County Kildare News

ANOTHER fabulous weekend of racing at the Curragh gets under way on Saturday, 25th August when the Group Three Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger Trial Stakes and the valuable Irish Cambridgeshire Premier Handicap are the twin highlights on a seven race programme.
 
Last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach is one of five Aidan O’Brien-trained horse left in the Group Three contest, while the master of Ballydoyle can also choose between Chamonix, David Livingstone, Offer and the hat-trick seeking I Have A Dream. The latter steps up in grade here having landed a Bellewstown maiden and a competitive Leopardstown handicap last month, but the son of Galileo has a very progressive profile and is well worth his place in Saturday’s line up.
 
Sapphire was most impressive when landing a Group Three prize at Cork earlier this month and the Dermot Weld-trained filly is likely to be one of the market leaders for the 14 furlong contest. Dual Royal Ascot winner Simenon, Hartani, Aklan, Massiyn and fast improving Ursa Major are others to look out for in a very competitive contest.
 
There is a strong British trained team among the 30 entries for the valuable Irish Cambridgeshire Premier Handicap including Crown Counsel trained by Mark Johnson together with Compton and Takeitfromalady trained by Ralph Beckett. Aidan O’Brien has three representatives in Learn, Unanimous and Windsor Palace, while Vastonea, Custom Cut and the hat-trick seeking Sadler’s Mark are other very interesting home trained contenders.
 
Leitir Mor and Lottie Dod, second and third respectively behind Pedro The Great in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at this venue just over a week ago, are set to clash again in the Listed Manguard Plus Curragh Stakes. The pair are among 15 entries for the five furlong dash which also includes Gale Force Ten, Boston Rocker, Curly Wee and Lady Gosford.
 
The first of seven races on Saturday’s programme commences at 2.10 pm and the ground is currently soft to heavy. 
 
Admission is €15 U25s & Seniors €8, U16s FREE