Dunboyne Express, who will attempt to give owner John Connaughton and jockey Declan McDonagh their very first Irish Classic winner, together with the Aidan O’Brien trained Roderic O’Connor head the home trained team for this Saturday’s Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas taking place at the Curragh.
They will face a strong British trained challenge with Newmarket 2000 Guineas runner up Dubawi Gold, who is the current favourite for the race with Paddy Power at 7/4 and Slim Shadey, who finished fourth in that race, both making the trip to the County Kildare venue for the first Group 1 Classic of the Irish flat racing season.
Aidan O’Brien will also be represented by Oracle and High Ruler, while Zabarajad trained by John Oxx and the John Murphy trained Foolproof make up the 8 runners.
Paddy Power: 7-4 Dubawi Gold, 9-4 Dunboyne Express, 3 Roderic O'Connor, 7 Zabarajad, 20 Slim Shadey, 25 High Ruler, Oracle, 200 Foolproof
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. Etihad Airways will also feature a spectacular display to showcase their association with Formula One motor racing. Sunday will be Ladies Day.
The first of seven races takes place at 2.10pm. Admission €20, seniors and Under 25s €10, Under 16s Free