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August 23, 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey author to attend Curragh races this Sunday

el-james E.L. James, the author of 50 Shades of Grey, has accepted an invitation from the Curragh Racecourse to attend the races this Sunday 26th August to present the trophy to the winning owner of the inaugural Irish Field Grey Horse Handicap, the first time a race has been run in Ireland exclusively for grey horses.
 
Fifty Shades of Grey has been number 1 for 18 consecutive weeks in Ireland and the series of books has been number 1 ,2 ,3 for the last 13 weeks. It is now the UK’s biggest selling book since records began outselling the Harry Potter series.  Time Magazine included British born James in its annual list of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World” this year.
 
Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, commented, “We are delighted that EL James has accepted our invitation to attend the races this Sunday. Grey horses always seem to capture the imagination of the public in a way that few other horses can and with the hope that the race will boost our attendance and provide a real spectacle for the public to enjoy.”
 
The Fegentri World Championship race for international lady riders supported by Tipperary Crystal is another highlight on the day with Lisa O’Neill representing Ireland in the contest which will also feature riders from Germany, Britain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey and Spain
 
The Group 2 Galileo Futurity Stakes is expected to feature top 2 year olds Mars and Dawn Approach. while other races include the Group 3 Lanwades Stud Stakes and Group 3 bettor.com Flying Five Stakes. Racing also takes place on Saturday 25th August featuring the Irish Cambridgeshire and Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger Trial Stakes, while the Wuhan Goodwill Cup will promote the association between horse racing in Ireland with China.
 
Admission €15, U25s and Seniors €8, U16s Free
 
Free car parking, trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to racecourse, Dublin Coach also provide service (see dublincoach.ie)