12th & 13th September 2015 leopardstown & the curragh

irishchampionsweekend

www.irishchampionsweekend.ie

@IrishChampsWknd

Surpassing all expectations, the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend provided two great days of racing, as good as one would get anywhere in Europe, boasting five hotly-contested Group 1 races at Leopardstown and the Curragh. With over 24,000 in attendance on the Saturday and Sunday, Irish Champions Weekend was a sporting and social event combining history, spectacle, glamour, excitement and prestige. It showcased Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horse racing and breeding. 

IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND 2015 prize-money @4 million

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2015

QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes Who will ever forget the finish to the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes last year as The Grey Gatsby edged out local favourite Australia to win for Kevin Ryan and Ryan Moore? The race remains one of the highest-rated on the international circuit with a prize fund of €1.1 million and it continues to attract the best racehorses in the world. Recent winners of the one mile and two furlong contest include The Fugue, Snow Fairy, Sea The Stars, Dylan Thomas and High Chaparral. Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger One of the highlights of the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend at

the Curragh last year was the electrifying success of the Tom Dascombe-trained Brown Panther in the Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger. The race is the final Irish Classic of the year and is run over one mile and six furlongs.

It was opened up to allow older horses to run in 1983. This has led to a number of repeat winners, including Vintage Crop who won the race before taking the Melbourne Cup in 1993. He won the race again twelve months later and the legendary Vinnie Roe scored four years in a row between 2001 and 2004. Coolmore Matron Stakes There was a thrilling finish to the Coolmore Matron Stakes at Leopardstown

Ballydoyle stables, Aidan O’Brien has sent out nine winners of the race, including last year’s victor Gleneagles.

last year with Fiesolana prevailing to give both trainer Willie McCreery and jockey Billy Lee a first Group 1 success. The race is confined to fillies and mares and the one mile contest has been a Group 1 contest since 2004. The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes Run over seven furlongs at the Curragh, this prestigious Group 1 is Ireland’s leading race for two-year-old colts. The great Vincent O’Brien won the race on a record 15 occasions while the current incumbent at the famed

The Moyglare Stud Stakes The Curragh is home to the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes which is the only Group 1 event in Ireland confined to two-year-old fillies. British-based trainers have a great recent record in the seven furlong contest and have won it for each of the last three years. The Roger Varian-trained Cursory Glance was a winning favourite last year.

saturday 1 2 t h S ep t em b er

leopardstown racecourse

Leopardstown is Dublin’s internationally renowned racecourse and hosts the opening day of Irish Champions Weekend, Ireland’s newest racing event, on Saturday, September 12th. The thrilling finish to last year’s QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes which saw The Grey Gatsby reverse Juddmonte International Stakes form with Australia, will live long in the memory. The Coolmore Matron Stakes is the second Group 1 event on the eight-race card and the day has so much more to offer than just top-class racing.

race programme Irish Champion Stakes Day

1st Race: 3.40pm

admission (approx.)

Goffs Champions Sale The Goffs Champions Sale is a boutique Horses-In-Training Sale which will take place before racing begins and the Champions Style & Elegance Competition will run throughout the day. The Ballylinch Stud European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden

7f

€30,000

The John Deere Juvenile Turf Stakes

8f

€100,000

14f

€150,000

(Group 3)

The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Petingo’ Handicap The KPMG Enterprise Stakes

(Group 3)

12f

€100,000

The Coolmore Matron Stakes

(Group 1)

8f

€300,000

The Clipper Logistics Boomerang Mile

(Group 2)

8f

€200,000

The QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes

(Group 1)

10f

€1,100,000

7f

€150,000

The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Sovereign Path’ Handicap

hospitality options Leopardstown offers a wide range of high-quality hospitality options on Irish Champions Weekend. Choose from casual dining options in the Leopardstown Circle Lounge, private facilities on the top level of the grandstand with panoramic views of the track, the restaurant package overlooking the parade ring or the Pavilion package offering exclusive trackside views of the finishing straight.

Leopardstown restaurant package • Admission • Racecards • Table for the Day • Three-course meal

just €85

Tel: + 385 (0) 1 289 0500 Explore the full range of hospitality options at www.leopardstown.com

12th September Adult Admission Ticket Gate/On The Day €20 Online €18 Senior / Student Gate/On The Day €15 Online N/A Children U 16 Gate/On The Day Online

FREE N/A

weekend option 2 Day Adult Ticket Gate/On The Day Online 2 Day Adult Ticket with The Curragh Thoroughbred Trail Gate/On The Day Online Thoroughbred Trail Gate/On The Day Online

N/A €30

N/A €40

N/A €15

sunday 1 3 t h S ep t em b er

the curragh racecourse

The historic Curragh Racecourse is home to all five Irish Classic races and is the venue for the second day of Irish Champions Weekend on Sunday, September 13th. There are three Group 1 races on the eight-race card and pride of place goes to the Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger, the final Irish Classic of the season. Many of Europe’s leading two-year-olds will contest the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes.

race programme Irish St. Leger Day

admission

1st Race: 2.00pm (approx.)

Curragh Thoroughbred Trail On the morning before racing, the Curragh Thoroughbred Trail is designed to give the racing enthusiast a behind-the-scenes look at Irish racing’s headquarters while the Champions Style & Elegance Competition will run throughout the day. The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Bold Lad’ Sprint Handicap

6f

€150,000

The Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes

(Group 2)

10f

€200,000

The Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes

(Group 2)

5f

€200,000

The Moyglare Stud Stakes

(Group 1)

7f

€300,000

The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1)

7f

€300,000

The Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger (Group 1)

14f



€350,000

The Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes

6f

€250,000

The Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Northfields’ Handicap

10f

€150,000

hospitality options The Curragh presents excellent hospitality packages on Irish Champions Weekend, overlooking the racing action or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The Horseshoe Restaurant offers a dining package with views of the finishing line, the cool and contemporary Champagne Bar serves fabulous food overlooking the parade ring, while the Balcony Restaurant, on the premier level of the grandstand gives guests the opportunity to experience fine dining while enjoying the races.

Curragh horseshoe restaurant package • Admission • Racecards • Table for the Day • Three-course meal

just €80

Tel: +353 (0) 45 441 205 Explore the full range of hospitality options at www.curraghhospitality.com

13th September Adult Admission Ticket Gate/On The Day €20 Online €18 Senior / Student Gate/On The Day €10 Online N/A Children U 16 Gate/On The Day Online

FREE N/A

weekend option 2 Day Adult Ticket Gate/On The Day Online 2 Day Adult Ticket with The Curragh Thoroughbred Trail Gate/On The Day Online Thoroughbred Trail Gate/On The Day Online

N/A €30

N/A €40

N/A €15

race & stay packages With just 35 miles separating Leopardstown and the Curragh, there is an extensive choice of accommodation options with ‘Race and Stay’ packages starting at €280, including transfers, admission and lunch on both days. Visit www.irishchampionsweekend.ie Co. Kildare

Co. Kildare

Co. Kildare

Keadeen Hotel

Westgrove Hotel

Killashee House Hotel & Spa

The 4 star luxury Keadeen hotel is situated on the outskirts of Newbridge in the heart of county Kildare - ‘the thoroughbred county’. Opened in 1970, The Keadeen is the oldest family-run hotel in County Kildare and is located just 30 minutes from Dublin.

The 4-star deluxe Westgrove Hotel is under 40 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 10 minutes from both Naas and Maynooth.

Killashee House Hotel is set amidst over 280 acres of historic and intriguing gardens, walk ways and parkland, with magnificent views over the Kildare countryside. A hotel that is timeless, natural and elegant where they understand space, fun and food.

Stay 1, 2 or 3 nights at one of our wonderful selected hotels and enjoy the following all-inclusive package: Accommodation • Breakfast included each morning • Luxury transport to and from the racecourse on each day • Racecourse admission on both days • Reserved table on both days • 3 course lunch on both days • Complimentary racecard

Stay 1, 2 or 3 nights at one of our wonderful selected hotels and enjoy the following all-inclusive package: Accommodation • Breakfast included each morning • Luxury transport to and from the racecourse on each day • Racecourse admission on both days • Reserved table on both days • 3 course lunch on both days • Complimentary racecard

Stay 1, 2 or 3 nights at one of our wonderful selected hotels and enjoy the following all-inclusive package: Accommodation • Breakfast included each morning • Luxury transport to and from the racecourse on each day • Racecourse admission on both days • Reserved table on both days • 3 course lunch on both days • Complimentary racecard

Curragh Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Clane, Co. Kildare.

Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co. Kildare.

To book: Tel: + 353 (0) 45 441 205 www.curraghhospitality.com

To book: Tel: + 353 (0) 45 441 205 www.curraghhospitality.com

To book: Tel: + 353 (0) 45 441 205 www.curraghhospitality.com

Co. Kildare

Co. dublin

Co. dublin

Palmerstown House Estate

The Beacon Hotel

The Marker Hotel Dublin

Discover a new experience in luxury living. Stylish, stunning and exceptionally original, Palmerstown House Estate Hotel was designed to soothe and inspire.

The 4 star luxury South Dublin hotel is conveniently situated near Dundrum and Leopardstown.

The Marker is Dublin’s newest, luxury design hotel located on Grand Canal Square in the heart of Dublin city’s most vibrant new business and cultural quarter.

Stay 1, 2 or 3 nights at one of our wonderful selected hotels and enjoy the following all-inclusive package: Accommodation • Breakfast included each morning • Luxury transport to and from the racecourse on each day • Racecourse admission on both days • Reserved table on both days • 3 course lunch on both days • Complimentary racecard

Stay 1, 2 or 3 nights at one of our wonderful selected hotels and enjoy the following all-inclusive package: Accommodation • Breakfast included each morning • Luxury transport to and from the racecourse on each day • Racecourse admission on both days • Reserved table on both days • 3 course lunch on both days • Complimentary racecard

Stay 1, 2 or 3 nights at one of our wonderful selected hotels and enjoy the following all-inclusive package: Accommodation • Breakfast included each morning • Luxury transport to and from the racecourse on each day • Racecourse admission on both days • Reserved table on both days • 3 course lunch on both days • Complimentary racecard

Johnstown, Co. Kildare.

Bracken Road, Sandyford, Co. Dublin.

Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2.

To book: Tel: + 353 (0) 45 441 205 www.curraghhospitality.com

To book: Tel: + 353 (0) 45 441 205 www.curraghhospitality.com

To book: Tel: + 353 (0) 45 441 205 www.curraghhospitality.com

trail & sale

Goffs Champions Sale Saturday 12th September Once again Goffs will host their boutique Horses-In-Training Sale in the Leopardstown parade ring before racing. Last year it was quite the attraction for the novice and seasoned racegoers, featuring eleven racehorses of which nine were sold. Timiyan was the most expensive lot at an impressive €470,000 and the total spent at the sale was over €2 million.

curragh Thoroughbred Trail Sunday 13th September To make this special weekend one to remember, join the Curragh Thoroughbred Trail on the Curragh plains before racing on Sunday. The area is steeped in racing history and this is a unique opportunity to visit many leading racing yards and stud farms. Last year over 400 people took the opportunity to visit some key local training establishments, including the racing yards of Johnny Murtagh, Michael Halford, John Oxx and Paul Deegan. The world famous Irish National Stud and Kildangan Stud threw open their gates and the Racing Academy and Centre for Education was another popular stop.

The ultimate

Irish Racing Experience

Irish Champions Weekend, the newest event in Irish racing, sits neatly between two of the most cherished traditional meetings in the calendar. Laytown’s world-famous beach races are an iconic end-of-summer outing for racing fans from near and far. In Ireland’s south west, in the beautiful county of Kerry, Listowel’s seven-day Harvest Festival promises ‘Serious Racing – Serious Fun’ as it has done for generations. Laytown, Leopardstown, the Curragh and Listowel – the Untimate Irish racing experience.

laytown

listowel

Thursday 10th September

13th – 19th September

Racing on the beach at Laytown, just 22 miles from Dublin Airport, takes place just once a year. The occasion draws crowds from all over the world and is one of Irish racing’s iconic experiences.

The Harvest Festival at Listowel remains one of the most important weeks in the racing calendar.

Laytown races occupies a unique position in the Irish racing calendar as it is the only racing event run on a beach under the Rules of Racing. As the tide recedes in the morning of race day, the racecourse is quickly set up allowing for six races of between six furlongs and one mile. The majority of racegoers watch the action from an elevated field above the strand which is set up for the day with temporary marquees which act as the weigh-room, the jockeys’ room, bars and restaurants. Access to the beach is restricted while racing is underway.

The seven-day meeting takes place each September and like all major Irish racing festivals, it draws huge crowds from far and wide. The Kerry National Handicap Chase is the biggest race of the week and is run on the Wednesday. Friday is Ladies Day and it attracts the largest attendance, often in excess of 26,000. The Listowel Supporters Club Lartigue Handicap Hurdle is another highlight of the week and the Listed Listowel Stakes is the feature Flat race at the Festival.

For more information see www.laytownstrandraces.ie or call +353 (0)41 9842111

For more information see listowelraces.ie or call +353 (0) 68 21144

Travel guide Traveling to Ireland from Great Britain is convenient with an increasing number of air and ferry routes to the island now available. The island of Ireland has five main ferry ports – Belfast, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Larne and Rosslare, and seven main airports - Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Knock, Shannon and Waterford. If traveling from Great Britain to Ireland by ferry, you can bring your car or go as a foot passenger.

Troon Cairnryan

Visit ireland.com for more information.

Larne

Knock Airport

Belfast Airport Belfast Isle of man

Travelling to ireland by sea Dublin

Dublin Airport

DEPART

ARRIVE

CARRIER

DURATION

Cairnryan

Larne Belfast

P&O Ferries Stena Line

1hr 2hrs 15mins

Dun Laoghaire

Rosslare

Stena Line

2hrs

Rosslare

Cork Cork Airport

Holyhead Dublin

Irish Ferries Irish Ferries Stena Line

3hrs 15mins 1hr 49mins 3hrs 15mins



Dun Laoghaire

Stena Line

2hrs

Liverpool

Dublin

P&O Ferries

7hrs 30mins

Pembroke

Rosslare

Irish Ferries

3hrs 45mins

Liverpool

Kerry Airport Waterford Airport

Fishguard

Holyhead

Shannon Airport

Fishguard Pembroke

France: Cherbourg, Roscoff

FERRY, COACH & Train OPERATOR contacts

airline contacts

operator telephone website

operator telephone website

Ferry Irish Ferries P&O Ferries Stena Line

+44 871 730 0400 +44 871 702 3477 +44 844 770 7070

irishferries.com poferries.com stenaline.co.uk

bus Eurolines Bus Éireann

+44 871 781 8181 +353 (0) 1 836 6111

eurolines.co.uk www.buseireann.ie

train Irish Rail

+353 (0) 1 836 6222

www.irishrail.ie

Aer Lingus +44 871 718 5000 British Airways +44 844 493 0787 CityJet +44 871 405 2020 Citywing +44 871 200 0440 easyJet +44 843 104 5000 Finnair +358 600 140 140 Flybe +44 371 700 2000 Linksair +44 844 800 2411 Loganair +44 371 700 2000 Ryanair +44 871 246 0000

aerlingus.com britishairways.com cityjet.com citywing.com easyjet.com finnair.com flybe.com linksair.co.uk loganair.co.uk ryanair.com

M50 linking Dublin Airport, The Curragh (Exit 9) & Leopardstown (Exit 15)

M7 to The Curragh n11 to Leopardstown

Luas Green Line to Leopardstown from Stephen’s Green, Dublin Train to The Curragh from Heuston Station, Dublin Course to Course Leopardstown is 35 miles from the Curragh by car and takes approx 45 minutes.

County Dublin

laytown

ireland

Dublin Airport

County Dublin

County kildare

leopardstown Curragh

M50

Dublin City

County kildare

n11

LUAS

M7

Naas Newbridge

Train

Leopardstown Racecourse

Curragh Racecourse

Listowel

getting to: leopardstown Racecourse

getting to: the Curragh Racecourse

By Car Via the M50 — South Bound Located just six miles south of Dublin City Centre, Leopardstown is very accessible by car, easily accessed from the M50 - Exit 15. Parking is free so early arrival is advised on race days to ensure you get a spot. For more information visit www.leopardstown.com

By Car From Dublin take Exit 9 off the M50 onto the N7 southbound. Take Exit 12 off the M7. When you arrive, you’ll find plenty of free car parking. Visit the AA Roadwatch website for more travel information.

From City Centre Take the N11 (Stillorgan Dual Carriageway) heading towards the Southeast, past Stillorgan (right). At traffic lights turn right onto Leopardstown Road R113 signposted Leopardstown. Continue straight and Leopardstown’s entrance is on the left just before the traffic lights in front of the Roundabout.

By Bus Dublin Coach provides a service to the Curragh races from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre via the Red Cow Luas with stops in Naas and Newbridge. Race Day service is also available from Limerick via Portlaoise. See Dublin Coach & Curragh Racecourse Schedule at www.dublincoach.ie.

Luas from City Centre The LUAS offers a regular service from St. Stephen’s Green to Sandyford that takes about 20 minutes. The racecourse is only a short walk from the Sandyford station and we also provide a complimentary shuttle bus service on race days.

By Rail Mainline trains from Heuston Station (Dublin), Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway to Kildare Town with complimentary Shuttle Bus to the racecourse. Call Iarnród Éireann at: +353 (0) 1 836 6222.

Local Attractions & Events

Shopping

Newbridge Silverware & Museum of Style Icons Newbridge Silverware,  renowned for style and quality, encompasses an extensive range of jewellery and giftware as well as a museum of artefacts and memorabilia on stars of the silver screen and modern day icons. Newbridge, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 45 431 301 Irish Greyhound Derby Final The Irish Greyhound Derby is the highlight of the Irish greyhound racing calendar. The very best greyhounds from across Ireland and the UK compete for a chance to win this most prestigious event. Date: 19 September 2015 Shelbourne Park, Dublin Tel: 1890 269969

Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens The Irish National Stud belongs to the people of Ireland but prides itself on being enjoyed and appreciated by visitors from all parts of the globe. Nowhere better symbolises all that is great about County Kildare, the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred industry, than the stud, a unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty that is home to some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world. Tully, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 45 521 617

Leopardstown Racecourse Foxrock, Dublin 18, Ireland. T: +353 (0) 1 289 0500 E: [email protected] www.leopardstown.com LeopardstownRacecourse @leopardstownrc

Powerscourt House & Gardens Powerscourt is one of the world’s greatest gardens, featuring Ireland’s highest waterfall, championship golf courses & superb shopping. Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains you will find the perfect natural escape at Powerscourt House and Gardens, from the Palladian Mansion to the formal gardens, elegant rooms, meticulous service and first class cuisine, Powerscourt is unforgettable. Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Web: www.powerscourt.com

horse racing ireland The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland. T: +353 (0) 45 455 455 E: [email protected] www.goracing.ie goracing @GoRacing

Kildare Village Outlet Shopping close to Kildare Town, Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge and Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16 are the ultimate destinations for shoppers with a great selection of shops to choose from.

Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival Ireland’s leading multidisciplinary arts festival featuring performance, theatre, music, art, comedy, dance, gaming and circus from Irish and international artists. Date: 7-20 September 2015 Dublin City Tel: +353 (0) 1 670 6106

Curragh Racecourse The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland. T: +353 (0) 45 441 205 E: [email protected] www.curragh.ie TheCurraghRacecourse @curraghrace