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September 24, 2013

O’Brien chasing 13th Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh

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Trainer AIDAN O’BRIEN has an outstanding record in the Group Two Juddmonte Beresford Stakes and the champion trainer, who is chasing his 13th success in the race, has a strong representation in the featured contest at the Curragh this Sunday. O’Brien is responsible for 7 of the 11 horses left in at today’s  five-day entry stage, while the Andy Oliver-trained All Set To Go has been supplemented to the race.

O’Brien can choose between Agena, Friendship, Geoffrey Chaucer, Illinois, Kingfisher Oklahoma City and Mekong River. “The horses are all very well and they will do their final piece of work tomorrow (Wednesday) after which we will make a decision regarding plans for Sunday,” commented the Ballydoyle trainer.

Altruistic made a huge impression when landing a Naas maiden on his racecourse debut last month and the son of Galileo is primed to take on the might of Ballydoyle. “Altruistic came out of the Naas race in great shape,” commented trainer Johnny Murtagh. “He is a lovely horse and is in great shape. We have been waiting for this race for him and we are very much looking forward to Sunday.” The exciting Ger Lyons-trained Exogenesis and Dermot Weld’s Not To Yield complete the 11 strong entry.

There are a total of 13 entries for the Group Three C.L. Weld Park Stakes, including two British trained challengers in the Charles Hills-trained Queen Catrine and Clive Brittain’s Stealth Missile. The home challenge is headed by Avenue Gabriel, My Titania and Tarfasha. The latter is trained by Dermot Weld and was a most impressive winner of a fillies maiden at Galway in August. Another interesting runner here is the Johnny Murtagh-trained Chicago Lady. “She is a lovely filly and is very good form,” said Murtagh. “Chicago Lady may take her chance on Sunday but we won’t make a decision until later in the week.”

Friendship and Oklahoma City also hold an entry in the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Blenheim Stakes for which there are 11 horses entered. Other notable entries for the six furlong juvenile contest include impressive Curragh maiden winner Guerre, Monsieur Power, Pleasant Bay, Flight Risk and Freedom Square.

Stamina is the name of the game in The Irish Field Loughbrown Stakes, which has attracted 14 entries. Included among the entries for the two mile contest are Galway Hurdle winner Missunited making a welcome return to the flat, Eye Of The Storm, Marchese Marconi, Unaccompanied, Inis Meain and Cullentry Royal. Meanwhile, there are 35 entries for the Mongey Communications Joe McGrath Premier Handicap and included among them are recent course winner My Good Brother, Wexford Opera, Greek Canyon, Twenty One Choice and Custom Cut.

Notes:
 
1st race 2.10pm
 
Admission 15 euro  Seniors and Under 25s 8 euro, Under 16s free (accompanied by an adult)

To celebrate the All Ireland Hurling Final replay between Cork and Clare, the Curragh is offering all ticket holders, FREE admission to the races on Sunday 29th September.  Ticket holders simply have to bring their All Ireland Hurling Replay Ticket to the races to avail of this offer.
 
The race day is themed for the Irish Pony Club to celebrate the end of their busy summer season with a fun and exciting day for all the family to enjoy and presentations made throughout the afternoon to winners of various pony club disciplines. All Pony Club Members gain free admission.
 
The Beresford Stakes was first run in 1857, Juddmonte Farms have sponsored the race since 1988
 
The Jog for Jockeys, a 5k and 10k run over the spectacular Curragh plains takes place during the morning of the race day with proceeds going to the Injured Jockeys Fund, for details see www.jogforjockeys.ie
 
The Curragh Racecourse is located off Exit 12 of the M7 motorway.
 
Free car parking
 
Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle bus to racecourse
 
Dublin Coach provide race day service (see dublincoach.ie)