Longines Irish Champion Trials Weekend This Weekend

Longines Irish Champion Trials Weekend This Weekend

The Curragh stages a high quality weekend of racing this Saturday 25 August and Sunday 26 August including a number of races linked to the upcoming Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

The Group 3 Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial is the feature race on Saturday with Willie Mullins holding a strong hand as Laws Of Spin, Renneti and Thomas Hobson representing the Co Carlow based trainer. Comer Group International Curragh Cup winner Flag Of Honour and Royal Ascot runner-up Southern France are among Aidan O’Brien’s four runners in  the race, while Jim Bolger runs Twilight Payment.

Sunday’s top class programme features three Group races.
Trainer Sheila Lavery has confirmed impressive Curragh maiden winner Lady Kaya as one of the 10 runners in the Debutante StakesZagitova, Skitter Scatter, Peach Tree, Hermosa, Chocolate Music and Iridessa also feature amongst the impressive entry for the Group 2 contest.

Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand in the Group 2 Galileo Futurity Stakes on Sunday as he looks to win the race for a fifth time in six years.  Impressive juvenile Anthony Van Dyck, currently favourite for next year’s Epsom Derby, is among the six runners and spearheads the Ballydoyle team but previous Curragh winners Guaranteed and Klute pose a strong threat for trainers Jim Bolger and Jessica Harrington respectively.

Verbal Dexterity is an exciting  runner in the Group 3 Manguard Plus Royal Whip Stakes. Jim Bolger’s Group 1 winning juvenile has yet to run this year but could be on course for an eagerly awaited return and mouth-watering clash with the well travelled Deauville and Success Days who are also among the eight declared starters.

The Curragh will celebrate local heroes on both days. The successful Kildare Under 20s All Ireland winning team will be guests of honour on Saturday, while the Kildare Minor Ladies All Ireland winning team will be guests on Sunday

The newly crowned 2018 Rose Of Tralee Kirsten Mate Maher will also be a special guest with other Rose participants on Saturday. She will be one of the judges for the Search for the Best Accessorised Ensemble Competition. The prize bonanza will be include a series of the Tipperary Crystal Fine jewellery ranges and a range of high quality products from the Tipperary Crystal Handbag Giftware and Homeware Collections

Saturday 25 August - 1st of 7 races 1.45pm

Sunday 26 August - 1st of 8 races 1.35pm

Admission
Adult €15
Seniors and Students €10
Under 18s accompanied by an adult Free

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