The Curragh will launch the new 2026 flat season this Sunday with a packed programme of eight races, featuring the Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire, as part of their St Patrick’s Festival Race Day.
The €100,000 feature has attracted 26 runners following this morning’s declaration stage, including Curragh specialist Big Gossey who is set to carry top weight. Other notable contenders include Norwalk Havoc, Eastwatch, Engines On, Crypto Force, Highbury See See, 2025 Irish Lincolnshire winer Olandi the mount of Ryan Moore and Whip Cracker, trained in Britain by Richard Hughes and who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy.
The Topgear at Capital Stud has produced some high quality individuals with the three previous winners Bucanero Fuerte, Arizona Blaze and Power Blue all subsequently achieving Group 1 race success. Trainer Robson Aguiar, who has been associated with the last three winners, will be well represented in the five furlongs contest with four runners, Ballinea Star, Blue Shark, What A Girl Wants and Force Noir, who will be the mount of David Egan.
There are 17 runners in the Nua CLaD Maiden including the Aidan O’Brien trained Monmouth, 12 runners in the Nua Mobile Sensory Units Handicap, 9 runners in the Nua Canine Therapy Handicap, while the Mental Health Matters Maiden has attracted 11 runners and there are 25 runners in the Final Furlong Podcast with 1xBet.ie Handicap and 26 runners in the 1xBet supports Irish Racing Handicap.
Track – Racing on stand side with stalls in centre
Ground – Heavy, following 18mm of rain in last 24 hours
Forecast – More showers over coming days – 10 to 15mm forecast between now and Sunday evening according to Met Eireann
Declared runners – Rider Information
Gates open 12 noon with first race at 1.25pm and final race at 5.30pm
Where to watch – all races broadcast live on Racing TV
Entertainment – Plenty of free activities for younger racegoers throughout the afternoon
