The Curragh will give their race day on Sunday 20th July a strong military theme to promote the close association between the Defence Forces and the racecourse.
Defence Forces Race Day will feature seven races including the Meld Stakes for the Defence Forces Cup, with the Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Conor O'Boyle, presenting the Cup to the winning owner. Meld was a legendary racehorse who won the Fillies Triple Crown of races in 1955. Other races include the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes, 100,000 euro Rockingham Handicap and Fegentri Race for some of Europe’s top lady riders
The race day will help raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund and Organisation of Ex Servicemen and women.
Lieutenant General Conor O'Boyle commented: “For generations, the Curragh has been synonymous with both the military and equine communities. I am delighted that the Curragh Racecourse is celebrating this time honoured connection by hosting a race meeting in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund and the Organisation of National Ex Servicemen and women”
There will be great spectacle and pageantry throughout the afternoon with displays of current and vintage equipment, memorabilia and music, while the Leinster Football Final will be shown on screens throughout the racecourse
Paul Hensey General Manager of the Curragh Racecourse commented, “Our objective is to develop an annual race day to promote the excellent and very historic relationship between the Curragh and Defence Forces, where their personnel both past and present get together with the horse racing fraternity for a fun day out for all the family”
A special discounted admission offer will be available for Defence Forces personnel both past and present with a percentage going towards the fund raising activities which will be taking place throughout the race day.
The Darley Irish Oaks takes centre stage on the previous day, Saturday 19th July, with some of Europe’s top fillies expected to line up in the Group One Classic. Epsom Oaks winner Taghrooda is on target for the race and is expected to face the Dermot Weld trained Tarfasha who finished second at Epsom, while the home trained team could also include recent Ribblesdale Stakes winner Bracelet and Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas winner Marvellous. Other races as part of the exciting race programme include the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stable Anglesey Stakes and Group 3 Minstrel Stakes.
Darley Irish Oaks Weekend 2014
19th July
3.00 Darley EBF 2yo Maiden
3.30 Minstrel Stakes G3
4.00 Kilsaran 50th Anniversary Handicap 9f
4.30 Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes G3
5.00 Michael Murphy Home Furnishing Handicap
5.35 Darley Irish Oaks G1
6.10 The Marker Hotel Handicap
6.40 O’Brien’s Wines Maiden
20th July – Defence Forces Race Day
2.15 Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital EBF 2yo Maiden
2.45 The Irish Field Handicap
3.15 Rockingham Handicap
3.45 Kilboy Estate Stakes G2
4.15 Meld Stakes for the Defence Forces Cup G3
4.45 Fegentri Handicap for international lady riders
5.15 Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Maiden
