The Curragh is set to kick off their 2012 season next Sunday 25th March with a packed seven race program The race day which starts at 2.30pm with the Tally Ho Stud 2yo Maiden, also features the www.thetote.com Irish Lincolnshire, Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes, Gabriel Curran Memorial Madrid Handicap, Elusive Pimpernel Maiden and Dublin Coach to the Races Maiden, while The Irish Field Handicap will mark the first in a series of 10 races which will be sponsored at the Curragh by Ireland’s leading equestrian publication this year.
The Curragh will also celebrate the first day of the flat season on Sunday 25th March by working with the Irish Racing Yearbook to put together a fascinating look at the leading contenders for the major races this year. A panel of experts will analyse race footage between races of the leading 3 year old colts and fillies, together with older horses in two categories – 5 to 8 furlongs and 8 furlongs plus. Aidan O’Brien has traditionally used the first day of the season to work some of his top horses after racing and it is hoped that he will do so again. Admission €15 Under 25s & Seniors €8 Under 16s free
Season highlights at the Curragh include the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby featuring the Good Food Ireland Village which takes place on Saturday evening 30th June for the first time while the Co., Kildare venue will be announcing exciting news about two major concerts after racing on both Derby Friday and Saturday very soon. Other features during the year include the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival on 26th and 27th May, Darley Irish Oaks on 22nd July and the 40th running of the Moyglare Stud Stakes on 9th September, while a new sponsor of the Irish St Leger taking place on 15th September will be announced next week.
The annual Newbridge Community Race Day will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 7th May and plans are well advanced to ensure this continues to be one of the best family events of the year with proceeds going towards worthy projects in the locality.
Getting to the Curragh has never been easier following the announcement that Dublin Coach is be the new official transport provider to the racecourse this year. They will provide a service to all race meetings from the following stops on their N7 route – Dublin Airport, Luas Red Cow, Naas, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and Portlaise, while a service from their M7 express route to the races include stops from Dublin Westmoreland Street, Luas Red Cow, Annacotty, University of Limerick and Limerick City. The Curragh will also provide a free shuttle bus from Kildare Train Station with a special admission offer for Irish rail customers who use the train to get to the races.
The Curragh has also partnered with O’Briens Wines as their official supplier of champagnes and wines as part of the two year agreement. This will ensure that there is amazing value and a great selection in champagnes and wines throughout the racecourse, while customers of O’Briens will benefit from a variety of promotional initiatives throughout the year aimed at encouraging them to enjoy a day at the races