Significant upgrades and increases in prize money announced.
The Curragh is delighted to announce significant upgrades and increases in prize money for some of their major races in 2015
The Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger will carry record prize money of 350,000 euro this year, an increase of 50,000 euro from 2014. The Group 1 Classic, which will take place as part of Irish Champions Weekend on 13th September, was won last year by Brown Panther owned by soccer legend Michael Owen.
The Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup taking place on 24th May and Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes taking place on 9th August, have both risen in total prize money to 250,000 euro, an increase of 40,000 euro and 50,000 euro respectively from 2014.
The Guineas Spring Racing Festival has enjoyed a significant boost with both the Lanwades Stud Stakes and Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes achieving Group 2 status this year, while the Sapphire Stakes taking place on 18th July and Flying Five Stakes taking place on 13th September have already been upgraded to Group 2 status.
The Curragh Stakes taking place on 22nd August has been upgraded to Group 3 for the first time and this is further endorsement of the quality of runners which have competed in these races.
Paul Hensey Curragh Racecourse General Manager commented:
“This news is a very positive start to 2015 for the Curragh Racecourse and we are extremely grateful for the additional commitment and support by our race sponsors and Horse Racing Ireland. Both the upgrades and increases in prize money will add significant profile to some of our major races and assist us with maximising the opportunities to attract the very best horses to compete”
The racing season at the Curragh commences on Sunday 29th March with the first of 19 race days. Highlights this year include the 150th running of the Irish Derby on 27th June.
