What challenges do you face when preparing for an event of this scale, and how do you overcome them?

We are lucky to have such an established and experienced team in the Curragh who have years of experience activating large scale events and racing festivals. We have a tremendous grounds team who ensure the racecourse is looking at its best for each and every event.

Together with our event partners and our exceptional raceday staff, we have built up a team with a wealth of experience and this is hugely beneficial for large racedays such as Irish Champions Festival. At the end of the day, we must keep the racegoers’ experience front and centre and ensure their experience at the Curragh is one which delights and inspires and of course, one which encourages them to return.

Are there are new features being introduced this year?

Absolutely! We have significantly upweighted our raceday activities to ensure there is something for everybody to enjoy. You may have seen our Manes v Motors activation on our social channels which saw professional Irish racing driver Max Hart pit automotive power against jockey Chris Hayes at the Curragh Racecourse. Our aim is to bring this to life at the racecourse on September 15th when we will have a Formula 1 simulator for racegoers to enjoy!

In addition, we will have an incredible Carnival at the Curragh which sees the Curragh Racecourse put on our biggest ever selection of family fun activities. Children (who always go free at the Curragh) can enjoy superslides, carousels, spin the wheel and our racecourse train at our mini-carnival.

And for those who prefer a gentler pace, they can enjoy a relaxing afternoon in our Whispering Angel marquee with our roving musicians, wander around the racecourse and simply take it all in. There is something for everybody to enjoy.

In association with Treo Eile and sponsored by Moyglare Stud, racegoers will have the unique opportunity to meet some of their equine heroes.

The parade will take place during the afternoon with a star-studded line-up featuring dual Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll, multiple Grade 1 winner A Plus Tard and Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo.

How many hospitality places are there on the day and are there any still remaining?

The St Leger experience at the racecourse is completely sold out and we expect the small number of places remaining at our Oaks restaurant to sell out shortly. There is still ample opportunity to pre-order Curragh picnic baskets and charcuterie boards through our website. On the day, Orby’s by Lucy, Shoda Café at the Queen’s Room and the Champagne Bar serve food alongside our Champions Hall restaurant. We have various food trucks offering a selection of food around the racecourse.

Does this meeting attract a significant number of overseas visitors?

Irish Champions Festival is a key date in the diary for every racing fan and we see that in our visitor profile more than ever. Day two at the Curragh Racecourse is the richest raceday in the 2024 racing calendar with over €2.5m in prize money won on the day. We’ve noted significant interest from Rewards4Racing UK members and, with many international runners, we expect a large number of overseas trainers and owners. Race and Stay also have a number of visitors attending the racecourse.

Are you involved in attracting overseas runners and how does that work?

We are always in contact with overseas trainers to encourage them to run at the Curragh. British trainers have enjoyed good success at the Curragh throughout 2024 and we expect a strong challenge from them throughout all eight races, in particular the Flying Five where Bradsell and Believing are set to run.

The Charlie Appleby-trained Ancient Truth is targeting the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and Giovellotto will be a leading contender for the Comer Group International Irish St Leger. We expect a large British-trained challenge in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Stakes.

Is it a family-friendly raceday or is geared more towards the serious racegoer and racing professionals?

Without question, this will be a great day out for both families and serious racegoers. Irish Champions Festival is one of our biggest race events throughout the year, and as such it’s a huge opportunity for the Curragh to showcase a day at the races to younger racegoers. We’ve an incredible line-up of activity for all the family to enjoy and love to welcome families to the racecourse. The quality of racing on offer, including the final classic of the season and four Group 1 races, means that Irish Champions Festival at the Curragh is a must-go for all serious racegoers and the racing purist.

Does Irish Champions Festival have a significant economic impact on the local community?

We know that each of our events at the Curragh, and particularly the big festivals, have a big impact on hotel nights throughout Kildare and Dublin. Our most recent economic survey in 2021 investigated the financial impact of the Curragh and revealed that the Curragh contributes in excess of €100m to the local and national economy. Anecdotally we see the impact of the racecourse for many local businesses from hairdressers, boutiques, restaurants and hotels.

How has sponsorship evolved for this year’s meeting? Are there any new partnerships you are excited about?

We are lucky to enjoy longstanding relationships with many of our Irish Champions Festival sponsors and very much appreciate their involvement and support in delivering an exceptional event with world class racing and entertainment for racegoers to enjoy.

Moyglare Stud, in particular, is hugely supportive in terms of the children’s activity in the Moyglare Kids Zone and the raceday stable staff are very appreciative of the stable staff canteen. All race sponsors provide significant prizes that are presented to the grooms in charge of the horses in each race judged to be the best turned out.

Are there any standout races or horses who you anticipate will be highlights of your raceday?

It’s set to be a very special day with Bradsell, Believing, Ancient Truth, Henri Matisse, Bedtime Story, Vauban and Kyprios all set to appear.

Why should readers of The Irish Fieldgo racing at the Curragh on Sunday, September 15th?

It’s the richest raceday of the year. The card features the last Irish classic of the season, four Group 1 races and over €2.5m in prize money.

And alongside the races, Carnival at the Curragh will deliver some fantastic family fun for racegoers where kids will be utterly entertained! Our Manes v Motors experience matches amazing action on the track with some amazing fun off it! Older kids and adults will thoroughly enjoy reaching heart stopping speeds in our Formula 1 simulator!

Web: Curragh.ie