Curragh Racecard - Saturday 27th May

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the first Classic meeting of the 2023 Irish flat season, the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival. We are delighted to be staging such a high-quality race meeting with plenty of international competition. I hope you enjoy the racing and maybe back a winner or two.

This weekend we will offer €2.35m in prizemoney which would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and of course, Horse Racing Ireland.

We are particularly grateful to today’s race sponsors – Tally Ho Stud and the Irish European Breeders Fund, Gain Equine Nutrition, Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd, FBD Hotels and Resorts, Tattersalls Ltd, Finlay Volvo Ltd and Novibet for their generous support of today’s programme.

Tattersalls Ltd sponsor three Group 1 races over the weekend and are a highly valued partner to us here at the Curragh. We thank Edmond Mahony and his team and wish them all the best for the 2023 sales season.

I would also like to thank all the owners of runners here today - we hope your experience is a good one and we thank you for running your horses at the Curragh.

We have made some changes to our offering this year which we hope you will enjoy, and we are always interested in hearing customer feedback. Please try out Orbys Bistro, the Champagne Bar, Lilywhites Bar and the various facilities in Champions Hall as well as the mobile food options around the enclosures. Free seating is available for racegoers at the front of the stand throughout the final furlong.

There is plenty of entertainment organised throughout the weekend and we are delighted to welcome the Newbridge Gospel Choir and famous Artane Band to perform, while Nite Train will play in Champions Hall after racing

In 2023, the Curragh will stage 23 race meetings in total and we have an exciting programme of quality flat racing on offer throughout the year.

We race again here tomorrow with two mouthwatering Group 1 races and again on Wednesday June 7th while of course the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby meeting is fast approaching on June 30th, July 1st and July 2nd when we look forward to welcoming you back here for more top class international racing.

Brian Kavanagh Chief Executive bkavanagh@curragh.ie

UNDER THE RULES OF RACING

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is responsible for the integrity of Irish Racing.

RECEIVEROFENTRIES:

Horse Racing Ireland, Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare.

STAKEHOLDER:

Horse Racing Ireland

MEDICALOFFICERS:

Dr Jennifer Pugh

Dr Richard Downey

Dr Adrian McGoldrick

Dr Bernard Healy

Dr Dermot Nolan

VETERINARYOFFICERS:

Mr Joe O’Donnell

Mr John Byrne

Mr Ernan O’Donnell

FARRIERS:

Eamon Behan

Sean Kelly

CLERKOFTHECOURSE:

Mr. B. Sheridan

In fulfiling this role, they provide Stewards and professional Officials at all racemeetings to ensure that their rules are properly observed.

The following list of Stewards and Officials are officiating at today’s race meeting:

STEWARDSONDUTY:

Mr. Laurence McFerran

Dr. Paddy Molony

Mr. Con O’Mahony

Mr. Thomas Breen

Mr. L. Walsh

CLERKOFTHECOURSE:

Mr. B. Sheridan

CLERKOFTHESCALES:

Mr. H. Hynes

STARTER:

Mr. J.R. Banahan

JUDGE:

Mr. D. Maher

HANDICAPPERS:

Mr. G. O’Gorman & Mr. M. Bird

STEWARDSSECRETARIES

Mr. M.F. O’Donoghue & Mr. P. Deegan

MEDICALOFFICER:

Dr. J. Pugh

VETERINARYOFFICER:

Ms. J. Taylor M.V.B. M.R.C.V.S.

VETERINARYASSISTANTS:

Ms. C. Murphy & Mr. D.J. Condell

SECURITYOFFICER:

Mr. F. Clune

No card authentic unless signed by the Clerk of the Course.

THETEAMATTHECURRAGH

Brian Kavanagh Chief Executive bkavanagh@curragh.ie

Jean Monahan General Administration Manager jmonahan@curragh.ie

Evan Arkwright Racing and Sponsorship Manager eark@curragh.ie

Pat Kelly Training Grounds Manager pkelly@curragh.ie

Joanna Hyland Race Day Administation Assistant jhyland@curragh.ie

Robbie Moore Stable Yard Manager stableyardmanager@curragh.ie

Richie Brophy Grounds Manager rbrophy@curragh.ie

Ciara Doyle Racing and Training Grounds Executive cdoyle@curragh.ie

Paul Keane Sales Manager pkeane@curragh.ie

Tara Buick Senior Events & Comms Exec tbuick@curragh.ie

TODAY’S ACTION

TRACKFACTS ANDOTHERRACINGINFORMATION

ABOUTTODAY’SRACES TRACKINFORMATION

A right handed horseshoe-shaped track of 2 miles with no sharp bends and a run-in of 3 furlongs. This combined with a steady uphill finish makes it ideal for the galloping type The 5 and 6 furlongs contests are run on the straight course

LEADINGTRAINERSATCURRAGH(2018-2023)

WITHRUNNERS:

A O’BRIEN (142 wins from 789 runners, 18%) runs CITY OF TROY and UNQUESTIONABLE (1.20), HIS MAJESTY and DEMOCRACY (1.55), PADDINGTON, AGE OF KINGS and CAIRO (3.40), CARRACCI, CANUTE and FARNBOROUGH (4.15), THE BLACK TIGER (5.25).

J P O’BRIEN (82 wins from 672 runners, 12%) runs OTTILIEN (3.05), CASH OUT (4.15), TIMELESS SOUL and VEGA MAGNIFICO (4.50), UP AND UNDER, CATANI GARDENS and TRUSTYOURINSTINCT (5.25).

MRS J HARRINGTON (57 wins from 511 runners, 11%) runs NORWALK HAVOC (1.20), GIVEMETHEBEATBOYS (1.55), BOLD DISCOVERY and QUAR SHAMAR (3.40), POLAR BEAR (4.15), DUKE OF VIENNA and DUBAWI DELIGHT (5.25).

TRAINERSINFORM-MOSTWINSINTHELAST14DAYS:

G ELLIOTT (9 wins from 63 runners, 14%) runs COACHELLO (2.30).

A O’BRIEN (8 wins from 30 runners, 27%) runners listed above

K RYAN (7 wins from 41 runners, 17%) runs HI ROYAL (3.40).

LEADINGJOCKEYSATCURRAGH(2018-2023) WITHRIDES:

COLIN KEANE (70 wins from 552 rides, 13%) rides MR SATURDAY (1.20), VALIANT FORCE (1.55), TWILIGHT JET (2.30), ANNERVILLE (3.05), GALERON (3.40), TOUGH TALK (4.15), NIBIRU (4.50), VOICE OF REASON (5.25).

RYAN MOORE (67 wins from 260 rides, 26%) rides UNQUESTIONABLE (1.20), DEMOCRACY (1.55), GARRUS (2.30), PADDINGTON (3.40), FARNBOROUGH (4.15), THE BLACK TIGER (5.25).

SHANE FOLEY (54 wins from 479 rides, 11%) rides NORWALK HAVOC (1.20), GIVEMETHEBEATBOYS (1.55), VENICE BIENNALE (3.05), QUAR SHAMAR (3.40), POLAR BEAR (4.15), CEALLACH (4.50), DUKE OF VIENNA (5.25).

TRAINERSINFORM-MOSTWINSINTHELAST14DAYS:

RYAN MOORE (10 wins from 39 rides, 26%) rides listed above

DYLAN MCMONAGLE (5 wins from 39 rides, 13%) rides OTTILIEN (3.05), CASH OUT (4.15), TIMELESS SOUL (4.50), CATANI GARDENS (5.25).

LEIGH ROCHE (5 wins from 19 rides, 26%) rides RED LETTER BRAY (4.15), OPEN TO QUESTION (5.25).

FANCYTHAT

A O’BRIEN won the 1.20 race in 2012, 2013 and 2015 and 2019 The stable is represented by City Of Troy and Unquestionable in the race today.

A O’BRIEN won the 1.55 race in 2018 and 2022. The stable is represented by Democracy and His Majesty in the race today.

A O’BRIEN won the 3.40 race in 2013, 2015 and 2017 The stable is represented by Age Of Kings and Cairo and Paddington in the race today.

STABLEMOVES

4.50 CEALLACH has moved from M Halford to M Halford & T Collins.

The Curragh is delighted to partner with the following hotels, accommodation providers, restaurants and bars in 2023 and highly recommends all of them to enjoy a stay, drink after the races or a delicious meal.

Barberstown Castle, Staffran

https://www.barberstowncastle.ie/

FBD Hotels and Resorts including Killashee Hotel, Naas

https://www.killasheehotel.com/

Westgrove Hotel, Clane

https://www.westgrovehotel.com/

Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge

https://www.keadeenhotel.ie/

K Club, Straffan

https://www.kclub.ie/

Kildare House Hotel, Kildare Town

https://www.kildarehousehotel.ie/

Silken Thomas Accommodation, Restaurant and Bar, Kildare Town

https://silkenthomas.com/

Firecastle Accommodation, Kildare Town

https://firecastle.ie/about/the-rooms-firecastle/

The Rooms at Cunninghams, Bar and Restaurant, Kildare Town

https://cunninghamskildare.com/accommodation/ Harp Bar, Kildare Town

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057072566059

McDonnells Bar, Newbridge

http://www.mcdonnellsbar.ie/

O’Dooles Restaurant and Agape Café, Kildare Town

https://odooles-restaurant.business.site/

Hartes of Kildare Gastropub

https://harteskildare.ie/

Glenroyal Hotel and Shoda Restaurant

https://www.glenroyal.ie

stay, drink & delicious meal

1964 SANTA CLAUS

TRAINER: Mick Rogers

OWNER: John Ismay

SIRE: Chamossaire (GB)

DAM: Aunt Clara (GB)

BREEDER: Dr F Smorfitt

The first of our legendary Irish 2,000 Guineas winners is certainly a special one.

Santa Claus was bred in England but was trained on the Curragh by Mick Rogers, son of Darby Rogers who purchased the horse with owner John Ismay.

His first run on the track came at the Curragh in the Anglesey Stakes but he never figured and it wasn’t until a storming success in the National Stakes that Santa Claus put his name into the ring for the next year’s Classics.

In winning the National Stakes, he demolished Mesopotamia, a horse who had won the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and had himself been touted as a future star, by an eight length margin. There were concerns over Santa Claus’ ability going into his three-year-old campaign. Not a typically flashy horse, he was described as lightly framed and disjointed in the build up to his Classic tests, but those fears were quickly put to bed.

He routed the field in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at his beloved Curragh and looked to hold all the cards in the Derby at Epsom next.

He delivered in front of a huge crowd, beating a subsequent St Leger winner, and returned to the Curragh to complete the Epsom-Curragh Derby double.

HOWTOREAD YOURRACECARD

10

SEARCHFORASONG

FORASONG(24)

DARK BLUE

Lightly-raced filly who is fast developing into a quality performer, and she backed up her commendable

fourth by outclassing her Galtres Stakes rivals atYork. Very interesting.

The Handicapper allots ratings to horses once they have taken part in a sufficient number of races to enable the Handicapper to make a numerical assessment of each horse’s ability The principal purpose of the ratings is to determine the weight to be carried by each runner in handicap races, with the handicappers aiming to provide each participant with an equal chance based on its best recent form under its optimum conditions. A horse rated 100, for example, would be set to carry 1lb more than a horse rated 99 (ignoring penalties and allowances).

The ratings published in the racecard for handicap races are the ratings that were used to calculate the weight to be carried by each horse, whilst in non-handicapped races the rating shown is that each runner at the time that the entries for the race were confirmed. Any subsequently published change rating, either up or down, is shown in brackets following the rating.

TheseventhcolttodotheNewmarket-Curraghdouble, AidanO’Brien’schargeranoutaclearwinnerofthe 2008renewalunderJohnnyMurtagh,beatingtheclassy NewApproach

HENRYTHENAVIGATOR

2008TATTERSALLSIRISH2,000GUINEASWINNER

THETATTERSALLSIRISH

ThefirstClassicintheIrishflatracingseasonandthe IrishequivalentoftheBritishClassic,theracegetsits namefromtheoriginalprizefund.

Themostpresitigiousraceinthecalendarfor three-year-oldcolts,Irishracinghistoryislivedthrough the2,000Guineas.

1921 Soldennis winsthe inaugural running

1984

TheinfluentalSadler’s Wellsdropsintripto wininatightfinishfrom Frenchraider Procidaandsubsequent DerbywinnerSecreto

1964 SantaClauswins theClassicon routetodoingthe EpsomCurraghDerby double

1991

FourstarsAllstarbecomes thefirstAmericanhorseto winaEuropeanClassic

1992 RodrigodeTriano completesthe Newmarket-Curragh Guineasdoubleunder LesterPiggott

FIRST RACE 1.20P.M.

THE TALLY HO STUD IRISH EBF

(C & G) MAIDEN OF €20,000

Stalls Centre Of Course Value to winner: €11800; Second: €4000; Third: €2000; Fourth: €1000; Fifth: €600; Sixth: €400 (For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

Six Furlongs (1,200 metres)

Three Quarter Mile Post

A representative of Tally Ho Stud will present a trophy to the winning owner and will present a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

Races 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Races – 3,4,5,6.

Brother to the progressive Bertinelli, who won over 1m as a two-year-old and over 1m 2f at Newbury last week. May find this distance on the short side, but he has to be respected for leading connections. Star

Related to some smart sorts, most notably 1000 Guineas runner-up Lady Kaya and, although Sheila Lavery’s colt faces a tall order on debut, he shouldn’t be underestimated given the speed in his pedigree

Gwael (USA) 2 F

B Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

O Sean Jones & David Spratt & Mrs Lynne Lyons G M Lyons T

There were plenty of positives to be taken from his runner-up effort on debut at Naas earlier in the month, with the third subsequently running well in defeat. One for the shortlist. Star Rating 5

Mr Saturday

6/1 C.T. Keane 9.7 2L 2nd to Devious (GB) 9.7 NAAS 6 MAY 9rn mdn 5f Gd/Yld

4 NORWALK HAVOC (GB) (-)

2 9 5 (131) (2)

Br Ch c Showcasing (GB) - Light of Joy (USA) F

B Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd Shane Foley J O Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd Mrs John Harrington T

The son of Showcasing boasts a nice blend of speed and stamina in his pedigree, although he would make slightly more appeal over further. Best watched in the market for clues. Star Rating 3

5 SEA SINGER (-)

2 9 5 (131) (6)

Br Ch c Sea The Moon (GER) - Isobel Baillie (GB) F

B Airlie Stud & Flaxman Stables Ire Ltd Ben Coen J

O Mrs Helen Mullins Thomas Mullins T

Half-brother to the Grade 2-winning Isabella Sings, who struck over 6f as a juvenile in America. However, he’s likely to relish a stiffer test and he will need to be useful to triumph in this opening assignment. Star Rating 2

6 TEMPLE OF HERA (-)

Br B c Magna Grecia - Cristale

B Mnr Bloodstock Partnership

O Michael O’Callaghan

Dam was a 6f winner on the all-weather. Possesses enough speed in his pedigree to believe that this trip is a good starting point, but he may prove vulnerable to those with experience Star Rating 2

7 UNQUESTIONABLE (FR) (26)

Br B c Wootton Bassett (GB) - Strawberry Lace (GB)

2 9 5 (131) (4)

3 F

B Mme Camille Vitse, Mme Axelle Viste, Mme Valentine Viste & M Guillaume Viste Ryan Moore J

O Al Shaqab Racing,Coolmore,Westerberg

A P O’Brien T

Far from disgraced on his opening bow when finishing third in a Listed event here earlier in the month and a bold bid is expected now dropped into maiden company Star Rating 4

Unquestionable (FR)

15/8Fav W.M. Lordan 9.5 3/4L 1 1/2L 3rd to His Majesty 9.5 here 1 MAY 5rn Listed 5f Sft

Probable Starting Prices - 15/8

Unquestionable (FR), 9/4 Mr Saturday, 7/2 City Of Troy (USA), 11/2 Temple Of Hera, 10/1 Norwalk Havoc (GB), 14/1 Kortez Bay, 25/1 Sea Singer

2022 - 1st Hellsing 2nd Congo River (USA) 3rd McCauley’s Tavern (1 min. 15 sec.)

VERDICT

Blue Point colt MR SATURDAY comes into this as one of only two contenders with racecourse experience, having finished a clear second a Naas earlier this month. He was very green that day but showed plenty of ability and looks the one to beat. Unquestionable, last seen finishing third in the Listed First Flier Stakes, is the other with a run under his belt. The extra furlong and better ground both look set to suit so a bold bid is expected. Of the newcomers, Jessica Harrington’s Showcasing colt, Norwalk Havoc, could prove best of the rest.

CURRAGH COMMENT

It may pay to side with those with experience, with MR SATURDAY shading the vote. There was plenty of encouragement to be taken from Ger Lyons’ colt when runner-up on his debut at Naas earlier in the month and he could have enough improvement in him to topple Unquestionable. The son of Wootton Bassett also made a pleasing start to his career with a third in the First Flier Stakes here, while his stablemate City Of Troy could fare best of the newcomers.

WIN: MR SATURDAY

DANGER: Unquestionable

HORSEWELFARE-APRIORITY

At every race meeting there are specially qualified equine veterinary surgeons on duty to look after the wellbeing of all the horses racing. There is a vet in attendance at the start of each race who, follows the horses throughout the race and is quickly on hand if a casualty occurs. It is normal procedure to erect screens around any horse receiving veterinary treatment. This allows the veterinary surgeon some privacy to fully assess the horses’ injuries and race goers should not assume the worst if screens are erected around an injured horse.

The Blue Cross ambulance is always present to transport the horse back to the stable yard for further treatment if necessary.

A second veterinary surgeon is in attendance in the stable yard to assess and treat any horses requiring such attention post race. The horses’ welfare is always our priority.

THE ASSOCIATION OF IRISH RACECOURSE VETERINARY SURGEONS (AIRCVS)

ThelatesthorsetodotheNewmarket-Curraghdouble, ChurchillwasimperiousunderRyanMooretobeat ThunderSnowin2017,markinghimselfoutasa generationalmiler

CHURCHILL

2017TATTERSALLSIRISH2,000GUINEASWINNER

1984 SADLER’S WELLS

TRAINER: Vincent O’Brien

OWNER: Robert Sangster

SIRE: Northern Dancer (CAN)

DAM: Fairy Bridge (USA)

BREEDER: Dr F Smorfitt

Sadlers Wells is best known for his influence he had had on the thoroughbred as a breed and he was also a Classic winner on the track. A horse which raced with success for the Sangster, Obrien Magnier team, Sadler’s Wells would become a founding sire for the all conquering Coolmore operation.

A winner of the Beresford Stakes as a two-year-old, Sadler’s Wells finished behind stablemate El Gran Senor on his seasonal reappearance in the Gladness Stakes. Stepped up in trip on his next start he convincingly won the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial before dropping in trip to tackle the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Stable jockey Pat Eddery chose to ride stablemate Capture Him but Sadler’s Wells came out on top in a tight finish, seeing off his rivals close home to win the Classic.

He then finished second behind Darshaan in a quality renewal of the French Derby where Rainbow Quest was third, and was kept to a mile and a quarter to win the Eclipse at Sandown on his next run. His battling nature saw him upped again in trip for the King George VI at Ascot, where he finished a credible second and his final racecourse win came in the Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

However, Sadler’s Wells will be best remembered for his career at stud. He sired Salsabil, Galileo, Milan, High Chaparral and Istabraq amongst many and can be credited with founding one of the most successful thoroughbred lines.

SECOND RACE 1.55P.M.

THE GAIN MARBLE HILL STAKES OF €60,000 (GROUP 3)

Stalls Centre Of Course Value to winner: €35400; Second: €12000; Third: €6000; Fourth: €3000; Fifth: €1800; Sixth: €1200 (For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

Joanne Hurley and Philip Gilligan representing GAIN will present a trophy to the winning owner, trainer, jockey, breeder and a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

Dam unraced. Showed a bit of quality to overcome a slow start by running on to win comfortably in a Dundalk maiden on debut in March, but this is a much deeper contest. Winning Range AW Star Rating 3

Full brother to Midnight Mile, won twice at 6f and 7f including a Group 3 race An emphatic winner of a C&D maiden on debut in mid-April and a key player again today Winning Range Hvy Star Rating 4

CD

Dam won twice at 1m 3f and 1m 4f. Had little trouble getting off the mark over an extended 5f on debut at Navan but this demands more of him. Winning Range Sft. Star Rating 3

(131) (6)

Br B c No Nay Never (USA) - Czabo (GB) 1 F B Newstead Ltd Wayne Lordan J O Smith,Magnier,Tabor,Westerberg,Brant A P O’Brien T

Half-brother to Spanish, won at 1m. Ran green but got better the further he went when winning the Listed First Flier Stakes on debut over 5f here and he has more to offer Winning Range Sft. Star Rating 5

His Majesty 1 win €23,600.00 C

5/2 J.A. Heffernan

Half-brother to Impeachd Alexander, won at 6f Ran out an easy winner of a Cork maiden on his introduction and while considerably more is required of him now, he could well be up to it. Winning Range SH. Star

Br Ro c Malibu Moon (USA) - Vigui’s Heart (USA)

B Ramon Horta Rangel & Spendthrift Farm

O Mrs Rachael O’Callaghan

Colin Keane

Adrian Murray

Dam unraced. Wasn’t beaten far by His Majesty on debut in a Listed race here at the start of this month and he is entitled to be a lot wiser with that experience to draw upon. Star Rating 4

Valiant Force (USA)

7/1 K. Stott 9.5 3/4L 2nd to His Majesty 9.5 here 1 MAY 5rn Listed 5f Sft

Probable Starting Prices - 13/8 His Majesty, 5/2 Democracy, 4/1 Noche Magica, 6/1 Valiant Force (USA), 8/1 Givemethebeatboys, 12/1 Buyin Buyin

2022 - 1st Blackbeard 2nd Tough Talk 3rd Mehmar (1 min. 14.7 sec.)

VERDICT

This Group 3 contest has been won by the likes of Caravaggio, Siskin and Blackbeard (last year) in recent years. No Nay Never colts Democracy and HIS MAJESTY both make plenty of appeal for the Ballydoyle team. Given the strength of the field the latter beat on his debut, he’s the pick of the two. Noche Magica was impressive when winning on debut at Cork and has to be respected, while Givemethebeatboys and Buyin Buyin both come into this unbeaten after one start but arguably scored in weaker fields.

CURRAGH COMMENT

HIS MAJESTY and Valiant Force fought out the finish of the First Flier Stakes and it would come as no surprise to see a repeat in this contest, despite them tacking an additional furlong. Aidan O’Brien’s youngster, who is a half-brother to winners over 6f and a mile, overcame his inexperience and created the impression that a deeper test of stamina is likely to suit. His stablemate Democracy won a maiden over C&D so also has to be respected, as do Noche Magica and Givemethebeatboys.

WIN: HIS MAJESTY

DANGER: Valiant Force

TATTERSALLSIRISHGUINEASFESTIVAL

JOINUSFORDAY3

JoinusforDay3tomorrowfeaturingthe:

TattersallsIrish1000GuineasandTattersallsGoldCup.

ItisalsoLadiesDaywithprizesforthebestdressedcourtesyoftheCashelPalace HotelandMoet.Lookoutforourstylespotterswhowillbesearchingforthemost stylishracegoersthroughouttheafternoon. Thewinnerwillbeannouncedat3pm.

FreeactivitiesinMoyglareKidsZoneandmusicfromtheArtaneBandand NewbridgeGospelChoir.

THEWEATHERBYSIRELANDGREENLANDSSTAKES CELEBRATING30YEARSOFSPONSORSHIP

One of the most prestigious sprints in the Irish racing calendar, the Greenlands Stakes takes its name from the area of the Curragh plain where the racecourse is located. In 2015 the race was upgraded to Group 2 level and restricted to horses aged four-years-old or older, as part of a significant reshaping of the Irish sprinting programme.

Slade Power (2014) and Merchant Navy (2018) have won this race before going to land the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. College Chapel completed the same double a three-year-old in 1993 while the 2000 winner Namid went on to win that year’s Prix de l’Abbaye.

A sprint which has graced the Curragh for many years, the names Lester Piggott and Vincent O’Brien feature heavily on the roll of honour. O’Brien trained thirteen winners of the race between 1958 and 1994, with Piggott riding six winners, his final win also O’Brien’s with the win of College Chapel in 1994 who was winning the race for the second year running.

The David Barron-trained Hitchens is the only other horse to win the race twice, with his victories in 2011 and 2013 gained under Fran Berry and Johnny Murtagh respectively.

One of the most feelgood stories in recent years was the win of Gordon Lord Byron in 2017. Trained with dedication by Tom Hogan, the then nine-year-old was an outsider under Chris Hayes but won smoothly, seeing off fellow veteran sprinters Suedois and Downforce further back in the field. The Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes was one of his 108 runs.

The 2020 renewal took place rather unsually, eight days after the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot, but Speak In Colours made little of the short break and showed his class to win in a blanket finish.

2021 saw a masterclass ride from Gary Carroll on Gustavus Weston who seems to love winning at the Curragh and proved so again with an uncomplicated success. The underfoot conditions played into his hand and as soon as he picked up the lead, he won going away by just under a length from the pacesetter Make A Challenge in the hands of Joe Doyle.

William Buick made it a day to remember as he rode the Hugo Palmer-trained Brad the Brief to success, recording a double on the day at this meeting last year.

A Case Of You was all the fancy in the market for the Ado McGuinness team but Buick showed his class on Brad The Brief who sweated a lot heading down to the start.

Smartly breaking from the stalls, he was at the forefront of a fast gallop and kept on when challenged. Albeit drifting right and carrying Mooneista with him, the smart-type eventually scored by half a length and had to survive a stewards enquiry.

Monday June 26th

Photographic/Art Exhibition in Aras Bhride –Runs until Friday 30th June

List of Events

Tuesday June 27th

7pm Literary Night & Jazz

Hosted By Mae Leonard with Des Hopkins in Kildare Town Library. Free Event, Pre-booking essential.

Thursday June 29th

7pm Pooch Parade

in Market Square, Kildare Town. Enter on Eventbrite.ie.

Monday June 26th Legends Museum Kildare Courthouse open daily 10-4pm See

Tuesday June 27th 7pm GAA Relay local clubs at the Curragh for a fun community evening

Wednesday June 28th

7pm Claudia Boyle performs in St. Brigid’s Cathedral.Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets from €25 per person

Saturday July 1st

7.30pm Rockshore presents Nathan Carter with Bailey Opening at 6.30pm. This outdoor free entry event takes place on the Market Square.

Sunday July 2nd 7pm Vegas Nights… live music on the Square, Kildare Town.

Claudia Boyle Wed June 28th

Pooch Parade Thur June 29th

Nathan Carter Sat July 1st

LEGENDSOFTHEIRISH2,000GUINEAS

2005 DUBAWI

TRAINER: Saeed bin Suroor

OWNER: Godolphin

SIRE: Dubai Millenium (GB)

DAM: Zomaradah (GB)

BREEDER: Sheikh Mohammed

Darley’s super sire Dubawi enhanced his record at the Curragh to follow up his juvenile success in the National Stakes.

Fifth in the Newmarket Classic, he turned the tables and landed the Irish equivalent under a fine ride from Frankie Dettori.many and can be credited with founding the thoroughbred line upon which we race today.

CURRAGHCONTENDERS ARTPOWER

TRAINER: Tim Easterby

OWNER: King Power Racing Co Ltd

SIRE: Dark Angel (IRE)

DAM: Evening Timen (IRE)

BREEDER: Owenstown Bloodstock Ltd

A horse that thrives when coming across the pond, Tim Easterby’s charge is 3-3 in Ireland and must have a cracking chance to extend his fine record.

Subsequently gelded before the start of the season, the six-year-old suggested he needed the run in the Clipper Stakes at York but should strip a whole lot fitter with that run under his belt.

The speedy grey has won twice at The Curragh already, taking the Renaissance Stakes in 2021 and 2022 respectively and is a leading contender in this competitive renewal.

FREEADMISSIONTOUNDER18’s

THECURRAGHRECORDTIMES

GREENLANDSSTAKESPREVIEW

Art Power returns to The Curragh on Saturday with connections hopeful he can make it four wins from four trips to Ireland in the Group 2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes.

The target at The Curragh again this weekend is an even bigger prize, and Art Power ought to take a bit of beating once again.

Easterby, is looking forward to it and said: “He’s a super horse and he didn’t run too bad at York last week on his reappearance, where he was just a bit fresh and free on his first run since he was gelded. I don’t know if gelding will benefit him or not, but we were struggling to find him a place at stud and so we decided to cut him and race him on, as he’s a grand horse with great limbs on him, and he always runs well in the big sprints. I’d imagine it will be decent ground there, but he’s fine on fast ground too and he’s very well.”

Art Power’s strong travelling style of racing has seen him finish in the frame in a Diamond Jubilee and two British Champions Sprints at Ascot, as well as a Betfair Sprint at Haydock, and Easterby believes he’s been unlucky not to win one of them. He said: “He’s run some super races in Group 1s and he’s been a bit unlucky, as he’s been drawn badly or raced on the wrong side, or that kind of thing. He always runs well.”

Easterby has a tremendous record in Ireland, where he’s had seven winners from only 17 runners, six of them in Group-level sprints and the other in a valuable sales race for two-year-olds.

He said: “We’ve been very lucky over there, but we don’t send them unless they have a good chance. The first winner there was Bally Pride in a sales race, and I remember that one very well as I owned a share in him. I had a bad head the next day!

“We won a few years later with Fayr Jag, the same afternoon that Bollin Eric ran in the Irish St Leger and wasn’t seen to best advantage, and we’ve also won there with Golden Nun and Mattmu before Art Power.”

Also travelling to Ireland is Garrus, who is Art Power’s senior by a year but is another who maintains his form and enthusiasm particularly well, as demonstrated by last month’s Group 3 win from Commanche Falls and Creative Force in Newmarket’s Abernant Stakes.

He, like Art Power, has now won three Group 3s, and he too has plenty of Group 1 form, including a close third behind Highfield Princess in the Prix Maurice De Gheest at Deauville last August.

Charlie Hills would love to add a first Group 2 win to the seven-year-old’s CV, and this looks an ideal opportunity. He said: “We were very pleased with his win in the Abernant and he seems in good form still, so he goes there with a live chance.

“I think he comes out top on the official ratings, and he quite likes the quicker ground. The stiffish track should help too, and we’ve booked Ryan Moore, who rode him at Newmarket, so it’s all very positive.”

There have been four British-trained winners of the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes in the last decade, the most recent of them just 12 months ago when Hugo Palmer scored with Brad The Brief, and with the home team lacking an obvious star of the calibre of winners like Slade Power (2014), Gordon Lord Byron (2017) or Merchant Navy (2018) there must be every chance the prize is destined for export again.

However, Michael O’Callaghan’s Twilight Jet would merit a lot of respect if back to his best. He finished last in both the Commonwealth Cup and the July Cup last summer, but something was presumably amiss as he wasn’t seen again.

He’d earned a crack at those races with a good win in a Group 3 at Naas first time out, and as a two-year-old he’d looked worth sending to the Breeders’ Cup after winning the Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket.

Graham Dench

THIRD RACE 2.30P.M.

THE WEATHERBYS IRELAND GREENLANDS STAKES OF €120,000 (GROUP 2)

Stalls Centre Of Course Value to winner: €70800; Second: €24000; Third: €12000; Fourth: €6000; Fifth: €3600; Sixth: €2400

(For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

A representative of Weatherbys Ireland will present a trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out. Jackpot

Six Furlongs (1,200 metres)

Three-time Group 3 winner and likely to improve after his first start since being gelded when eighth in the Duke Of York on the Knavesmire UK raiders have a good record in this contest. Winning Range Sft-GY & AW Star Rating 4

Art Power 6 flat

David

- €128,591 CD Handicap Rating 109

Four handicap wins, the latest in August 2022, but yet to bother the judge this season after four starts and this does look a big ask on his most recent form. Winning Range Gd & AW Star Rating 2

The winner of a Listed race at Meydan in January and not disgraced when a two-length third over shorter at Naas last month. He may be happier with a bit more cut in the ground. Winning Range Yld-GS & AW Star Rating 3

D Handicap Rating 105

(8)

Br Gr g Acclamation (GB) - Queen of Power 0130-81 F

B Mrs Max Morris Ryan Moore J

O Mrs Susan Roy Charles Hills (in GB) T

Returned with an cosy, if narrow, win in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket under Ryan Moore, who is also in the saddle here Group 1-placed and likely to go well in this field. Winning Range GS-GF & AW Star Rating 5

Garrus 8 Flat wins - €189,732.60 D Handicap Rating 113

Ryan Moore 9.9 won hd 3/4L from Commanche Falls (GB) 9.9 and Creative Force 9.9 NEWMARKET 20 APR 7rn Group 3 6f Gd 1min 15.1sec

Jim Crowley 9.0 6L 8th of 11 to Bathrat Leon (JPN) 9.0 KING ABDULAZIZ 25 FEB Group 3 6f 166yds

Jim Crowley 9.4 14L 17th of 18 to Kinross (GB) 9.4 ASCOT 15 OCT 22 Group 1 6f Gd /Sft

5 MOSS TUCKER (6) 5 9 5 (131)

Arrives in good form after a win and a second at Naas, both over shorter

over this trip and on this ground, and one to take seriously Winning Range

CPiece worn by No 2. TStrap worn by No 5.

Probable Starting Prices - 5/2 Garrus, 3/1 Twilight Jet, 4/1 Art Power, Moss Tucker, 8/1 Coachello (FR), 14/1 Ano Syra, 20/1 My Eyes Adore You, 25/1 Big Gossey

2022 - 1st Brad The Brief (GB) 2nd Mooneista 3rd A Case Of You (1 min. 12.1 sec.)

VERDICT

An exciting renewal sees British raiders Garrus and Art Power take on six Irish contenders. Charlie Hills has been firing in the winners lately and his charge arrives here on the back of Group 3 success at Newmarket. Art Power, meanwhile, is up to being competitive in a race of this nature if finding his best form, though most of his wins have come on a softer surface Twilight Jet will be very dangerous if showing his best form, and the door could be left open for MOSS TUCKER He was last seen finishing second in a hot renewal of the Listed Sole Power Sprint Stakes at Naas and looks to have every chance of causing a slight upset.

CURRAGH COMMENT

UK raiders have won four of the last 10 renewals of this contest and they may well do so again if GARRUS arrives in the same form as when scoring a shade cosily in the Abernant at Newmarket. Twilight Jet is a class act on his day and first time out might be the best time to catch him. Art Power likes it here and could surprise a few if he improves from his first start since being gelded.

WIN: GARRUS

DANGER: Twilight Jet

HURLING FOR CANCER RESEARCH

21st August 2023 at 6pm Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow

JIM BOLGER’S STARS

DAVY RUSSELL’S BEST

INDIVIDUAL €10 • FAMILY €15 TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM WWW.HURLINGFORCANCER.IE AND AT THE GATE

LEGENDSOFTHEIRISH,2000GUINEAS

2015 GLENEAGLES

TRAINER: Aidan O’Brien

OWNER: M Tabor, D Smith & J Magnier

SIRE: Galileo (IRE)

DAM: You’resothrilling (USA)

BREEDER: You’resothrilling Syndicate

Imperious miler Gleneagles landed the Newmarket-Curragh double when winning both Classics easily in the spring of 2015.

Ridden to perfection by Ryan Moore, Gleneagles saw off the talented Ivawood and Belardo in the Curragh Classic and made it three in a row when winning the St James’ Palace Stakes next time out.

ORBYTRIBUTE

Orby’s legacy remains to this day as one of the best Irish-trained horses in the 20th century.

A colt with his problems, his record stands at four wins from seven runs, in the process becoming the first horse to complete the Epsom Derby-Irish Derby double. Owned and bred by Richard Croker, Orby was foaled in England but returned to Ireland while still young in 1904.

Orby had issues as a juvenile which scuppered his early racing career. Diagnosed with fragile hooves and a regular bleeder, he only raced twice as a two-year-old under the care of trainer Jim Parkinson (23-time champion trainer), at Leopardstown and the Curragh where he finished third both times.

Sent to Fred McCabe for his three-year-old campaign, he skipped a tilt at the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but got his season off to a fine start by winning a Plate at Aintree (known back then as Liverpool). He showcased his Derby credentials winning another Plate back in Ireland, this time at a racecourse in the north of Dublin.

His trip to England for the Epsom Derby saw him go off at 11/1, despite reports of heavy confidence in him from his owner, a well-known American politician, in the presence of the King and the Prince of Wales. He was ridden by American jockey

John Reiff and the field parted company to provide Orby with a perfect run up the middle of the track to win cosily.

Orby skipped a run at Royal Ascot and travelled back to Ireland for the Irish Derby, where he justified extremely skinny odds of 1/10 to win cosily.

Another trip back to Liverpool didn’t prove fruitful and a worry started to creep in that Orby had developed problems with his wind. He was aimed at the St Leger against old rival Wool Winder (who had been considered unlucky in the Derby) but suffered a bad injury in his preparation for the race. Shortly after, in 1908, he was retired to stud.

Orby retired to stand at his owners Glencairn Stud, where he proved successful, siring Derby winner Grand Parade and 1000 Guineas winner Diadem.

The Curragh is delighted to honour the memory of Orby today.

LEGENDSOFTHEIRISH2,000GUINEAS

2016 AWTAAD

TRAINER: Kevin Prendergast

OWNER: Hamdan Al Maktoum

SIRE: Cape Cross (IRE)

DAM: Asheerah (GB)

BREEDER: Shadwell Estate Company

A homebred from the Shadwell operation, Awtaad progressed markedly under the careful handling of Kevin Prendergast to ride through the ranks and take Classic glory.

A winner in a handicap, Listed race and then a Group 1, Awtaad defeated Newmarket winner Galileo Gold and top juvenile Air Force Blue in his 2016 victory.

FOURTH RACE 3.05P.M.

THE FBD HOTELS & RESORTS ORBY STAKES OF €40,000 (LISTED RACE)

Starting from stalls. Value to winner: €23600; Second: €8000; Third: €4000; Fourth: €2000; Fifth: €1200; Sixth: €800

(For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

David Kelly CEO FBD Hotels and Resorts will present a trophy to the winning owner and will present a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

and he’s hard to rule out, although it’s likely he requires further than this.

A winner at 1m 2f Has plenty of recent form that would suggest she can go close today, but others hold more pressing claims. Winning Range Gd. Star Rating 2

Rating 94

A winner at 1m 2f Official ratings would suggest she has a bit to find, and it’s likely a career-best performance is required to land the spoils. Winning Range Yld. Star Rating 2

(2 min. 36.2 sec.)

VERDICT

OTTILIEN disappointed on her first start for Joseph O’Brien at Cork last month but given her performances last season it could be worth giving her another chance She brings by some way the best form into this contest on the back of her third in Group 1 company at Longchamp Moracana won the Listed race where Ottilien disappointed last time and goes down as the main danger Last start winner Mashhoor still has scope for improvement over this trip, while Sionnach Eile can improve from her seasonal reappearance

CURRAGH COMMENT

Sionnach Eile (ninth) finished five-and-a-half lengths behind the reopposing MASHHOOR (winner) in handicap company at Cork last month and, though better off at the weights today, the latter is fancied to confirm that form. Johnny Murtagh’s gelding produced a career-best performance that day, and with the potential for further improvement he looks well worth his place at this level. Ottilien hit the frame in the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp last October and that form sets the standard, but it’s possible she will want softer ground than anticipated here.

WIN: MASHHOOR

DANGER: Sionnach Eile

LEADINGTRAINER AIDANO’BRIEN 11WINS

WHOHASDONE THENEWMRKETCURRAGHDOUBLE?

Right Tack (1969) Don’t Forget Me (1987) Tirol (1990) Rodrigo de Triano (1992) Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) Cockney Rebel (2007) Henrythenavigator (2008) Gleneagles (2015) Churchill (2017)

WHATISTHE RECORDOF ENGLISHHORSES?

WHOARETATTERSALLS?

Tattersalls are Europe’s largest bloodstock auctioneers and the world’s oldest, dating back to 1766. From their base at Park Paddocks in Newmarket, Tattersalls offers more than 5,000 thoroughbreds each year and host the most prestigious bloodstock sales, notably the October Yearling Sale which sees millions spent on racing’s next best prospects.

The last English-trained winner was Native Trail, last year, for Charlie Appleby, and English traineed horses have a good record in this Classic. John Gosden saddled Kingman to exact Guineas revenge in 2013 and Richard Hannon Sr sent out the talented Canford Cliffs to win in 2010 under Richard Hughes. Further back, English trainers won five on the bounce from 2003 to 2007 with Paul D’Arcy, James Toller, Saeed bin Suroor, Jeremy Noseda and Geoff Huffer responsible for the winners.

LEGENDARYHORSE SADLER’SWELLS 1984WINNER

THE TATTERSALLS

IRISH2,000

GUINEAS

WHATARE GUINEAS?

Guineaswereacurrencyused fromthe1600’stothe1800’s. UsedinGreatBritain,Guineas werephasedoutwiththe introductionofthepoundand wasanichecurrencywithit’suse onlycommoninlegalfieldsand livestockauctions. Aguineaisequivalentto£1.05.

WHATISACLASSIC?

€500,000INPRIZE MONEY

1ST-€290,000

2ND-€100,000

3RD-€50,000

DISTANCE 1MILE (1,609METRES)

1m

SOLDENNIS WONTHE FIRST RENEWALIN 1921UNDER JOCKEY TOMMYBURNS

The Classics are five Group 1 races which are all run at the Curragh. Four of the five races are restricted to three-year-olds, and showcase the best horses of the three-year-old generation which shape the breed of the throughbred horse.

The five races are the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, the Irish Derby, the Irish Oaks and the Irish St Leger.

The Irish Classics are slightly different to the other European Classics, as the Irish St Leger is not age restricted, so is open to horses aged three and older.

THECOLOURSOFTHECOOLMOREPARTNERS HAVEBEENCARRIEDTO 11VICTORIES

CURRAGHCONTENDERS ROYALSCOTSMAN

TRAINER: Paul & Oliver Cole

OWNER: Mrs Fitri Hay

SIRE: Gleneagles (IRE)

DAM: Enrol (GB)

BREEDER: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

Supplemented on Tuesday for the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas by connections, Royal Scotsman must have a serious chance at coming away with a gold medal today.

A classy juvenile who landed the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood before rounding out his first season with disappointing fifth at York in the Gimcrack Stakes, sent off at 5/2.

Rated 118 after his fabulous third in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket behind the Andrew Balding-trained Chaldean, who also beat him by a head in the Dewhurst, he could prove even better on today’s quicker surface.

2023

2023 will mark the 102nd running of the Irish 2,000 Guineas. In February, Tattersalls renewed their sponsorship of the first two of the Irish Classics, this race and the 1,000 Guineas for fillies.

History

The Irish 2,000 Guineas was first ran in 1921, a year before the corresponding 1,000 Guineas for fillies was launched. Soldennis won the inaugural renewal, and since then a collection of the finest Thoroughbreds to grace the turf havewon the first Irish Classic of the season.

The race has seen its fair share of drama over the years.

In 1944 Good Morning dead-heated with form rival Slide On, and in the 1967 renewal Kingfisher passed the post in front but was relegated to second after a lengthy stewards enquiry, giving the race to the Stephen Quirketrained and Buster Parnell-ridden Atherstone Wood.

BritishChallengers

Traditionally British raiders have had a surprisingly good record in the Irish Guineas and in the 1990’s it returned to Britain eight times.]

In more recent years Aidan O’Brien has clawed back control for the Emerald Isle and from 2000 there has been almost an even split, with 10 winners from Britain and the remaining 12 from Ireland. The British look to have a strong hand in this year’s renewal.

MostSuccessfulJockey

There are two jockeys tied at a record five wins. Tommy Burns registered his five between 1921 and 1948, with his last win coming aboard Beau Sabreur.

Martin Quirke was one of his chief rivals during that period, with his wins also spanning around that time. His last triumphant came seven years prior on Khosro

Joseph O’Brien managed to win the race three times on the bounce but chose to pursue a career in training like his father, rather than stay in the saddle.

Of today’s crop, Ryan Moore leads the way with two wins and will be hoping to make it a third aboard the Aidan O’Brien trained Paddington.

Smallest/Largest Fields

The smallest ever field was in 1969, when Right Tack saw off four rivals to win for trainer John Sutcliffe and jockey Geoff Lewis. Hotfoot trailed in second and Agriatore finished back in third.

There have been three times in which the race was contested by 21 runners.

In 1961 Light Year came out on top in the first big field renewal, winning under Garnie Bougoure, and four years later Green Banner won the 1965 renewal under N Brennan for trainer Kevin Kerr.

21 went to post again in 1977, in which Pampaul came out on top under Gianfranco Dettori.

DeadHeats

Only once has the result of the Irish 2,00 Guineas come down to a dead heat.

In 1944, Slide On and Good Morning couldn’t be separated at the post by the judge, with jockeys Jack Moylan and Jimmy Eddery sharing the spoils. There was three lengths back to Pacifier in third.

RecordTime

The fastest winning time in the Guineas was set by Cockney Rebel in 2007, the time in question was a blink and you’ll miss it 1:36:10.

Phoenix Of Spain came closest in 2019 to breaking this record with a time of 1:36:52.

MostSuccessfulOwners

John & Sue Magnier have had a frighteninglly good record in this race, winning ten renewals since 1950. Their first came in 1999 with Saffron Walden, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Olivier Peslier.

Two and three followed shortly in 2001,2002 and from 2008 - 2017, they have won the race a staggering seven times.

StartingSP

In the last ten years favourites have been very much the ones to side with. There have been five winning favourites since 2013, with only two winning at a double figure price. The biggest of these was Romanised in 2018.

Controversy

Sincetheracewasfirstran,therehasonlybeenone dead-heat,whichcamein1944.GoodMorningand SideOncouldnotbeseparated bythejudgesand assuchwerebothawardedtherace.

In1967Kingfisherfinishedfirstbutwasrelegatedto secondafterthestewards’intervened.Theracewas insteadawardedtoAtherstoneWood.

Wealsolosttheracein2020duetotheCovid-19 pandemicbutforthemostpartit’sbeenrelatively dramafree!

TheO’Brienfactor

There have been several of O’Brien’s to win this race but the two in question are the legendary Vincent and more recently Aidan. The former won the race four times, with his first success coming in 1978 with Jaazeiro. Prince Of Birds granted him his final victory in the race in 1988.

This was only the beginning of the O’Brien success as only nine years later, Aidan won the race in 1997. Since then, he’s gone on to have a stranglehold on the race, winning it 11 times and becoming the leading trainer.

Today he has another strong hand as he goes in search of win number 12, Paddington looks to the be the pick on jockey bookings with Ryan Moore booked.

SubsequentDerbywinners

There have been 11 winners of the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas who have gone on to win the Irish Derby. 1922 winner Spike Island became the first, only a year after the first running of the race. He won the Guineas in facile fashion, winning by four lengths for trainer Peter Gilpin. Four years later Embargo emulated the success, followed up two years later by Baytown.

In the 1930’s both Museum (1935) and Phideas (1937) did the Classic double, while three horses managed the feat in consecutive years in the 1940’s - Windsor Slipper (1942), The Phoenix (1943) and Slide On (1944).

The top class Santa Claus followed it up 20 years later in 1964, winning for Michael Rogers under William Burke, with the legendary Grundy also achieving the double in 1975. Desert King (1997) is the most recent horse to do the double.

Recordof Favouritesinthe

Last10Years

2012 Trumpet Major – tenth

2013 Travel Brother – eighth

2014 Kingman – won

2015 Gleneagles – won

2016 Galileo Gold - second

2017 Churchill - won

2018 Elarqam - sixth

2019 Too Darn Hot & Magna Grecia (joint-favourites) - second & fifth

2020 Siskin - won

2021 Lucky Vega - fourth

2022 Native Trail – won

THETATTERSALLS IRISH2,000GUINEAS (GROUP1)

The Irish 2,000 Guineas was established in 1921 but it was not until 1969 that Right Tack became the first horse to complete the English-Irish 2000 Guineas double. In all, nine colts have won both races, the most recent being Churchill in 2017. There have been 30 English-trained winners of the race, with Native Trail boosting their record last year, one from France (Spinning World) and one from America (Fourstars Allstar).

The 1935 winner Museum remains the longest priced winner in the race’s history at 100/1 while there have been two 33/1 winners in Ballymore (1972) and Northern Treasure (1976). The James Tollertrained Bachelor Duke was a maiden when winning this race in 2004, something that might never be broke. Winners of this race often head next to Royal Ascot for the St James’ Palace Stakes, with the last horse to follow up there Gleneagles in 2015.

Irish racing’s biggest names have won this feature contest, with the surname O’Brien responsible for many memorable victories. Both Vincent and Aidan have saddled historic winners of this race, with Tommy Burns and Martin Quirke tied for the winning most rider from their victories in the early years of the race. Recent years have given wins to the likes of Kevin Prendergast, Ken Condon, Charlie Hills and Ger Lyons. Jim Bolger added his name to the history books in 2021 with Mac Swiney, Godolphin had their first winner since the brilliant Dubawi landed this race in 2005, as Native Trail won comfortably for Charlie Appleby.

20YEARROLLOFHONOUR

LEGENDSOFTHEIRISH,2000GUINEAS

2022 NATIVETRAIL

TRAINER: Charlie Appleby

OWNER: Godolphin

SIRE: Oasis Dream (GB)

DAM: Needleleaf (GB)

BREEDER: Le Haras D’Haspel

A stellar record over seven furlongs as a juvenile, taking home the glory in the National and Dewhurst, Native Trail was heavy feared in both 2,000 Guineas.

The classy miler made amends for his defeat at Newmarket by proving his class against his eight other rivals to give William Buick and Charlie Appleby their first success in this Classic.

THETATTERSALLS

2,000GUINEASPREVIEW

Eleven go to post in this year’s Tattersalls

Irish 2000 Guineas, and the field is headed by two reopposing rivals from the English version of the one mile classic. Hi Royal and Royal Scotsman finished second and third respectively at Newmarket when last seen, with the former putting in a valiant front-running performance to outrun his massive odds for trainer Kevin Ryan. Royal Scotsman on the other hand ran freely early on and encountered trouble in-running, so his fast finishing effort caught the eye with a view to making up that half-a-length between the pair. Leading trainer in the race, Aidan O’Brien, is again well represented with three runners as he searches for a record 12th victory in the contest. Recent Listed scorer Paddington is the choice of Ryan Moore and this son of Siyouni has improved with every run so looks to be Ballydoyle’s leading hope. Cairo is a Group 3 winner but disappointed when sent off favourite for the UAE Derby last time so must bounce back whilst Kingman colt Age Of Kings makes his first start since last July when finishing a close third in the Group 3 Tyros Stakes.

It was Proud And Regal who won the Tyros Stakes for Donnacha O’Brien as part of an excellent two-year-old campaign in which he finished second in the Group 1 National Stakes here at the

Hi Royal

Curragh and tasted Group 1 success over at Saint-Cloud. He drops back to the mile here after a third-placed finish in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

Galeron has already tasted success here at the Curragh, signing off last term with a victory in the valuable Goffs Million. Charles Hills’ runner finished fourth in the English 2000 Guineas and bids to make it two from two here at the track. Another English runner in the field is Charyn for Roger Varian, who finished eighth in the Newmarket classic. The Dark Angel colt landed a French Group 2 over 6f but has a second crack at the mile trip here.

Jessica Harrington has won the Irish 1000 Guineas but never the 2000, and she sends two here in search of a first victory. Bold Discovery finished second in the 2000 Guineas Trial on seasonal reappearance but was well behind Paddington last time when scoping badly. Her other runner, Quar Shamar, is the least experienced in the field with just the two starts under his belt but created a taking impression when landing a Dundalk maiden in good style last month, and has any amount of potential despite the big step up in class here.

Alexander John is the only maiden in the field, unable to get his head in front after seven starts, and connections will be hoping the step up to a mile will see him to better effect, but he does have a big task on his hands in Group 1 company.

Royal Scotsman

FIFTH RACE 3.40P.M.

THE TATTERSALLS IRISH 2,000 GUINEAS OF €500,000 (GROUP 1)

Starting from stalls. Value to winner: €285000; Second: €100000; Third: €50000; Fourth: €25000; Fifth: €15000; Sixth: €10000; Seventh: €5000; Eighth: €5000 (For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

Edmond Mahony Chairman of Tattersalls accompanied by his wife Fiona will present a trophy to the winning owner, trainer, jockey and groom and a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out. They will also present a gift to the groom in charge of the winning horse.

Didn’t look one of the

leading

without a prep run as he steps up in trip

A beaten favourite in three of his juvenile starts and still remains a maiden from seven attempts following two heavy defeats here this term. Impossible to make a case for Star Rating 1

Placed in two 7f Group 3 events following a winning debut over that trip last autumn, but fell below that form on his first attempt at 1m here earlier in the month. Plenty still to prove Winning Range GY Star Rating 2

11rn Group 3 7f Yld/Sft 4 CAIRO (63) 3 9 2 (128) (4) Br B c Quality Road (USA) - Cuff 2121-10 F B Coolmore Groom (Ranju Gaikwad) Wayne Lordan J O D Smith,Mrs J Magnier,M Tabor,Westerberg A P O’Brien T

A winner of both 1m starts and also has a Group 3 success over 7f on his CV Below par over a longer trip on the dirt in Dubai but no surprise to see him bounce back. Winning Range YS-Gd & AW Star Rating 3 Cairo 3 flat wins €62,835.00 CD Handicap Rating 107

Ryan Moore 8.9 35L 10th of 13 to Derma Sotogake (JPN) 8.9 MEYDAN 25 MAR Group 2 1m 1f 110yds Frm 30/100Fav HR107 R.L. Moore 9.8 won 2L 1 1/4L from News At Ten (GB) 9.5 and Stormy Entry (USA) 9.5 DUN 3 MAR 8rn Listed 1m Std 1min 40.4sec 5/2Fav HR102 W.M. Lordan 9.5 won 2 3/4L nk from Sierra Blanca 9.5 and Bold Discovery (USA) 9.5 LEP 15 OCT 22 11rn Group 3 7f Yld/Sft 1min 31.7sec 5 CHARYN (21) 3 9 2 (128) (6) Br Gr c Dark Angel - Futoon 1231-28 F

B Grangemore Stud Groom (Danny Dunnachie) D Egan J

O Nurlan Bizakov Roger Varian (in GB) T UK raider who was good enough to land a 6f Group 2 in France last year Second in the Greenham but never able to get competitive when only eighth in the English 2000 Guineas. Winning Range Sft-Gd. Star Rating 3

Charyn 2 flat wins - €113,838.20 Handicap Rating 109

Sean Levey 9.2 10L 8th of 14 to Chaldean (GB) 9.2

David Egan 9.2 3L 2nd to Isaac Shelby (GB) 9.2

TRIFECTA RACE

Kingman (GB)

Invincible Spirit (IRE)

Zenda (GB)

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Green Desert (USA)

Rafha

Zamindar (USA)

Hope (IRE)

Danehill (USA)

Piccadilly Circus (AUS)

Turret Rocks (IRE)

Beyond Compare (IRE)

Rip Van Winkle (IRE)

Galileo (IRE)

Gold Bust (GB)

Galileo (IRE)

Looking Back (IRE)

Dick Whittington (IRE)

Sahara Sky (IRE)

Pivotal (GB)

Danehill (USA)

Old Domesday Book

Polar Falcon (USA)

Fearless Revival

Central Force (GB)

Lady Joyce (FR)

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Galetto (FR)

Lady Sharp (FR)

El Prado (IRE)

Cappucino Bay (USA)

Bolt D’oro (USA)

Globe Trot (USA)

Arch (USA)

A P Indy (USA)

Trip (USA)

Kris S (USA)

Aurora (USA)

Caribbean Babe (USA)

Kalahari Cat (USA)

Elusive Quality (USA)

Cape Town (USA)

Desert Stormette (USA)

Gone West (USA)

Touch of Greatness (USA)

Quality Road (USA)

Kobla (USA)

Galileo (IRE)

Strawberry Road (AUS)

Winglet (USA)

Sadler’s Wells (USA)

Urban Sea (USA)

Cuff (IRE)

Massarra (GB)

Acclamation (GB)

Danehill (USA)

Rafha

Royal Applause (GB)

Princess Athena

Dark Angel (IRE)

Midnight Angel (GB)

Kodiac (GB)

Machiavellian (USA)

Night At Sea

Danehill (USA)

Rafha

Futoon (IRE)

Vermilliann (IRE)

Mujadil (USA)

Refined (IRE)

1. Age of Kings (IRE)

2. Alexander John (IRE)

3. Bold Discovery (USA)

4. Cairo (IRE)

5. Charyn (IRE)

B Gigginstown House Stud

Aura

Showed a liking for this track when landing the Goffs Million over 7f as a juvenile Finished an eyecatching fourth in the English Guineas recently and must be considered with Colin Keane on board. Winning Range Sft-GF Star Rating 4

C Handicap Rating

was making just his fourth start when runner-up in the English

belying

of 125/1. No surprise to see him run another big race

Landed three juvenile wins last term, including a Group 1 in France Didn’t improve for a step up to 1m 2f on his reappearance but dangerous to write off back down in distance on better ground. Winning Range Hvy-Gd. Star Rating 4

Toiled on his only juvenile start but proved a revelation when impressively landing a 1m

maiden on his reappearance Massively upped in class but he likely has plenty of improvement in him. Winning Range AW Star Rating 2

(21)

Br B c Gleneagles - Enrol (GB)

3 9 2 (128) (7)

13152-3 F

B Rabbah Bloodstock Limited Groom (Eddie Tobin) Jamie Spencer J O Mrs Fitri Hay0 Paul & Oliver Cole (in GB) T

Took Goodwood’s Group 2 Richmond Stakes at two and has clearly kicked on this year, finishing third in the English 2000

Guineas despite not getting the run of the race Better ground will be in his favour Winning Range GS-GF Star Rating 5

Royal Scotsman 2 flat wins - €102,313.50 Handicap Rating 118

Jim Crowley 9.2 1 3/4L 1/2L 3rd to Chaldean (GB) 9.2 NEWMARKET 6 MAY 14rn Group 1 1m Sft

Jim Crowley 9.3 hd 2nd to Chaldean (GB) 9.3 NEWMARKET 8 OCT 22 7rn Group 1 7f Gd

Jim Crowley 9.5 8L 5th of 12 to Noble Style (GB) 9.2 YORK 19 AUG 22 Group 2 6f Gd

*Denotes Second Entry

+Denotes Supplementary Entry

TStrap worn by No 2.

Probable Starting Prices - 9/4 Royal Scotsman, 10/3 Hi Royal, 4/1

Paddington (GB), 11/2 Proud And Regal, 8/1 Galeron, 12/1 Cairo, 16/1 Age Of Kings, Charyn, Quar Shamar (GER), 25/1 Bold Discovery (USA), 250/1 Alexander John

2022 - 1st Native Trail (GB) 2nd New Energy

Fighter (1 min. 39.2 sec.)

Camacho (GB)

Danehill (USA)

Arabesque (GB)

Galileo (IRE)

Danzig (USA)

Razyana (USA)

Zafonic (USA)

Prophecy (IRE)

Sadler’s Wells (USA)

Urban Sea (USA)

Society Gal (IRE)

Pillars of Society (IRE)

Danehill (USA)

Caerleon (USA)

Grise Mine (FR)

Danzig (USA)

Razyana (USA)

Kodiac (GB)

Rafha

Street Cry (IRE)

Kris

Eljazzi

Machiavellian (USA)

Helen Street

Majestic Roi (USA)

L’Extra Honor (USA)

Pivotal (GB)

Hero’s Honor (USA)

L’Extravagante (CAN)

Polar Falcon (USA)

Fearless Revival

Siyouni (FR)

Sichilla (IRE)

Montjeu (IRE)

Danehill (USA)

Slipstream Queen (USA)

Sadler’s Wells (USA)

Floripedes (FR)

Modern Eagle (GER)

Millionaia (IRE)

Sadler’s Wells (USA)

Peintre Celebre (USA)

Moonlight Dance (USA)

Northern Dancer

Fairy Bridge (USA)

Galileo (IRE)

Urban Sea (USA)

Danehill (USA)

Miswaki (USA)

Allegretta

Danzig (USA)

Razyana (USA)

Simply Perfect (GB)

Hotelgenie Dot Com (GB)

Giant’s Causeway (USA)

Selkirk (USA)

Birch Creek

Storm Cat (USA)

Mariah’s Storm (USA)

Shamardal (USA)

Helsinki (GB)

Lomitas (GB)

Machiavellian (USA)

Helen Street

Niniski (USA)

La Colorada (GER)

Quariana (GER)

Quebrada (IRE)

Galileo (IRE)

Devil’s Bag (USA)

Queen To Conquer (USA)

Sadler’s Wells (USA)

Urban Sea (USA)

Gleneagles (IRE)

You’resothrilling (USA)

Pivotal (GB)

Storm Cat (USA)

Mariah’s Storm (USA)

Polar Falcon (USA)

Fearless Revival

Enrol (GB)

Constitute (USA)

Gone West (USA)

Appointed One (USA)

6. Galeron (IRE)

7. Hi Royal (IRE)

8. Paddington (GB)

9. Proud And Regal (IRE)

10. Quar Shamar (GER)

11. Royal Scotsman (IRE)

An interesting renewal of the Irish 2000 Guineas, where two English raiders, Hi Royal and Royal Scotsman, who finished second and third in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket head the market. The first mentioned ran a huge race on only his fourth start and is taken to uphold the form. That’s the best form on offer, but it could pay to chance PROUD AND REGAL who wasn’t suited by 1m2f on his reappearance He brings some strong two-year-old form to the table and can take advantage back at this trip This is a race that Aidan O’Brien hasn’t won since 2017, but there has been lots to like about the way Paddington has won his two races this season.

CURRAGH COMMENT

The progressive Paddington and Group 1 winner Proud And Regal look the pick of the domestic runners in a wide-open renewal but the UK raiders could hold sway given that the English 2000 Guineas second Hi Royal, third ROYAL SCOTSMAN and fourth Galeron all line up. A solid case could be made out for each of that trio, but particularly Royal Scotsman, who wouldn’t have been best suited by soft ground at Newmarket and has been supplemented for this at a cost of €50,000.

WIN: ROYAL SCOTSMAN

DANGER: Hi Royal

SIXTH RACE 4.15P.M.

THE FINLAY VOLVO HANDICAP OF €25,000

Starting from stalls. Handicaps calculated 23rd May Value to winner: €14750; Second: €5000; Third: €2500; Fourth: €1250; Fifth: €750; Sixth: €500 (For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

Alan Cowley representing Volvo, accompanied by Gary Finlay of Finlay Motor Group, will presento will present a trophy to the winning owner and a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

RACE

on his return at Naas earlier in the month, but his form as a two-year-old entitles him to plenty of respect. Winning Range Yld. Star Rating 3

Failed to

Ran with credit on his return in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last month and mark of 93 looks workable on his handicap debut; each-way claims. Winning Range AW Star Rating 4

deserves a change of luck after being narrowly denied on both

as good an opportunity as any, especially down in trip .Star Rating 5

Handicap Rating 87

Hasn’t been beaten far on both starts this season over 6f and he cannot be easily dismissed as the step up in trip may help. Winning Range AW. Star Rating 3

Plenty of improvement is required on what she showed at Gowran on just her second start, but she was a determined winner at Dundalk on debut, so is not without claims. Winning Range AW Star Rating 3

D Handicap Rating 85

Tabor,D Smith,Westerberg

A well-bred colt who has has performed with credit on each of his three outings in maiden company

has strong place claims now switched to handicaps. Star Rating 3

A taking maiden winner at Sligo last time and there could be plenty more to come from her, although improvement will be needed in this company Winning Range YS Star Rating 3

A handicap winner over C&D last September, but her form has taken a few hits since and will need a revival if she is to have a say Winning Range YS Star Rating 2

on both

a lot to go his way to be successful.

worn by No 7. V,T worn by No 5.

Probable Starting Prices - 9/2 Red Letter Bray, 6/1

Carracci (USA), 13/2

Farnborough, 7/1 Canute (USA), 10/1 Tough Talk, Polar Bear, Semblance Of Order, 12/1

Betterdaysrcoming, Cash Out, King Of Scotia, Not Even Close, Aussie Girl, 14/1 Devore, 20/1 Blue News (USA), 25/1 Daamberdiplomat

2022 - 1st Fiach McHugh 2nd National Gallery 3rd Mudamer (1 min. 27.3 sec.)

VERDICT

A high-class three-year-old handicap that should throw up plenty of future winners. Red Letter Bray stayed on well to win over 6f on handicap debut last time and should go well up in trip off his revised rating. Aidan O’Brien’s three runners could prove the key to this contest though, with perhaps the most lightly weighted of the trio, CANUTE, capable of coming out on top and reversing form from last time with Farnborough There are plenty of other interesting handicap debutants, including Cash Out and Not Even Close, so watching the market can prove informative

CURRAGH COMMENT

This can go the way of FARNBOROUGH, who has been runner-up on each of his last three starts and should be well suited by dropping back in trip. A mark of 87 on his handicap debut looks manageable and he can see off the likes of stablemate Carracci and Red Letter Bray, who arrives here on a hat-trick. Completing the shortlist are the likes of Canute, Polar Bear and Tough Talk.

WIN: FARNBOROUGH

DANGER: Carracci

LEGENDSOFTHEIRISH2,000GUINEAS

2014 KINGMAN

TRAINER: John Gosden

OWNER: Khalid Abdullah

SIRE: Invincible Spirit (IRE)

DAM: Zenda (GB)

BREEDER: Juddmonte Farms

Star miler Kingman exacted his Classic revenge for a shock defeat at Newmarket by routing his 10 rivals at the Curragh.

Settled in mid-division by James Doyle, Kingman was much the best and cleared away to win by five lengths.

SEVENTH RACE 4.50P.M.

THE NOVIBET GUINEAS FESTIVAL HANDICAP OF €50,000 (PREMIER HANDICAP)

Starting from stalls. Handicaps calculated 23rd May Value to winner: €29500; Second: €10000; Third: €5000; Fourth: €2500; Fifth: €1500; Sixth: €1000 (For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

Karl Riley representing Novibet will present a trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and will present a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

Second at Tipperary last time and that followed a close third in the Irish Lincolnshire here in

be no surprise to see him go well once again. Winning Range Gd & AW Star Rating 4

Sliding down the ratings and now back on his last winning mark, but that was on the all-weather and he has a bit to find on the form of his two starts here this year Winning Range

& AW Star Rating 2

Returned with a good effort in defeat at Cork last month and she could improve for that outing, although a subsequent 2lb rise means she may well have to Winning Range Sft. Star Rating 3 Timeless Soul (GER) 1 flat win €3,528.00

Represents the trainer who won this last year and warrants respect as a result. Ended 2022 in

form and he could be a player if stepping up on last month’s recent comeback run. Winning

Gd & AW Star Rating 3

Rating 97

TRIFECTA RACE

Ended last year with three wins and a close second at Dundalk, including when signing off with a 1m 4f handicap success in December Rated 9lb higher and has it to prove on turf, but is clearly progressive Winning Range

The application of a visor did the trick when scoring over this trip at Leopardstown

gone up 10lb for that, he ran out a very easy winner and looks a big player

that rival on better terms today

Finished mid-division in the Irish Lincolnshire here in March and has over four lengths to find with the reopposing third Casanova on that form. Others make more appeal. Winning Range Sft-YS. Star Rating 2

clearly on the up and must be considered.

An unlucky loser over

last week, when only held by a neck after being

a clear run on several occasions. Respected, although a 3lb rise and drop in trip may not help.

wins €39,246.50 Handicap Rating 84

7/1 HR81 Miss M. O’Sullivan 9.8 (CP) (TS) nk 2nd to Burren Song 9.9 LEP 19 MAY 10rn Ext hcp 1m 4f Gd

Mr J. L. Gleeson 10.5 (CP) (TS) ref in race won by Black Poppy (GB) 10.5 HAYDOCK PARK 13 MAY 17rn hcp hdl Grade C 1m 7f 144yds Gd

Mr Ben Harvey 11.1 (TS) p.u.

Started the season with a couple of good seconds over this trip, but well beaten behind Smooth Tom

this mark at Leopardstown latest and he now has questions to answer as a result. Winning Range

Returned with a

victory at Limerick last month, but less effective off this revised mark when soundly beaten at Cork and needs the step up in trip to spark some improvement. Winning

that rival at the weights and is a previous C&D winner Worth a second look.

?+2lbs indicates a rider may carry a possible 2lbs overweight on the day.

B,ES,H worn by No 8. C,T worn by No 2, No 13. CPiece worn by No 14. CPiece,TS worn by No 11.

H,T worn by No 4. Hood worn by No 3, No 9. TStrap worn by No 15. Visor worn by No 7.

Probable Starting Prices - 4/1 Smooth Tom, 9/2 Brave Troop, 5/1 Casanova (GB), 7/1 Ceallach, 8/1 Timeless Soul (GER), 10/1 Nibiru, 12/1 Safecracker (GB), Vega Magnifico, Wild Dollar, 16/1 Any Dream Will Do, 20/1 Fastnet Crown, Laelaps, Cold Steel (USA), Timourid, 25/1 Finans Bay 2022 - 1st Mashhoor (GB) 2nd Safecracker (GB) 3rd Loingseoir (2 min. 7.1 sec.)

VERDICT

It was hard not to be impressed with the way SMOOTH TOM shot clear of his opposition in a competitive handicap earlier this month. He’s equally effective on this better ground and could still be ahead of his mark despite a 10lb rise Brave Troop was another impressive last start winner, albeit at a lower level, and can play a part in the finish, as can Timeless Soul, who looks a likely improver in a first-time hood. Casanova should run well once again but is vulnerable to something better treated.

CURRAGH COMMENT

SMOOTH TOM had a few of these in arrears when running out a very impressive winner in a first-time visor at Leopardstown and a 10lb rise may not be enough to halt him, with scope for further progress and previous C&D-winning form in the book. A brace of facile victories suggests Brave Troop is improving rapidly and it would be no surprise to him go very close again. Casanova did the best of these in the Irish Lincolnshire and must be considered on the form of that close-up third.

WIN: SMOOTH TOM

DANGER: Brave Troop

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EIGHTH RACE 5.25P.M.

THE BET BUILDER AT NOVIBET IRISH EBF (C & G) MAIDEN OF €20,000

Starting from stalls. Value to winner: €11800; Second: €4000; Third: €2000; Fourth: €1000; Fifth: €600; Sixth: €400

(For Race Conditions see page 78)

RACESPONSOR

One Mile and Two Furlongs (2,000 metres) Waterford Post

Karl Riley representing Novibet will present a trophy to the winning owner and will present a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

A 205,000gns purchase as a yearling and he is closely related to the Group 1 runner-up Diametric. Any market support for him on debut would have to be noted. Star Rating 3

Took a significant step forward when a close second over a mile at Leopardstown eight days ago and is likely to be in the mix once again. Star Rating 4

Well held on his racecourse debut at Leopardstown last month and the application of first-time cheekpieces needs to bring about significant improvement if he is to score here Star Rating 2

4

- Dramatically (USA)

Has shown some promise on both previous starts but he looks to be up against it in this company and handicaps may be more suitable in time. Star Rating 2

Duke Of Vienna (USA)

10/1 S. Foley 9.8 (TS) 10L 6th of 11 to Just An Hour 9.8 KILL 16 MAY mdn 1m 31yds Gd/Yld 13/8Fav J.A.

5 GREAT CAT MAU (USA) (-) 3 9 8 (134) (15) Br B c American Pharoah (USA) - Flashly (USA) F B Newtownanner Stud Farm Gary Carroll J

Related to plenty of winners in the US, including the Kentucky Oaks heroine Cathryn Sophia, and he should not be underestimated, despite his lack of race experience Star Rating 3

6 KING OF WESSEX (-) 3

(134) (4) Br Ch c Saxon Warrior (JPN) - Angelita

B Dayton Investments (Breeding) Limited

A half-brother to Listed winner and Group 1-placed Burgarita, but he was purchased for 15,000gns as a yearling and a watching brief is advised on his racecourse bow this afternoon. Star Rating 2

7 OPEN TO QUESTION (USA) (-) 3

Br Ch g Noble Mission (GB) - Pick And Choose (USA)

B Springland Farm & Prime Bloodstock LLC

Connections had to part with 100,000 euros to purchase him a couple of years ago and he shares his page with some useful types. Should not be written off Star Rating 3

8

- Influence (FR)

A half-brother to Orglandes, won four times between 1m 1f and 1m 4f including a Grade 3 in the US. The market will be a key guide to expectations. Star Rating 3

9

(-)

g American Pharoah (USA) - Bansuri (USA)

& Joseph P Burke

His dam is a full-sister to Filimbi, who was a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed in the US. That said, he faces a tough task on debut and others make more appeal. Star Rating 2

10 SPARKIT (164)

Br B Br g Fast Company - Kindling (GB)

Melchior Bloodstock

D Moore

Finished last of nine on his debut at Dundalk last year and he is hard to recommend in a race of this nature on the back of that performance Star Rating 1

Sparkit

50/1 C. Horgan 8.12 16L last of 9 to Dabirann 9.5 DUN 14 DEC 22 mdn 1m Std

11 THE BLACK TIGER (USA) (36)

3 9 8 (134) (11)

Br B c Justify (USA) - Gagnoa (Blinkers)

F B Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt Ryan Moore J

O M Tabor,D Smith,Mrs J Magnier,Westerberg A P O’Brien T

Certainly showed improved form when eighth over a mile at Cork a month ago on his second start but much more is required to be successful in this contest. Star Rating 3

The Black Tiger (USA)

14/1 R.L. Moore 9.8 4 1/2L 8th of 15 to Mr Lincoln (GB) 9.8 CK 21 APR mdn 1m

R.L. Moore 9.8

Has failed to make an impact on both previous starts in recent months and he may be one who is more at home in handicap company following this outing.

Out of a mare who won over 7f and is a full-sister to the Group-placed After. He is another newcomer who merits a market inspection this afternoon. Star Rating 3

here having finished second in the Ballysax

Derby Trial at

he could prove to be a class above his rivals here Star Rating 5

Handicap Rating 106

Narrowly behind two useful rivals when third on his debut over a mile here last August and it would be no surprise to see him in the mix again today Star Rating 4

Blinkers worn by No 11. CPiece worn by No 3. TStrap worn by No 4. Visor worn by No 9. Probable Starting Prices - 4/5 Up And Under (FR), 6/1 Voice Of Reason, 13/2 Dawn Session, 12/1 Catani Gardens, Great Cat Mau (USA), Trustyourinstinct, 14/1 The Black Tiger (USA), 20/1 Duke Of Vienna (USA), Open To Question (USA), Red Special (USA), 33/1 Dubawi Delight (GB), King Of Wessex, Pittsford, 50/1 Tom The Second, 150/1 Sparkit

2022 - 1st Vellner 2nd World Famous 3rd Waterville (2 min. 10.8 sec.)

VERDICT

Joseph O’Brien’s UP AND UNDER has bumped into two high class performers in Group 3 company on his last two starts and should find this far easier now dropping back to a maiden. Stablemates of the selection, Trustyourinstinct and Catani Gardens both make their debuts and need to be watched in the betting in comparison to the selection. Despite not being seen since finishing third in a strong maiden on debut last August, Voice Of Reason may prove Up And Under’s main threat.

CURRAGH COMMENT

An interesting contest but it is very hard to oppose UP AND UNDER, who has already proven himself at Group level this year. The son of Lope De Vega has hit the crossbar in the Ballysax and Derby Trial at Leopardstown and it will take a big performance to stop him here if anywhere near that level of form. Dawn Session and Voice Of Reason are others with valid form claims, while Catani Gardens and Great Cat Mau are newcomers to note.

WIN: UP AND UNDER

The Curragh in association with Manguard Plus is delighted to offer a free shuttle bus from Kildare Town and Newbridge available for all race days.

DANGER: Dawn Session

2023 fixtures Race days

Sunday 28th May

Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas

Wednesday 7th June (e) Sky Bet Race to the Ebor (Premier Handicap)

Friday 30th June (e) Funky Friday featuring concert by Qween after racing

Saturday 1st July Ladies Day featuring the Pretty Polly Stakes

Sunday 2nd July Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

Saturday 22nd July

Juddmonte Irish Oaks

Sunday 23rd July Romanised Minstrel Stakes

Saturday 12th August Keeneland Phoenix Stakes

Saturday 19th August

Coolmore Wootton Bassett Futurity Stakes & Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes

Sunday 20th August Fitzdares Royal Whip & Comer Group Irish St Leger Trial

Saturday 26th August Pat Smullen Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland

Sunday 10th September Irish Champions Festival

Saturday 23rd September Goffs Million

Sunday 24th September

Friends of the Curragh Irish Cesarewitch

Saturday 7th October Staffordstown Stud Stakes

Thursday 12th October Student Derby

Wednesday 25th October Amateur Riders Derby

Sunday 5th November

Finale of the 2023 flat season 5th season

TODAY’S RACE CONDITIONS

FIRST RACE 1.20p.m. The Tally Ho Stud Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden of €20,000

(Generously sponsored by Tally Ho Stud and the Irish EBF (€4,000)) Winner will receive €12,000 (Penalty Value: €11,800), Second will receive €4,000, Third will receive €2,000, Fourth will receive €1,000, Fifth will receive €600, Sixth will receive €400 For two years old colts and geldings only, maidens at starting that are EBF eligible. About 6 furlongs. €180 to enter, €20 extra if declared to run. Weights: 9st 5lbs. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race. Stalls Centre Of Course. Value to winner: €11800; Second: €4000; Third: €2000; Fourth: €1000; Fifth: €600; Sixth: €400

SEE PAGE 20 FOR THIS RACE

SECOND RACE 1.55p.m. The GAIN Marble Hill Stakes of €60,000 (Group 3)

(Generously sponsored by GAIN Equine Nutrition) Winner will receive €36,000 (Penalty Value: €35,400), Second will receive €12,000, Third will receive €6,000, Fourth will receive €3,000, Fifth will receive €1,800, Sixth will receive €1,200 For two years old only. About 6 furlongs. €540 to enter, €60 extra if declared to run.

Weights: 9st 5lbs. Fillies allowed 3lbs. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race. Stalls Centre Of Course. Value to winner: €35400; Second: €12000; Third: €6000; Fourth: €3000; Fifth: €1800; Sixth: €1200

SEE PAGE 26 FOR THIS RACE

THIRD RACE 2.30p.m. The Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes of €120,000 (Group 2)

(Generously sponsored by Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd., Naas, Co Kildare) Winner will receive €72,000 (Penalty Value: €70,800), Second will receive €24,000, Third will receive €12,000, Fourth will receive €6,000, Fifth will receive €3,600, Sixth will receive €2,400 For four years old and upwards. About 6 furlongs. €600 to enter on April 19th; €240 extra if forfeit not declared by May 3rd. €360 extra if forfeit not declared by May 23rd or €12,000 if entered by May 23rd. Weights: 9st 5lbs. Fillies allowed 3lbs. Penalties - (to count from 1st September, 2022) Winner of a Group 1 race 3lb extra. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race Stalls Centre Of Course Value to winner: €70800; Second: €24000; Third: €12000; Fourth: €6000; Fifth: €3600; Sixth: €2400

SEE PAGE 36 FOR THIS RACE

FOURTH RACE 3.05p.m. The FBD Hotels & Resorts Orby Stakes of €40,000 (Listed Race)

(Generously sponsored by FBD Hotels & Resorts) Winner will receive €24,000 (Penalty Value: €23,600), Second will receive €8,000, Third will receive €4,000, Fourth will receive €2,000, Fifth will receive €1,200, Sixth will receive €800 For four years old and upwards that have not won a Group 1 or a Group 2 race. About 1 mile 4 furlongs. €360 to enter, €40 extra if declared to run. Weights: 9st 7lbs. Fillies allowed 5lbs. Penalties - (to count from 1st June, 2022) Winner of a Listed race 3lb extra Of a Group 3 race 5lb extra. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race. Starting from stalls. Value to winner: €23600; Second: €8000; Third: €4000; Fourth: €2000; Fifth: €1200; Sixth: €800

SEE PAGE 44 FOR THIS RACE

FIFTH RACE 3.40p.m. The Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas of €500,000 (Group 1)

(Generously sponsored by Tattersalls Ltd) Winner will receive €290,000 (Penalty Value: €285,000), Second will receive €100,000, Third will receive €50,000, Fourth will receive €25,000, Fifth will receive €15,000, Sixth will receive €10,000, Seventh will receive €5,000, Eighth will receive €5,000 For three years old colts and fillies only About 1 mile €625 to enter on September 21st or €12,500 if entered on April 5th; €950 extra if forfeit not declared by December 7th; €1,250 extra if forfeit not declared by April 5th; €2,175 extra if forfeit not declared by May 23rd or €50,000 if entered by May 23rd. Weights: 9st 2lbs. Fillies allowed 3lbs. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race Starting from stalls. Value to winner: €285000; Second: €100000; Third: €50000; Fourth: €25000; Fifth: €15000; Sixth: €10000; Seventh: €5000; Eighth: €5000

SEE PAGE 56 FOR THIS RACE

SIXTH RACE 4.15p.m. The Finlay Volvo Handicap of €25,000 (Generously sponsored by Finlay Volvo) Winner will receive €15,000 (Penalty Value: €14,750), Second will receive €5,000, Third will receive €2,500, Fourth will receive €1,250, Fifth will receive €750, Sixth will receive €500 An extended handicap for three years old only (95 = 9st 12lbs). About 7 furlongs. €225 to enter, €25 extra if declared to run. Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 7lb extra for each race won. Horses which receive a published weight of 8st 6lbs or less will be entitled to a 50% reduction in entry fee Should they be declared to run they will then become liable for the full amount of the cost to run. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race. Starting from stalls. Handicaps calculated 23rd May. Value to winner: €14750; Second: €5000; Third: €2500; Fourth: €1250; Fifth: €750; Sixth: €500

SEE PAGE 62 FOR THIS RACE

SEVENTH RACE 4.50p.m. The Novibet Guineas Festival Handicap of €50,000 (Premier Handicap)

(Generously sponsored by Abraserve Ltd Trading As Novibet) Winner will receive €30,000 (Penalty Value: €29,500), Second will receive €10,000, Third will receive €5,000, Fourth will receive €2,500, Fifth will receive €1,500, Sixth will receive €1,000 An extended handicap for four years old and upwards that at entry have run three or more times under any Rules of Racing, at least one of those runs having been on or after 1st April, 2022 (100 = 10st). About 1 mile 2 furlongs €450 to enter, €50 extra if declared to run. Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 7lb extra for each race won. Horses which receive a published weight of 8st 6lbs or less will be entitled to a 50% reduction in entry fee Should they be declared to run they will then become liable for the full amount of the cost to run. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race Starting from stalls. Handicaps calculated 23rd May Value to winner: €29500; Second: €10000; Third: €5000; Fourth: €2500; Fifth: €1500; Sixth: €1000

SEE PAGE 68 FOR THIS RACE

EIGHTH RACE 5.25p.m The Bet Builder At Novibet Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden of €20,000 (Generously sponsored by Abraserve Ltd Trading As Novibet and the Irish EBF (€3,000)) Winner will receive €12,000 (Penalty Value: €11,800), Second will receive €4,000, Third will receive €2,000, Fourth will receive €1,000, Fifth will receive €600, Sixth will receive €400 For three years old colts and geldings only, maidens at starting that are EBF eligible. About 1 mile 2 furlongs. €180 to enter, €20 extra if declared to run. Weights: 9st 8lbs. Speed sensing equipment will be used in this race. Starting from stalls. Value to winner: €11800; Second: €4000; Third: €2000; Fourth: €1000; Fifth: €600; Sixth: €400

SEE PAGE 74 FOR THIS RACE