16 fillies, the largest number of entries since 1976, will face the starter at the Curragh this Sunday for the Darley Irish Oaks. A strong international challenge for the Group 1 Classic includes the Epsom Oaks winner Snow Fairy trained in Britain by Ed Dunlop, Royal Ascot winner Hibaayeb (the mount of Frankie Dettori) and French Oaks runner up Rosanara trained by Alain Royer Dupre. The home team is lead by the Jim Bolger trained Akdarena and Remember When trained by Aidan O’Brien.
Other notable entries include Epsom Oaks runner up Meeznah, Eldalill runner up in the Ribblesdale Stakes, Brazilian Beauty and the Godolphin owned Miss Jean Brodie
14 of Ireland’s leading lady riders are set to compete in the Thalgo Ladies Derby, while a select field of four will line up for the Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes including the Jim Bolger trained Glor Na Mara and Samuel Morse trained by Aidan O’Brien. The Kilboy Estate Stakes will be one of the most competitive races over the weekend with 18 runners going to post including last year’s winner She’s Our Mark and the Aidan O’Brien trained Famous.
Racing also takes place on Saturday with the featured www.thetote.com Minstrel Stakes attracting 9 runners including Rayeni, Free Judgement, Croisultan and Air Chief Marshall.
All other sporting action including Golf and GAA will be shown on screens throughout the racecourse and in the Tote Sports Lounge on both days
1st race on Saturday is 2.10pm and on Sunday is 2.05pm
Admission Saturday €15 Under 25s and Seniors €8 Children under 16 free
Admission Sunday €20 Under 25s and Seniors €10 Children under 16 free