Winner of the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket last month, Scandinavia needed every yard of two miles under Cork jockey Wayne Lordan, as he overtook the front-runner Illinois (7/4 favourite) close home after a sustained battle.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained duo were two and a half lengths clear of Sweet William (4/1). Sadly, the race was overshadowed by a fatal injury to 2021 winner Trueshan, who was pulled up sharply by Hollie Doyle mid-contest.

Scandinavia, a son of Justify, is the first three-year-old to take the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup since Stradivarius in 2017.

“He stays forever”

The successful handler, Aidan O’Brien, said of the winner:

“I am delighted. Wayne gave Scandinavia a brilliant ride. He ran a lovely race at Ascot when Wayne rode him, as he got trapped six wide all the way but he kept coming and coming, and then Ryan rode him at Newmarket and said he was a very good horse. He said he stays forever and is very classy.”

Discussing possible future race plans, the Ballydoyle trainer stated:

“The lads will make those decisions [about the St Leger and so on], but obviously Lambourn didn’t go to the King George because Jan Brueghel was going there, so he has his eye on the Voltigeur, and then he could go anywhere after that – to an Arc or a St Leger. All of those things are open, but I’d say this horse looks ready made for the St Leger as he stays forever, handled an ease in the ground here today, and is very straightforward.”

Another big win for Lordan

This year’s Betfred Derby-winning rider Wayne Lordan said of his most recent major victory:

“Credit to Scandinavia, he has improved all year. He was stepping up to two miles today against the older horses; it was a tough task, but I thought he stepped forward quite well.

“Illinois is a very genuine horse, a Group One horse, and this horse was stepping into his company today. He had never run in that company before, so today was going to find out how smart he is. Obviously, he is a very smart stayer.

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This year’s Summer Festival will see the running of 53 races, over 7 days with an increased total prize fund of €2,171,000. There is a minimum value of €17,000 for all races and the  feature race each day will be worth at least €110,000. This year’s Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle will both be valued at €270,000.

Changes for 2025 Festival

Galway Races recently announced a number of changes to the 2025 Summer Festival race schedule. The headline change sees the Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle, over 2 miles, traditionally ran on Friday, move to Saturday, 2nd August. This change is aimed at
enhancing opportunities for participation, as declarations for this race will now take place on Thursday morning, after the final field for Thursday’s Galway Hurdle has been confirmed.

“Bringing everyone together is what it’s all about.”@Galway_Races CEO Michael Moloney sets the scene on the eve of the Festival @nickluck | #LuckOnSunday | @WorldPool pic.twitter.com/L1BLo1WUVZ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2025

As a result of this change, the Beginners Steeplechase, for five-year-olds and up, over 2 miles and 6 furlongs, will move from Thursday to Friday, 1st August and the Nursery Handicap, over 7 furlongs previously run on Saturday, will now take place on Thursday, 31st July.

Connacht Hotel renews sponsorship

The Connacht Hotel signed a new three year agreement to continue its sponsorship of the Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap, the feature race on the opening day of Race Week.
This year marks 16 consecutive years of support from The Connacht Hotel, making them one of the event’s long standing partners.

Chanelle Pharma is the Official Sponsors of the Best Turned Out Series. This enhanced partnership marks Chanelle Pharma’s 40th year of support for the Galway Races, building on its longstanding sponsorship of the Leading Trainer Award.

First race at 5.10pm this evening

Racing gets underway this evening at 5.10pm with the Galway Bay Hotel & Galmont Hotel Novice Hurdle for four-year-olds.

The night’s feature, the €110,000 Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap is off at 6.40pm, while the final event of the 7-race card, the Monami Construction Flat Race goes to post at 8.20pm.

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Winner of the Betfred Derby at Epsom last month under Wayne Lordan, the son of Australia  took Ireland’s premier classic in the hand of Ryan Moore on Sunday.

Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien, it was a 17th success in the race for the County Wexford-born trainer, it was his 15th win in the last 23 years.

His stable companion, Serious Contender (28/1), ridden by Gavin Ryan, gave him most to do, coming home just three-quarters of a length behind.

The English challenger, Lazy Griff (14/1) was third for jockey William Buick and trainer Charlie Johnston, two and a quarter lengths behind the runner-up.

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Second to her stable companion Minnie Hauk in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly out-battled the English raider and race favourite Kalpana (5/6) this afternoon.

Urged into the lead from the stalls by Ryan Moore, the daughter of Wootton Bassett, took the field along in the one mile two furlong contest.

When Colin Keane aboard Kalpana came to Whirl in the final furlong, it looked as though it was only a matter of time before the Andrew Balding daughter of Study of Man would claim her race.

"The ultimate racing machine, really."

Aidan O'Brien hails Pretty Polly winner Whirl and a fantastic spectacle in the Group 1 @paddypower-backed highlight at @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/i4VuqfyRbd

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2025

Whirl battled, however, when asked by Moore and was not for passing, completing a treble on the day for Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore and the Coolmore partners, but incredibly a three-timer also for Coolmore Stud stallion Wootton Basseett.

There was a length and quarter between Whirl and Kalpana at the winning line with a further length and three-quarters back to the French-trained Survie (18/1) in third in the seven-runner Group 1.

Group 1 glory!

Whirl strikes from Kalpana in a thrilling €300,000 @paddypower Pretty Polly Stakes for Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien and Ballydoyle @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/76Eys2rB3i

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2025

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British raiders look to extend their dominance in the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes this Saturday, as Kalpana lines up for Andrew Balding in a field of seven high-class fillies. The British-trained runner will be ridden by Colin Keane following a fine third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month at the same venue.

Trainer Andrew Balding was upbeat, saying: “She is a very high-class filly. While we think she might be even better over further, a mile and a quarter should suit her well – especially if the ground stays good.”

International Challenge

The French-trained Survie, a Group 2 winner, joins Kalpana as part of the international challenge. She will be ridden by Stéphane Pasquier for Nicolas Clément and Flo Hermans.

Irish Contenders

• Whirl – Aidan O’Brien’s narrow Oaks runner-up represents strong claims.
• Wemighttakedlongway – Joseph O’Brien’s filly bids to follow in the footsteps of Iridessa (2019) and Thundering Nights (2021).
• Magical Hope – Trained by 2022 winner Paddy Twomey.
• Jancis – Willie McCreery’s charge will be partnered by Ben Coen.
• Higher Leaves – Represents Henry de Bromhead and Shane Foley.

More Group Action on the Card

Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes: Six juveniles line up, including Ger Lyons’ Lady Iman (chasing a four-timer) and Aidan O’Brien’s Beautify, with Ryan Moore booked.

Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes: Elizabeth Jane runs for Dermot Weld with Chris Hayes aboard.

Group 3 Anglesey Stakes: Flushing Meadows heads a quality field that includes Stop The Nation and debut winner Suzie Songs.

Ladies Derby & Handicaps

• Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby: Jody Townend (Tatateo) and Hannah Smullen (Desert Friend) feature.
• Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Handicap: Recent winner Cold Hearted aims to follow up for Jessica Harrington.

Full Race Schedule – Saturday

• 1.15pm – Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden
• …
• 5.15pm – Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF Maiden

Pretty Polly Stakes – Odds (Paddy Power)

• 6/4 – Whirl
• 9/4 – Kalpana
• 6 – Wemighttakedlongway
• 7 – Higher Leaves
• 12 – Jancis
• 14 – Survie
• 20 – Magical Hope

Going Update

Straight course: Good to firm in places
Round course: Good
Stalls: Centre for all sprint races

Admission & Bundles

• Saturday General Admission: €30 online / €35 on the day
• Sunday Premium Admission: €150 (Winning Line Lounge access)
• Derby Bundles: From €33 – includes admission, €5 bet, food voucher, racecard, afterparty access

Transport & Parking

Free shuttle buses from Newbridge & Kildare
Free parking at the Curragh Racecourse

Where to Watch

• Racing TV – Full coverage
• TG4 & RTÉ – Selected races live on Saturday and Sunday

Entertainment

• Friday – The Classic Beatles (afterparty)
• Sunday – The Whistlin’ Donkey’s (afterparty)

For tickets, discounts and more: curragh.ie/tickets

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The Curragh Racecourse is braced for a spectacular showdown in the 160th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this Sunday, with a rematch on the cards between the top three finishers from this year’s Epsom Derby.

Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten colt Lambourn, a son of 2014 Irish Derby hero Australia, headlines the 10-strong field. After a dominant Epsom victory, Ryan Moore’s mount is set to face his closest challengers once again: Lazy Griff for Charlie Johnston and Tennessee Stud for Joseph O’Brien.

Joseph O’Brien, who won this race both as a jockey and trainer, is quietly optimistic: “We were very proud of Tennessee Stud’s run in Epsom. He came home strongly and is open to plenty of improvement. We’d love him to run another career best at the Curragh.”

Ralph Beckett will field two contenders: Pride Of Arras, winner of the Dante Stakes, and Sir Dinadan. Meanwhile, Jessica Harrington saddles Green Impact, who bounced back from a gutsy Guineas run to win at Leopardstown.

Lambourn’s stablemates Puppet Master, Shackleton and Thrice round out the possible Derby runners.

Festival Highlights and Feature Races

Ireland’s most prestigious flat race headlines a stacked nine-race card that includes seven contests worth €100,000 and the €50,000 Dubai Duty Free Irish EBF Stayers Handicap.

The sprinting elite are also in action with the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes, where defending champion My Mate Alfie could return for Ger Lyons. Meanwhile, Lord Massusus may line up in the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes for Joe Murphy.

The three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival begins on Friday with an eight-race card. On Saturday, Group 1 action arrives with a hot renewal of the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, featuring Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks runner-up Whirl, and Wemightakedlongway for Joseph O’Brien.

Pretty Polly Set for International Showdown

Andrew Balding’s Group 1 winner Kalpana returns after placing in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, while French trainer Nicolas Clement could send Survie, a Group 1 runner-up.

Paddy Twomey – winner in 2022 with La Petite Coco – has a strong hand with six entries, including One Look and Purple Lily, both Classic-placed fillies.

Saturday’s racing also pays tribute to the late Kevin Prendergast, with the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes run in his memory. Malih Al Basti praised the legendary trainer’s contribution to racing: “Kevin was a dear friend and his legacy lives on through the generations he influenced.”

Dermot Weld’s Elizabeth Jane could feature in the race, having last won the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown.

More Group Action on Super Saturday

The Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes could see unbeaten filly Lady Iman stretch her winning streak for Ger Lyons.

Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels and Flushing Meadows top the field for the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse Anglesey Stakes, with Suzie Songs among the challengers for Lyons again.

And in a storybook subplot, Pat O’Donnell and daughter Sylvia could renew their Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby fairytale with Hemight, aiming to replicate their memorable 2022 triumph.

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It was also a first success in the race for Co Cork-born jockey Wayne Lordan and an eighth in the past 12 years for successful owners, the Coolmore partners.

Lordan and Lambourn, a son of Australia led from the stalls and, in the style of Serpentine in 2020, was not for catching.

He extended his advantage over the field as they came down the home straight.

The 50/1 chance in the betting market, Lazy Griff, was runner-up for trainer Charlie Johnston and jockey Christophe Soumillon three and three-quarter lengths behind the winner.

Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard Tennessee Stud, also owned by the same partners as the winner, finished third for Joseph O’Brien, a further length back.

“Everybody puts in so much”

Aidan O’Brien, for whom it was an 11th success in the Betfred Derby, said:

“I’m only a small part of a very big team. For everybody – everybody puts in so much, I cannot tell you. I can’t tell you the privilege it is for me to be dealing with everybody. Australia [Lambourn’s sire] is a great Derby winner, very genuine, and that’s what this horse is – uncomplicated, genuine and committed. He always has been.

“His runs this year have been very good this year – he was second to Delacroix, and then was very impressive in Chester. Chester again – you have to be on your game and you have to stay, and that’s the way he was. Ryan loved him in Chester and he obviously can’t ride them all. He’s probably an Irish Derby horse, and he will get further as well.”

“It’s a special place to win”

Wayne Lordan was asked by ITV Racing what it was like to win the Derby, with the Cork jockey admitting:

“When you’re growing up… I’ve been watching you (Johnny Murtagh), Pat Smullen, Mick Kinane, and it’s the race you always want to… Then when you get a ride in it, you’re absolutely delighted. I work for Aidan O’Brien, Ballydoyle, Coolmore, and when they give you the opportunity to ride a horse like this, in a race like this, and for him to do it… it’s a special race to win.”

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Ridden by Ryan Moore, the daughter of Frankel held off her stable companion, Whirl (15/2) and Wayne Lordan by a neck at the finishing line of the one mile four furlongs contest.

Whirl, a daughter of Wootton Bassett, had made most of the early running, setting the pace for the perceived stable number one choice, Minnie Hauk.

With both fillies battling inside the final furlong, Minnie Hauk found a little more to claim the Group 1 prize.

Whirl finished a further four lengths ahead of the impressive Betfred 1000 Guineas winner at Newmarket last month, Desert Flower, the 11/10 favourite today.

The win is the sixth success for the Coolmore partners since Minding won in 2016.

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Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien, the four-year-old was the first of a Group 1 double for the Co Wexford-born handler and jockey Ryan Moore with Minnie Hauk taking the Betfred Oaks later in the afternoon.

Jan Brueghel, who ran second to Galen over a mile and a quarter in the Group 3 tote.ie Alleged Stakes at The Curragh recently on his first racecourse appearance for 2025, won today over a mile and a half this afternoon.

Owned by the Coolmore partners, Jan Brueghel is a tenth Coronation Cup success for O’Brien, and it means that Galileo has now sired a Group 1 winner each of the last twenty years.

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Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Handicap (Premier Handicap)

Mr Percy (2/1) earned a place in the Sky Bet Ebor at York in August by winning the SkyBet Race To The Ebor Handicap over a mile and six furlongs.

Carrying bottom weight of 8 stone 7 pounds this evening, the Joseph O’Brien-trained son of Sir Percy had just a neck to spare at the line, under five-pound claimer, Wayne Hassett.

Jabbar (25/1), from the Ger O’Leary stable took the runner-up position, while the eight-year-old Helvic Dream (25/1) took third for Noel Meade and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Sky Bet Handicap

The €50,000 Sky Bet Handicap (Premier Handicap) went to the Michael Grassick-handled Equiano filly Gazelle D’Or (14/1).

Ridden by Cork jockey Wayne Lordan, the Aidan Gleeson and Joseph Keeling-owned three-year-old had won three times previously from five to six furlongs.

Today, she held off Brigid’s Cloak (11/2) by a length, with Jorge Alvares (7/2 favourite) a neck further back in third for Ger Lyons and stable jockey Colin Keane.

Wootton Bassett Double

Two juvenile colts by Coolmore Stud’s sire of the moment, Wootton Bassett, won the first two maidens on the card.

Amadeus Mozart (10/11 favourite) took the opening SkyBet For The Fans Irish EBF Maiden for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore by half a length.

With three runners in the field from Ballydoyle, a Coolmore partners-owned horse filled the runner-up spot as well with the fast finishing grey Dorset (5/1) in the hand of Wayne Lordan.

The double was quickly completed in the next, the Businessplus.ie Irish EBF Maiden when Flushing Meadows (5/2) took the win.

The 80/1 outside The Piper’s Call, ridden by S T McCullagh, took the second post, one and a half-lengths behind the winner. North Coast (11/) and Dylan Browne McMonagle took third for Joseph O’Brien, while another Ballydoyle horse, Puerto Rico (10/1) claimed fourth.

Maiden winners for Harrington and O’Donoghue

The third maiden of the evening, The Spar Shop At The Curragh Maiden went to the Shane Foley-ridden Cold Hearted (5/1).

Placed in four of her seven previous starts, the Blue Point three-year-old filly got the better of a battle with race favourite Stella Alpina (10/11), by half a length, with the same distance back to Marlborough Place (7/2) in third.

The Gannon Interiors Fillies Maiden was won by It’s A Heartbeat (7/1) and Ronan Whelan, who has recently returned to action from injury.

Fourth on her racecourse debut at Naas in April, the daughter of Too Darn Hot was a two and a half-length winner for handler John O’Donoghue.

The second, Jannah Star (13/8 favourite), was another placing on the evening for the Dylan Browne McMonagle and Joseph O’Brien combination, while the well-fancied Tanoya (5/2) from the Paddy Twomey yard claimed third spot, a further two and half lengths behind.

The Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day went the way of Midnight Horizon (7/1) for handler Denis Hogan and rider Joey Sheridan.

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