Racing News

The Curragh Racecourse will officially open the 2026 Irish Classics on Saturday, 23rd May and Sunday 24th May with the world renowned Tattersalls Irish 2000 and 1000 Guineas, marking the first two of five iconic Irish Classics to be staged at Ireland’s home of flat racing. This year promises an exceptional atmosphere both on and off the track, as The Curragh also unveils its first style competition of the season, “The Ashford Castle Style Icon Award”. Entertainment across the weekend includes the Saturday night Afterparty with The Highstool Prophets.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Lambourn and Minnie Hauk, winner of the Juddmonte Irish Oaks are set to return to the Curragh this Bank Holiday Monday. Both Classic winners are entered for the Clem Murphy Memorial Mooresbridge Stakes, with the Group 2 contest also attracting Group 1 winner Cercene, together with Beset, Adelaide River and Faiyum. Details were published following today’s entry stage.

The €100,000 Irish EBF Park Express Stakes is the feature of the first race day to take place in Ireland on Good Friday. The competitive 8-race programme features €420,000 in total prize money and has attracted a total of 103 runners. The Ger Lyons-trained Faiyum is one of ten runners in the Group 3 contest, and this lightly raced daughter of Frankel will face tough competition from Princess Child, California Dreamer, Catalina Delcarpio, Celestial Orbit, Bubble Gum, Cameo, Spicy Margarita, She’s A Nation and Moments of Joy.

The Curragh will Race into Easter this Friday with a packed program of eight races featuring the Irish EBF Park Express Stakes.  

2000 Guineas ante post favourite Albert Einstein is set to make his seasonal debut in the feature 1xBet Supporting Irish Racing Gladness Stakes, taking place at the Curragh this Saturday, 28th March. The Aidan O’Brien trained performer impressively won both his starts as a two year old last year. The champion trainer has previously won the race four times with Giants Causeway, and Excelebration while Lancaster House won the race in 2020 and 2021. Group 1 placed Ten Bob Tony trained in Britain by Ed Walker, together with Saracen, Lord Massusus, Rahmi, East Hampton, Neolithic, Princess Child and Wannabe Royal will also be in the line up for the 7 furlong contest, while last year’s winner Big Gossey will be running at the County Kildare venue for this 50th time on Saturday.

2000 Guineas ante post favourite Albert Einstein, along with Group 1 race winners Puerto Rico and Gstaad are among seven entries trained by Aidan O’Brien in the feature 1xBet supporting Irish Racing Gladness Stakes, taking place at the Curragh this Saturday. The champion trainer has previously won the race four times with Giants Causeway and Excelebration, while Lancaster House won the race in 2020 and 2021. In addition, he has entered Twain a Group 1 winner as a two year old, who didn’t run last year, in the Listed race which is named to honour the legendary racehorse Gladness.