The Curragh Racecourse in conjunction with Dubai Duty Free are delighted to announce a variety of initiatives to attract the very best field for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, which takes place on Saturday July 1.
The race will continue to be the most valuable in Ireland with total prize money of €1.5 million this year, breaking down like this: 1st €870,000; 2nd €300,000; 3rd €150,000; 4th €75,000; 5th €45,000; 6th €30,000; 7th €15,000; 8th €15,000.
The ‘Win and You’re In’ initiative, which was launched for the first time in 2015, will be extended to include additional races.
Starting with the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas, the winners and in some cases the placed horses of key domestic and international races will be refunded their entry and forfeit fees (including the cost of a supplementary entry if not already entered) in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. The refund is only payable if the horse actually runs in the race.
Derek McGrath, CEO of the Curragh Racecourse, said: “We have identified the key races which should generate runners for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and we hope that this exciting initiative will maximise the potential for us to encourage owners and trainers to be part of Ireland’s greatest and most valuable horse race.”
The winner and horses who are placed second, third and fourth in the following races will have any entry or supplementary entry fee that has been paid by them refunded should they run in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas
Prix Du Jockey Club
Epsom Derby
The winner of the following races will be given a free entry into the Irish Derby (should they run, any entry or supplementary fees paid will be refunded):
Derby Italiano
Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas
Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes
Nijinsky Stakes (King George VI Cup)
TRM Silver Stakes
Epsom Oaks
Prix de Diane
King Edward VII Stakes
Tercentenary Stakes
Prix Hocquart
The winner of the following races will be given a free entry (not to include supplementary as these races are run before the second entry stage) into the Irish Derby (should they run, any entry fees paid will be refunded):
UAE Derby
Derrinstown Derby Trial
Dante Stakes
Prix Greffulhe