THE Autumn Festival of Racing concludes at the Curragh this Sunday when the Group Two www.thetote.com Blandford Stakes is the feature event on an excellent seven race programme. The seven furlong contest has attracted 20 entries, including the Henry Cecil-trained Aviate which has been supplemented to the race.
Aviate is one of eight overseas challengers along with Alsace Lorraine, Bikini Babe, Contredanse, Eleanora Duse, Gallic Star, High Heeled and Epsom Oaks runner-up Meeznah. The home challenge, meanwhile, is headed by Lush Lashes, Obama Rule, Duchess Of Foxland, Precious Gem and She’s Our Mark.
Steinbeck stands out in the Group Three O’Brien’s Wines supporting Jack and Jill Solonaway Stakes for which there are 17 horses left in. Emulous, Pollen and multiple course winner Jumbajukiba are other notable horses in the line-up, while Penitent and Zafisio are both likely to travel over from Britain.
Kargali has been given a supplementary entry into the Group Three Michael Kinane Renaissance Stakes. Also among the 16 left in the five furlong dash are Air Chief Marshall, Bewitched, Snaefell, Walk On By and Velvet Flicker, while the British-trained challenge is made up of Tax Free, Himalya, Serious Attitude and Sir Gerry.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has a strong hand in the Listed Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes with six of the 14 entries. O’Brien can choose between Diamond Brooch, Gemstone, Juliet Capulet, Luxurious, Mist and Spin. Banimpire and Cambina are two other notable entries for the one mile juvenile contest.
The first of seven races on Sunday commences at 2.15 pm, while the ground is now good to yielding on the round course and yielding on the straight course.
The race day will have a major family day theme with a variety of free activities for children.
The Curragh in association with the Independent Brewers and Distillers of Ireland has brought together some of Ireland’s finest micro brewers to showcase their products in order to create a special event as part of the Festival. This will take place over both days in the new Garden Enclosure close to the parade ring.
The Curragh Racecourse in association with Horse Racing Ireland will celebrate the magnificent achievements jockey Michael Kinane by staging an exhibition of his racing successes. This exhibition will honour his many successes over three decades with a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a magnificent collection of memorabilia which will highlight his legendary career.
Admission €15 Under 25s and Seniors €8 Under 16s Free