Curragh Racecourse has top racing this weekend - while Taste of Kildare event is set to create a "foodie heaven"
The Curragh stage a packed programme of racing this weekend featuring the Goffs Million on Saturday and Friends of the Curragh Irish Cesarewitch on Sunday, while the Taste of Kildare will be an exciting addition for racegoers to enjoy over both days.
24 two year olds remain in the Goffs Million following the final forfeit entry stage this morning, including 12 trained in Britain.
Leading Irish trained contenders including Beauty Crescent, Bossy Parker, Hellsing, Impact Warrior, Queen of Ours and Hiawatha.
The Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford Stakes also features on Saturday and the Group 2 contest, won by Luxembourg last year, has attracted 12 entries including Denmark, Continuous, Victoria Road and Cairo who are among 7 entries trained by Aidan O’Brien. Other notable contenders are Crypto Force, Lakota Seven, Pivotal Trigger, Roaring Gallagher and Young Ireland.
Sunday’s eight race programme features the Friends of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch with the valuable two mile contest expected to have a maximum field of 30 runners. Master of Reality, Earl of Tyrone, Yaxeni, Echoes in Rain, Shanroe, Cleveland, French Claim, Gibraltar and Tax for Max feature among the entries, while British trained contenders include Earlofthecotswolds, Mostly Cloudy and Calling The Wind. The race is also one of the most innovative charity initiatives to take place between a sporting venue, it’s neighbouring businesses and local charities with the 30 runners matched with 30 bars from across the county who have in turn each selected a local charity or community group to benefit from a generous prize fund. Proceeds from a prize fund will go to the bars whose horses finish in the first 5 in one of the most competitive races in Europe.
There are 18 entries in the Weld Park Stakes with contenders for the Group 3 contest including Caroline Street, Pandora Lovegood, Madly Truly, Library and Keep in Touch trained by race sponsor Dermot Weld.
Betting partner of the weekend William Hill will sponsor eight races over both days including the valuable William Hill Joe McGrath Premier Handicap on Saturday with 21 entries featuring Gordon Bennett, Laugh A Minute, Strong Johnson and Urban Beat, while the Group 3 William Hill Renaissance Stakes on Sunday has 17 entries including Erosandpysche, Moneista, Ana Syra and Dexter Belle, while a strong British trained challenge features Art Power, Fresh and Sam Maximus.
Entertainment
Taste of Kildare takes place as part of the weekend over both days, the ultimate racing and culinary experience with the racecourse transformed into a foodie heaven with racegoers being offered the opportunity to taste some of Kildare’s best food.
Kidz Zone – free activities for kids on Sunday
Where to watch
Racing TV – all races
ITV – live coverage of the Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford Stakes and Goffs Million
TG4 – live coverage of races 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
Admission
Adult admission €20 (€15 on line) – includes racing and Taste of Kildare
Under 18s free accompanied by an adult