On Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May, FAME AND GLORY is the big attraction at the Curragh when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby hero lines up in the High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes. The son of Montjeu, who will face a maximum of seven rivals in the Group Three contest, disappointed when favourite and only third behind She’s Our Mark on his seasonal debut at this venue earlier in the month, but he is sure to be a lot straighter now.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has also entered Dixie Music for the 10-furlong contest, while there are two overseas challengers in Palavicini and Zafisio. Gan Amhras, winner of his final two starts last season, is set to represent trainer Dermot Weld, while Kevin Prendergast’s Recharge and the Paul Deegan-trained Popmurphy complete a high quality field.
The Group Three Dylan Thomas EBF Tetrarch Stakes is another quality contest and has attracted 13 entries, including two from overseas in the Richard Hannon-trained Angel’s Pursuit and Paul Cole’s No Hubris. Aidan O’Brien can choose between Dynasty and Purple Heart, while Jim Bolger, who won this contest 12 months ago with Vocalised, will be represented by Free Judgement. Aznavour, Blue Dahlia, Picture Perfect, Zayaan and the hat-trick seeking Bashir Biyoum Zain are other notable entries.
Pollen and Latin Love, first and third respectively in a Group Three contest on the opening day of the Flat season here last month, are set to clash again in the Oratorio EBF Athasi Stakes. They are two of 22 entries for the Group Three event which has also attracted Duchess Of Foxland, Emulous, Famous, Full Of Hope, Gille Na Greine, Jamaayel and the highly progressive Velvet Flicker.
Racing commences at 2.15 pm with the Aussie Rules EBF Maiden, which has attracted an entry of 19. There are two very competitive handicaps on the eight-race programme, while National Hunt followers won’t want to miss the Rockview Qualified Riders INH Flat Race, which has attracted a British-trained entry in the shape of Nicky Henderson’s Prince Of Pirates.
The ground at the Curragh is currently good to firm on the Round Course and good on the Straight Course.