Irish Champions Weekend

Featuring the Irish St. Leger.

Irish Champions Weekend will be jointly hosted by the Curragh and Leopardstown on the weekend of 13th and 14th September. It will be an amazing sporting and social event combining history, glamour, excitement and prestige.

The Weekend will be action packed with the focus on showcasing Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horse racing and breeding. Racing will take place on Saturday 13th September at Leopardstown featuring the Group One Irish Champion Stakes and Matron Stakes. 

Sunday 14th September at the Curragh features three Group One races, including the Irish St Leger, the premier trial race in Europe for the Melbourne Cup, Vincent O'Brien National Stakes and Moyglare Stud Stakes. 

Before racing, the many racing and breeding operations located close to the Curragh will open their doors to visitors.

Admission - Adult 20 euro,  Seniors 10 euro, Students Free (with valid Student Card), Under 16s Free. Family Admission 25 euro. 1st race 2.05pm (gates open 10.30am)

Free car parking. Irish Rail service to Kildare Town with free shuttle to racecourse. Dublin Coach also provide race day service (see www.dublincoach.ie)

Kildare Village will offer the winner of the style and elegance award a 3k shopping spree and Palmerstown House Estate, sponsor of the Irish St Leger, will give the winner a VIP stay for the winner and 19 friends in their magnificent manor house. The five fashion finalists from the Curragh’s style competition will be entered into a draw to drive away in a brand new Jaguar XF, which will be theirs to drive for one year.  Yvonne Keating, County Kildare Failte Ambassador will be one of the judges, while actress Victoria Smurfit will be the official Irish Champions Weekend ambassador

Throughout the afternoon at the Curragh the attractions will include a Parade of Champions featuring four Champion Hurdlers - Hurricane Fly, Jezki, Binocular and Hardy Eustace, while Quevega and the legendary Moscow Flyer will also be part of the parade.

The Moyglare Stud Kids Zone will provide a variety of exciting free entertainment throughout the day for younger race goers with shows featuring well known Disney and Star Wars characters.

There will be performances by the world renowned Celtic Tenors during the afternoon.

The Curragh Thoroughbred Trail, sponsored by Dublin Coach, will take place during the morning of 14th September, offering the opportunity to visit some of the top trainers and have a unique chance to see behind the scenes.    Places for the Trails  are limited and should be reserved by calling 045 441205.  All proceeds from the Thoroughbred Trail will be donated to horse racing charities. 

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