PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday 24 June 2026
QUALITY PROGRAMME TO KICK OFF DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY FESTIVAL THIS FRIDAY
The three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival gets underway at the Curragh on Friday with an eight-race card starting at 4.33pm where a field of 20 will face the starter for the Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Derby at 6.45pm.
Last year’s winner Pillar Of Hope, owned and trained by Paul Sweeney in Letterkenny, is declared with Donegal apprentice Patrick McGettigan again in the saddle while other notable runners include the hat-trick seeking Darius Dark (Johnny Murtagh), Keepsgettingbetter (Donnacha O’Brien), Tatum (Noel Meade) and Faro Island (Andy Oliver).
Locally-trained Nod Of Approval (Jessica Harrington), second to Darius Dark at Cork in April, is another likely to figure prominently with Kill, county Kildare trainer Ross O’Sullivan responsible for two runners, Cracking Cloud and Eastern Peace.
The meeting concludes with the Corinthian Challenge race, a very special event where 13 amateur riders will line up for the 1m4f contest in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.
Michael Higgins, general manager of Irish Injured Jockeys, said: “Building on the past success of the Corinthian Challenge, our goal was to enhance its attractiveness for participants, spectators, and the media with the event being held on The Dubai Duty Free Derby weekend.
We sincerely thank this year’s challengers for their remarkable dedication to both participating and fundraising for IIJ. The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are all excited for the big day at the Curragh, who have, as always, been incredibly supportive of our efforts.”
Meanwhile the anticipation is growing ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster €1.25 million Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (4.35pm) where the Joseph O’Brien-trained challenger James J Braddock has been the subject of strong market support since the forfeit stage on Tuesday.
The son of Zarak, narrow winner of the Derby Trial at Leopardstown last month, is as low as 5-1 having been double that price 24 hours earlier.
Before his staying on third on soft ground at Epsom, James J Braddock did himself no favours when getting worked up in the preliminaries and his jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle is expecting more.
“To run third in the Derby and do what he did before the race when he burned up a lot of fuel, hopefully he can run a big race. It’s different ground but I don’t think it’ll be a problem to him.”
Ireland’s champion jockey added: “He’s come out of the race good and feels like he’s sharpened up well so hopefully if he behaves a bit better than he did at Epsom it’ll be a big help to him.”
Following the recent warm spell the going at the Curragh on Wednesday morning was described as good on the straight course and good, good to firm in places, on the round course with selective watering to commence.
ENTRIES LINK:
Friday Runners
https://status.hri-ras.ie/entries/Microsoft_Word__2026_ONOR172.PDF?id=5&v=20260624103602
Saturday Runners
https://status.hri-ras.ie/entries/Microsoft_Word__2026_ONOR173.PDF?id=1&v=20260623125502
Sunday Runners
https://status.hri-ras.ie/entries/Microsoft_Word__2026_ONOR174.PDF?id=1&v=20260623123502
BETTING PARTNERS
https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/future/curragh-28th-june/irish-derby-antepost-927.379614437
GATES OPEN / RACE TIMES
Friday 3.30pm 1st race 4.33pm last race 8.30pm
Saturday 11.30pm 1st race 1.45pm last race 5.35pm
Sunday 11pm 1st race 1.10pm last race 5.45pm
Tickets, hospitality packages, and full festival details are available at www.curragh.ie.
TRACK
Racing on stand side track with stalls in centre for all sprints – 5 yards of fresh ground on Saturday and Sunday
OFFICIAL GOING (at 7.55am Wednesday June 24)
Good (Straight course)
Good, good to firm in places (Round course)
Selective watering today
WEATHER FORECAST
Temperatures in the mid 20s to early 30s through to Thursday. Reduced possibility of isolated thunder showers Friday with 1-4mm (approx.) forecast for Saturday morning and 1-3mm (approx.) on Sunday morning according to Met Eireann
ENTERTAINMENT
A package programme of entertainment across the venue over all 3 days featuring
Friday
O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey After Party featuring the Whistlin Donkeys
Saturday
K Club Style Competition with lead judge Una Healy
Sunday
Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition with lead judge Vogue Williams
O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey After Party featuring the Tumbling Paddies
TRANSPORT
Trains to Kildare and Newbridge with free bus service to and from races
Free Bus Service from the Square in Kildare Town and outside Eddie Rockets Restaurant, Main Street in Newbridge and from Poplar Square Naas
FREE CAR PARKING
WHERE TO WATCH
All races broadcast live on Racing TV
Saturday RTE 2 broadcast 5 races (2.15, 2.45, 3.30, 3.55. 4.30)
Sunday RTE 1 broadcast 5 races (2.10, 2.45, 3.20. 3.55, 4.35)
Tickets, hospitality packages, and full festival details are available at www.curragh.ie.
