Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival
Featuring the Irish 2000 Guineas & 1000 Guineas
The 2011 summer racing season at the Curragh starts with the two spectacular race days on 21st and 22nd May with the Abu Dhabi sponsored Irish Guineas Festival which will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated race weekends of the year. The event attracts a diverse range of race goers including racing enthusiasts, punters, socialites, fashion aficionados, entertainment seekers and families.
The whole weekend of top class racing will have a distinctly Arabic flavour with many elements of Emirati life and culture being showcased in an Arabian Village, which will feature a variety of activities to promote the attractions of Abu Dhabi, while Etihad Airways will feature a spectacular display to showcase their association with their Formula One motor racing
Saturday 21st May -1st race 2:10pm
Saturday features a clash of Europe’s top colts in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas (Group 1). Other races include the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes with top sprinters from Ireland and Britain featuring in the six furlong contest, The TRI Equestrian Stakes (Group 3), TP Waters Marble Hill Stakes (Listed) also feature as part an exciting seven race programme.
Sunday 22nd may- 1st race 1:40pm.
Sunday features Europe’s top fillies competing for Classic race glory in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas (Group 1).
Other features include some of Europe’s best middle distance horses lining up in the Tattersalls Gold Cup with first entries for the Group 1 contest including Workforce, Snow Fairy, Cape Blanco and Fame and Glory. The winner receives an automatic entry into the Arlington Million.
The President of the United Arab Emirates Cup is another feature on the racetrack as some of the world’s leading Arabian horses contest this very prestigious race, which is the only race for pure bred Arabian horses run in Ireland.
Other races include the Group 3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes, an established trial for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, while the winner receives an automatic entry in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park
