THE curtain comes down on another fabulous season of Flat racing at the Curragh next Sunday, 9th October when there are three Listed races and a premier handicap up for grabs.
Admission to the races is free courtesy of Hackett’s Bookmakers who also sponsor the 38,000 euro to the winner Irish Cesarewitch Premier Handicap.
Trainer Mark Johnson has plundered some decent prizes in Ireland this term and he appears to hold a strong hand with four entries – Becausewecan, Bowdler’s Magic, Colour Vision and English Summer - in the Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch Premier Handicap. There are a total of 32 entries for the two mile contest and best of the home team would appear to be Dimona, Obligation, Regent Street and Star Power.
Homecoming Queen is one of five Aidan O’Brien entries for the Listed Lanwades and Staffordstown Studs Two-Year-Old Fillies Stakes and the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor is sure to be a leading contender following her neck second to Coral Wave in the Group Three C L Weld Park Stakes at this venue nine days ago. Other notable entries here are Absolute Crackers, Crimson Sunrise, Silver Sycamore, Up and Wading.
Goodwood winner and recent Ayr Gold Cup runner-up Eton Rifles is one of two British-trained horses among the 19 entries for the Listed Go Racing In Kildare Waterford Testimonial Stakes. David Elsworth’s six-year-old has been a model of consistency this season, but he faces stiff opposition from the home-based team which is headed by Bay Knight, Empowering, Maarek, Northern Rock and Six Of Hearts.
The Listed Go Racing In Kildare Finale Stakes brings proceedings to a close and the 12 furlong contest has attracted 24 entries, including three from Britain in Aiken, Enroller and Western Pearl. Amazing Beauty, Bob Le Beau, Kissable, Look At Me, Pink Symphony, Sapphire and What A Charm will form the heart of the home defence.
Irish Greyhound Derby winner Razldazl George will be a guest of honour when he makes an appearance during the afternoon. Trained only a few miles away from the racecourse by Dolores Ruth, he will be joined by his owner Liam Marks with the Irish Derby trophy.
The race day will also kick start the Go Racing in Kildare Festival Week with four exciting race days taking place at all three County Kildare tracks from the 9th to the 16th October to launch the 2012 Go Racing in Kildare Membership
The first of seven races on Sunday commences at 2.15 pm and the ground is currently soft on the round course and heavy on the straight course.