Lambourn: Irish Derby Favorite at The Curragh
- The Curragh Racecourse prepares to host the 160th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this Sunday, featuring a highly anticipated rematch of the Epsom Derby's top three finishers.
- Aidan O'Brien's Lambourn, an undefeated colt and son of 2014 Irish Derby champion Australia, leads the 10-horse field.
- Joseph O'Brien, a past winner of the race as both a jockey and trainer, expressed optimism about Tennessee Stud's chances.
Lambourn, the undefeated colt, is the frontrunner as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby prepares for an electrifying rematch at The Curragh. Aidan O’BrienS star, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, will face off against rivals from the Epsom Derby, including Lazy Griff and Tennessee Stud.This Sunday’s race marks the 160th running and promises intense competition, with past champions and rising stars vying for victory. The three-day festival features multiple group races, including the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, setting the stage for an international showdown. News Directory 3 keeps you ahead of the curve with all the latest horse racing news. Explore the potential upsets. Discover what’s next …
Lambourn Faces Epsom Rivals in Dubai Duty Free irish Derby
The Curragh Racecourse prepares to host the 160th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this Sunday, featuring a highly anticipated rematch of the Epsom Derby’s top three finishers. All eyes will be on the prestigious flat race.
Aidan O’Brien’s Lambourn, an undefeated colt and son of 2014 Irish Derby champion Australia, leads the 10-horse field. Ryan Moore will again be aboard Lambourn as he faces Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, and Tennessee Stud, trained by Joseph O’Brien.
Joseph O’Brien, a past winner of the race as both a jockey and trainer, expressed optimism about Tennessee Stud’s chances. “We were very proud of Tennessee Stud’s run in Epsom,” O’Brien said. “He came home strongly and is open to plenty of enhancement.We’d love him to run another career best at the Curragh.”
Ralph Beckett will enter Pride Of Arras, the Dante Stakes winner, and Sir Dinadan. Jessica Harrington saddles Green Impact, who is coming off a win at Leopardstown after a run in the Guineas.
Lambourn’s stablemates Puppet Master, Shackleton, and Thrice are also possible contenders for the Derby.
Festival Highlights and Feature Races
Ireland’s most prestigious flat race is the highlight of a nine-race card that includes seven races worth €100,000 and the €50,000 Dubai Duty Free Irish EBF Stayers Handicap.
Sprinters will compete in the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes.Ger Lyons may enter defending champion My Mate alfie.Joe Murphy’s Lord Massusus is a possible contender in the Colm McLoughlin Celebration stakes.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish derby Festival kicks off Friday with an eight-race card. Saturday features Group 1 action with the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes,potentially including Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks runner-up Whirl and Joseph O’Brien’s Wemightakedlongway.
Pretty Polly Stakes: An International Contest
Andrew Balding’s Group 1 winner Kalpana is set to return after placing in the Tattersalls gold Cup. French trainer Nicolas Clement may send Survie, a Group 1 runner-up.
Paddy Twomey, who won in 2022 with La Petite Coco, has several entries, including Classic-placed fillies One Look and Purple Lily.
Saturday’s racing will also honor the late Kevin Prendergast with the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes. Malih Al Basti praised Prendergast’s contribution to racing, saying, “Kevin was a dear freind and his legacy lives on through the generations he influenced.”
Dermot weld’s Elizabeth Jane, who last won the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown, could also compete.
More group Action on Saturday
The Group 2 Airlie Stud stakes could see ger Lyons’ unbeaten filly Lady Iman extend her winning streak.
aidan O’Brien’s Brussels and Flushing Meadows lead the field for the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse Anglesey Stakes, with Suzie Songs among the challengers for Lyons.
Pat O’Donnell and his daughter Sylvia could reprise their Sherry FitzGerald Country homes Ladies Derby victory with Hemight, aiming to repeat their 2022 triumph.
What’s next
Racing fans anticipate an exciting weekend of high-stakes competition at the Curragh, with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby taking center stage.