Curragh Racecourse, county Kildare, Ireland
Established: 1866
Style: Group 1 flat race for 3 yr. old thoroughbred colts and fillies
Track length: 1 mile
Stakes: 2008 1.5 million euros
The Irish Derby is the oldest of the five Classic Irish Races which also include; the Irish Oaks and Irish Field St. Leger, Irish 2000 Guineas, and the Irish 1000 Guineas, together completing the Irish Derby Festival. It is held at Curragh Racecourse on the third day of the Irish Derby festival and run over a distance of one mile.
History
The Irish Derby as we know it now dates back to its first running on the Curragh (meaning place of the running horse) Race Course in 1866. The Curragh has always been home to most prestigious flat races of the Irish racing calendar going as far back as the early 1700’s. Cherney’s racing calendar recorded the first race held on the Curragh in 1727.
Although the Curragh went through a series of laws and restrictions over the course of its lengthy history it is now the heart of the Irish bloodstock industry. The Curragh now boasts expert trainers and is a world renowned training facility producing some of the world’s finest and best horses.
Irish Festival
The Irish Derby, is a major part of the Irish Derby Festival, held annually in late June or Early July, attracting over 40,000 fans as well as some of the best race horses in the world including Europe’s finest which often includes previous winners of the Epsom Derby and the Prix du Jockey Club. Many Irish Derby winners go on to claim the title of leading three year old in Europe.
The Irish Derby Festival claims the fame as being one of the largest celebrations of the racing year not only hosting Ireland’s greatest derbies but also offering live entertainment, competitions, and post derby festivities. It is no wonder the Irish Derby is considered one of the best derby races in the world.
Bet the Irish Derby
Thousands of fans bet the Irish Derby every year, through online or at the track betting systems. The Irish are known for their love of horse racing showing their pride in the sport through the horses they bet.
