THE flat season is back at the Curragh tomorrow (Sunday), when the first of 24 meetings at Irish racing’s headquarters this year gets underway.

The season opener marks the beginning of an action-packed calendar, featuring some of Ireland’s most prestigious races, including the Tattersalls Irish 2000 and Irish 1000 Guineas, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, the Juddmonte Irish Oaks and the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.

Following a highly successful 2024, which saw 70 individual trainers secure race victories at the Curragh, the 2025 season promises to be just as exciting, with a total prize money pool approaching €15 million. This includes significant increases across various handicaps, in addition to boosts to the values of listed and Group 3 races.

Exciting race sponsorship announcements are expected in the coming weeks, as the Curragh continues its goal of achieving 100% commercial sponsorship for all of its races. Notably, Paddy Power will become the new title sponsor of the prestigious Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes, while the Tote will sponsor a new Spring Series, incorporating the first four race days of the season.

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of the Curragh, said “We are delighted to welcome racing fans back to the Curragh for what promises to be another exhilarating season. The 2025 season will bring world-class racing, enhanced experiences for spectators, and a celebration of everything that puts the Curragh at the heart of Irish flat racing.”

Beyond the racing, the Curragh is committed to enhancing the visitor experience, with upgraded facilities, multiple dining options and live entertainment throughout the season. Families, groups of friends, and dedicated racing fans alike can look forward to an electric atmosphere and a festive experience throughout the season.

St Patrick’s raceday

Sunday’s St Patrick’s Festival Race Day features the Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire Premier Handicap.

Off the track, visitors can enjoy a variety of free family-friendly entertainment throughout the day, including live music from the Naas Hospital Choir and performances from traditional Irish musicians, Ceili Cottage.

The Moyglare Kids Zone will feature a range of activities for younger racegoers, including glitter tattooing and storytelling from the Talking Tree. Families will also have the chance to meet Patches the Friendly Leprechaun, who loves a good photo op!

With thrilling racing, fantastic entertainment, and an unbeatable atmosphere, the 2025 season at the Curragh is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for all.

THIS year will see the Curragh Racecourse continue to develop its ongoing programme of developing deeper ties in the communities that surround it in new and novel ways.

New initiatives and partnerships will be unveiled this season, starting on Sunday. The theme of the day will highlight the link between the benefits of physical activity to good mental health.

The initiative also involves Kildare Sports Partnership who liaise with the many sports clubs all over the county and they in turn have been invited to partake in a fundraiser linked to the Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire

The Curragh will continue to pro-actively support a variety of community lead events throughout the year, most notably as host of the inaugural Kildare Inclusivity Festival which will take place on May 11th, a free community event.

The event will be a celebration of different abilities, focusing on the limitless potential of individuals of all abilities. It will feature the Nua Healthcare Ability Games, an initiative created to provide a fun sport and activity event for people with a range of disability issues including specific learning difficulties, sensory impairments, mental health difficulties and physical disabilities.

Relay for Life, which takes place on the weekend of June 7th-8th is a 24-hour event that brings the whole community together to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, to remember those whom we have lost, and fight back against this awful disease.

The Kildare Derby Festival continues to go from strength to strength under the chairmanship of Orla Murtagh and her hard-working committee. There are plans for an exciting week of events to celebrate the 160th running of the Irish Derby this year.

The Corinthian Challenge, which benefits Irish Injured Jockeys, takes place during the Derby Festival, on Friday, June 27th, while the third running of the Pat Smullen Charity Race in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland will take place on August 30th.

The 40th Newbridge Parishes Community Race Day will return on public holiday Monday, May 5th, raising funds for various worthy projects in the locality.

Cavalor will continue its association as the racecourse’s equine welfare partner and, in addition to sponsoring races, Cavalor will support an initiative to reward the trainer who wins the most best turned out horse prize each month with a prize awarded to the staff of the trainer.

The Curragh has expressed its thanks to Eva Maria Bucher Haefner for her continued support of the racecourse through Moyglare Stud.

Moyglare supports the work of stable staff by sponsoring the canteen located in the stable yard area to allow for all grooms working on the day to avail of a complimentary meal.

Moyglare also supports the efforts of the racecourse to encourage families to come racing by sponsoring the Moyglare Kids Zone which offers free activities for younger racegoers on every raceday.

1.40 Castle Star at Capital Stud EBF 2YO Maiden. 5f.

2.10 Nua Healthcare Handicap 0-80. 6f.

2.40 Nua Healthcare Handicap 0-100. 6f.

3.10 Alkumait at Capital Stud Fillies Maiden. 7f.

3.45 Nua Heathcare Irish Lincolnshire Premier Handicap. 1m.

4.20 Bermingham Cameras Maiden. 1m.

4.50 Download the Tote APP Handicap 0-70. 1m.

5.20 Tote.ie EBF Maiden. 6f.