Curragh Set to Celebrate 150th Irish Derby

The Curragh will begin its 2015 racing season March 29, a year that will be highlighted by the 150th edition of the Irish Derby (Ire-I) June 27.

A number of initiatives will celebrate this historic anniversary, including a reduction in the Irish Derby Day admission price to €30 (after a price of €40 in 2014), or €25 if purchased in advance of race day. Presentations will be made to the legends of the Irish Derby and invited guests include Mary Crosby, the daughter of Bing Crosby, whose colors were carried to success in the 1965 Irish Derby. 

The Curragh has commissioned a book commemorating the 150th Irish Derby by Sean Magee with Guy Williams, Francis Hyland, and Jacqueline O'Brien, which will be published by the Racing Post, while Kildare County Council have commissioned a magnificent piece of artwork which will be located in the center of the roundabout at Ballymany and unveiled as a permanent installation in June.

The Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival the weekend of May 23-24 features the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas (Ire-I) Saturday, and the Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas (Ire-I) and Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-I) Sunday. 

A star-studded lineup can be expected again during Irish Champions Weekend, taking place at Leopardstown Sept. 12 and with the Curragh staging a magnificent day Sept. 13. The Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger (Ire-I), Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (Ire-I), Moyglare Stud Stakes (Ire-I), Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Stakes, and Derrinstown Stud Flying Five (Ire-III) all will be offered on the Curragh program.

"We are looking forward to a very exciting season, with the 150th Irish Derby giving us a great opportunity to celebrate our most famous race," said Curragh general manager Paul Hensey. "We are particularly grateful to all our sponsors and partners, whose support is greatly appreciated and has again helped us increase our prize money, ensuring we attract the best horses to compete in our races."