Press release August 2026
Irish Champions Festival Day 2 at The Curragh: Family Fun, World Class Racing, Style and the Last Classic of the Season
Day Two of Irish Champions Festival returns to the historic Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, 13th September, bringing together a spectacular celebration of global racing heritage, Irish style and off-track experiences for all ages, alongside the final Irish Classic of the year, the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.
Family Fun
There’s plenty to discover beyond the racing on Day 2 of Irish Champions Festival, from the exhilarating RACE Simulator, offering racegoers the chance to experience the power, balance and precision required to be a jockey, to a special visit from The Curragh’s Official Equine Ambassador, Korbous. Visitors can meet Korbous, enjoy photo opportunities and learn more about life as a racehorse, while live music and family entertainment will keep the atmosphere buzzing throughout the afternoon. Younger racegoers can enjoy face painting and activities in the Moyglare Kids Zone, as well as a ride on the Curragh Racecourse Train.
Grace & Glory: Celebrating Irish Style
Grace & Glory, supported by The Grace, Westport Estate, will celebrate confidence, individuality and authentic Irish style, inspired by the legendary Grace O’Malley. Adding serious style credentials to the day, Mayo-based content creator and bestselling cookbook author Sarah Butler of Sarah Butler at Home will join renowned Irish stylist and television presenter Marietta Doran to select the finalists and overall winner. The Grace & Glory winner will take home an exceptional luxury experience at The Grace, Westport Estate, including a two-night stay in the Grace Kelly Suite, with runners-up also receiving a luxury overnight stay at the estate.
Parade of Champions
The Parade of Champions, in association with Treo Eile and sponsored by Moyglare Stud, will celebrate the second careers of some much-loved retired racehorses, including Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Native River, Hurricane Ivor, Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston and Ice Cold In Alex.
Brian Kavanagh, CEO of The Curragh Racecourse, said: “Champions Day 2 is one of the most important and enjoyable days of our year at The Curragh, combining the very best of globally renowned flat racing with a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families and racing fans alike. The final Classic of the season is always a huge occasion, and this year’s programme, along with the fantastic entertainment, promises a truly memorable day out. We look forward to opening our doors and sharing a world‑class raceday with everyone who joins us.”
Complimentary local return bus services, kindly sponsored by Manguard Plus, are scheduled to coincide with the main arrival and departure times of Irish Rail trains. Timetables will be updated closer Irish Champions Festival and can be viewed under the bus icon at www.curragh.ie/plan-your-visit/how-to-get-here/
To buy tickets and plan your day at the races, visit https://www.irishchampionsfestival.ie/
#IrishChampionsFestival #AllComesDownToThis #RacingRunsInUs
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For further press information, please contact:
Marie Brennan, Cut Through PR
[email protected] | 086 356 6062
