THE Curragh stages two very valuable racedays next weekend.

Saturday’s feature is the Goffs Million over seven furlongs, supported by the Goffs 500 over six furlongs. The one-mile Montane Developments Beresford Stakes is also on the same card.

The Million is Europe’s richest two-year-old race and, on Sunday, the Curragh stages Europe’s richest handicap, the €600,000 Friends of the Curragh Irish Cesarewitch.

Next year’s Derby favourite The Lion In Winter is expected to run in the Goffs Million. The Sea The Stars colt, who cost €375,000 at last year’s Orby Sale, is unbeaten in two starts, most recently winning the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York.

Dunboyne, Co Meath, trainer Jack Davison has a lively candidate for the Goffs 500 in the shape of Lightning Bear, a smooth winner of a five-furlong maiden at Down Royal earlier this month. The Kuroshio gelding runs in the colours of the trainer’s racing club, with shares still for sale through the trainer’s website.

Goffs CEO Henry Beeby said: “Goffs are proud to be staging Europe’s richest two-year-old race again and delighted with the classy field that looks set to run. That is backed up by a very competitive Goffs 500, which means that €1.5 million will be won by Orby yearlings on the eve of the following week’s Orby Books 1 and 2.”

Willie Mullins has the two ante-post favourites for the Irish Cesarewitch. Royal Ascot winner Belloccio heads the market at 8/1, followed by unlucky Ebor fifth Hipop De Loire at 10/1. The Curragh is running a sweepstake on this race for local charities and sports clubs, who will share €5,000 in prize money.

The annual Irish Pony Club exhibition ride will take place after the last race on Sunday.

Saturday’s eight-race card also features the Glenroyal Hotel Student Derby.

There is a €2,500 style competition on Saturday, sponsored by Weir & Sons and Louis Copeland. Artist-in-residence John Fitzgerald will judge a painting competition, contested by local artists hoping to win a €1,500 commission.

Children aged three to seven are invited to line up for the Goffs Mini Millions on the track, which will take place before 3pm. The winner will ‘drive’ off in a Bobby Benz provided by Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes Benz.