Curragh Racecourse set for opening weekend
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The Tony Martin trained Laganore heads the line up for Saturday’s Irish Stallion Farms EBF Blue Wind Stakes at the Curragh.
A final field of nine runners has been declared for the Group 3 contest with the supplemented Beautiful Morning also lining up for in form trainer Jessica Harrington and Andy Slattery’s two-time course winner Creggs Pipes also makes it a fascinating renewal.
Trainer Jim Bolger is represented by Group 2 winner Turret Rocks, who finished fourth in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh last season, and stable companion Cirin Toinne, while the locally trained Flying Fairies has is another interesting runner trained by John Oxx.
The field is completed by the Aidan O’Brien duo, Butterflies and Key To My Heart and the Johnny Murtagh trained Chilli Spice.
Tony Martin said on Friday morning; “Laganore only ran two weeks ago but she seems to have taken her race in Gowran Park well. She has won on that sort of ground before and once it wouldn’t be too firm that shouldn't be a problem for her.”
On Sunday racegoers at the Curragh will be treated to the eagerly anticipated Irish debut of Acapulco who will line up in the Sole Power Sprint Stakes over five furlongs.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly is in foal to the mighty Galileo and will start her campaign in this listed contest with Royal Ascot looking like her ultimate aim next month.
The former Royal Ascot winner switched to Aidan O’Brien from Wesley Ward over the winter and will face 11 rivals for the €50,000 contest including the Derrinstown Flying Five Stakes winner Ardhoomey.
The race has attracted a strong British representation with over half of the field making the trip across the Irish Sea and trainer Paul Midgley has booked the services of champion jockey Pat Smullen for Monsieur Joe.
Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas entry Irishcorrespondent will attract plenty of attention on Sunday when he makes his second career start in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race over a mile. Michael Halford’s son of Teofilo was an impressive debut winner at Leopardstown and will hope to book his place in the first Irish Classic of the season back at the Curragh later this month.
The first race of the Curragh season will get underway at 2.10pm on Saturday while the Newbridge Parishes Raceday on Sunday begins at 1.55pm.
Sunday is also Newbridge Parishes Family Race Day with a top class programme of 8 races starting at 1.55pm. A variety of free entertainment for children during the afternoon while there will be a packed programme of live music from a variety of local bands and musicians.
Children from local sports clubs have been invited to take part in exhibition games during the afternoon which will take place between races on the racetrack with all participates receiving a memento
With the O’Brien’s Champagne & Wine Bar as the only permanent facility remaining in place this season, the final touches are being put to impressive high quality marquee structures which will be place until the development project is completed by the end of 2018. The structures will feature the Grand Hall with Tote, Paddy Power Betting Shop, Sports Lounge and food and beverage area and an Owners & Trainers facility which will be available for connections of runners on the day to enjoy a complimentary meal, together with an imposing Hospitality Marquee over two levels with magnificent views across the racecourse to feature two restaurants with capacity for 250 people each, a Premier Members Lounge and an exclusive area for feature race sponsors.
In addition, there will be an Artisan Food Village featuring some of Kildare’s leading food producers and a Race Track Viewing Stand with a capacity for 1500 people, together with numerous screens which will be located throughout the enclosure for additional viewing. The Weigh Room has been relocated to what was previously the main entrance building, while the pre parade and parade ring will remain in place for the 2017 season.
The ground at the Curragh is currently Good to Firm.
Admission
Adult 15 euro
Seniors & Under 25s 10 euro
Complimentary admission for Under 16s accompanied by an adult
Free Car Parking
Transport: Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle bus to racecourse.
Dublin Coach provide a race day service –see dublincoach.ie
Book tickets and hospitality @ curragh.ie
A Season Ticket and Premier Membership is also available and guarantees admission to all 18 race days in 2017
Source: Curragh Racecourse
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