mr O'Donnell said. Applying for the injunctions on a one-side only represented basis, Kelley Smith SC, for the Minister, said there has been quite a history over the decades of regular trespass on the lands by caravans, usually coming from England or France, during the months of May and August. Between 1992 and 2000, six court orders were obtained prohibiting the trespass. Despite those, since 2000, the unlawful caravan encampments have continued. Last year, counsel said, the number hit a record 75 at one point but this year that number was exceeded, with 89 counted. The caravan dwellers change as some move on and others arrive and they are located in a number of different areas around the Curragh. The Dublin-Cork rail line runs through the lands and a fire next to the line last March caused major disruption, counsel said. Bailiffs had been employed to serve notices to quit to the caravan occupants and only 21 people were identified, but because of the changing composition of those involved it has not been possible to identify everybody, counsel said. Mr Justice Cregan ordered that notices of the court order be pinned to the doors of each of the caravans, including the 21 named people, along with a 'plain English' notice explaining the order. He said anyone who wishes to contest the orders can turn up in court on Friday. He further ordered that the defendants and all people with notice of the orders be prohibited from returning once the Friday deadline has passed.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Curragh boss says marathon World Pool programmes not a problem for racegoers
Next Sunday's €1.25 million Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will be the centrepiece of another bumper nine-race card and Curragh officials insist such marathon programmes are not an issue for racegoers. Last year, Irish racing's HQ hosted the first nine-race meeting in modern times to facilitate the lucrative Tote World Pool betting. The Curragh first hosted the pool run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2023 , when it prompted the Derby date to be switched to Sunday for the first time in 14 years. Almost €30 million in global betting turnover was generated on the Curragh action in 2023. Sunday's action could end up being worth up to €700,000 for the Tote here, as well as the Curragh and Horse Racing Ireland . READ MORE Last month's Guineas festival at the Curragh was part of the pool for the first time and also saw a nine-race programme for 2,000 Guineas day. It prompted some complaints about the length of the card, while there was also disquiet at Epsom earlier this month when Derby day there was included on the World Pool and led to an eight-race card. The pool is the biggest co-mingled market in world racing and operated at Royal Ascot last week. The Irish Champions Festival in September is also included in it. The Curragh's Derby festival kicks off on Friday and once more, a €100,000 handicap has been added to Sunday to make it nine races. Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of the Curragh, said he wasn't aware of criticism relating to the length of the programme at last year's Derby or at last month's 2,000 Guineas. 'I think the big days are days when people are here for a day out,' he said on Sunday. 'We've had days when, at the finish, people are looking for more races. 'It has worked fine. It's a chance to put on a €100,000 handicap as an extra race for three-year-olds, which was run for the first time on Derby day last year. Hopefully it will generate plenty of interest and activity." Part of the commentary at Epsom last month revolved around a lack of quality in some of the contests that backed up the big race. Kavanagh said that won't be the case this coming Sunday. Horse Racing Ireland put the fixture list together; that's not just our call — Brian Kavanagh 'These are all premier handicaps, very competitive races, backed up by a number of Listed races and obviously the Derby, the feature race itself,' said the Curragh boss. 'I think people come for the day and whether they stay for all the races or some races is a matter for themselves. It's a good opportunity to put another high-value race and Hong Kong, the World Pool, will take nine races if we put them on. That's the logic to it.' Ticket pricing for the Irish Derby has also come under the spotlight in recent years, nominated sometimes as a contributory factor to underwhelming attendance figures for Ireland's premier classic. An official figure of 11,418 was returned for Derby day last year. The capacity in the grandstand alone is 13,000. Kavanagh pointed out that the entry cost for Sunday's action is €35, providing people buy their tickets online up to Friday. He says this is 'very good value'. After the Friday cut-off, tickets increase to €45. He also confirmed that officials will look at reducing next year's Guineas festival to two days and losing the Friday evening card. However, a similar move in relation to the Derby festival won't be considered. 'Horse Racing Ireland put the fixture list together; that's not just our call. We will look at that (Guineas festival) for next year,' he said. 'But three days is well established for the Derby. The Friday for the Guineas was added just before or just after Covid. The Derby has been three days for more than 20 years, so I doubt that will change.' [ Kevin Prendergast, influential trainer, dies aged 92 Opens in new window ] An unsettled weather outlook for the week ahead could prove an important factor in deciding likely opposition to the Epsom Derby winner Lambourn on Sunday. Aidan O'Brien's star is odds-on in most betting lists ahead of Tuesday's latest acceptance stage where supplementary entries can be made. However, some ease in the going could make the Curragh a possible option for the Epsom runner Lazy Griff. The Dante winner Pride Of Arras failed to act around Epsom and is another potential cross-channel contender.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘Superstar will be bang there on return' – Templegate's NAP to score for Aidan O'Brien
TEMPLEGATE'S Sunday picks are below. Back a horse by clicking their odds. LAKE VICTORIA (3.40 Curragh, nap) Looked like a superstar in an unbeaten juvenile campaign that culminated in a trio of impressive Group 1 wins. She snagged top-level successes at 6f, 7f and the mile trip, running riot in the Cheveley Park before her remarkable win in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. She was below her best on return in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, but Aidan O'Brien's horses tend to improve for their returns and he has a habit of bringing them forward from below-par Guineas runs. KALPANA (3.05 Curragh, nb) Looked the real deal last season, rounding off the campaign in the manner of a filly going places. After winning Listed and Group 3 races at Hamilton and Kempton in a common canter, she stepped into Group 1 company at Ascot and ran riot in the British Champions Fillies & Mares on Champions Day. Given that she did not race as a juvenile, there has to be a lot of hope she will blossom even further as a four-year-old. Paul Nicholls saddles this seven-year-old who should have more to offer upped in trip. Templegate's tips CURRAGH 1.20 Composing 1.55 Albert Einstein 2.30 One Look 3.05 Kalpana (nb) 3.40 LAKE VICTORIA (nap) 4.15 Varshini 4.50 Robbies Rock 5.25 Gifted UTTOXETER 2.03 Getuptheyard 2.38 Kaituna River 3.13 Service Minimum 3.48 Matterhorn (treble) 4.23 Leading Force 4.58 Tara Iti 5.33 Bushstreet Bowman KELSO 2.13 Pergamon 2.48 Spartan Warrior 3.23 Wee Alki 3.58 Rewired 4.33 Theirshegoes 5.08 Cushendall FONTWELL 1.48 Just A Heartbeat 2.23 School For Scandal 2.58 Doc McCoy 3.33 Thirtyfour Thirty 4.08 Man Of The Sea 4.43 Jack Sparrow Grey 5.18 Hyperbole Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
