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

The post Kalpana Returns to Curragh for Pretty Polly Stakes – Saturday Feature Preview appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The employment of 461 trainers and staff throughout the entire Curragh is estimated to support another 410 secondary or indirect jobs in the local employment making the estimated total employment contribution of the racing sector at 871 jobs, which is very significant employment in what is largely a rural area. This is further bolstered by a further 305 jobs that is supported in the tourism and hospitality sector as a result of racing tourism to the immediate area. Every euro that gets pumped into the local economy gets spent again and again. The multiplier effect seeks to capture the full impact of the initial expenditure as it works its way through the economy. Applying a conservative multiplier of 1.7 suggests that the direct injection of €30.2 million into the local economy from horse training activities alone has a total impact valued at over €51 million. The report only focuses on the racing aspects of the area and excludes the local breeding sector.

In 2019, the Curragh Racecourse hosted 19 meetings with the direct and indirect financial impact of the prize money paid estimated at €19.9 million. The Curragh Racecourse had turnover of €7.12 million in 2019 and when a multiplier effect of 1.7 times is applied to this the direct and indirect financial impact of the racecourse and training grounds is estimated at €12.1 million. 72,872 people attended race meetings at the Curragh Racecourse in 2019 of which around 20% of those were overseas visitors. In total the economic contribution of the Curragh Racecourse and training grounds is estimated at €34.4m.

Racing tourism is also a major factor taken into account and the Irish National Stud is a major tourist attraction and attracts significant visitor numbers every year. In 2019, there was 137,000 visitors to the National Stud. This would have generated entrance fee income of €1.5 million and when the multiplier effect is calculated the direct and indirect impact of the expenditure is €2.6 million. Fáilte Ireland research suggests that Overseas Holidaymakers on average spend €96 per day and Domestic Overnight Visitors spend €74 per day. Overseas tourists account for 40% of visitors to the National Stud and with the remaining 60% being domestic visitors, this would translate into €11.3 million in additional tourism expenditure in the region. Fáilte Ireland estimates that every €1 million of tourism expenditure supports 27 tourism jobs. This means that the visitors to the National Stud support 305 jobs in the tourism/hospitality sector. Fáilte Ireland estimates that for every euro spent on tourism, 23c is generated in tax. This means that the expenditure by tourists generate an estimated €2.6 million in Exchequer revenues. 

CEO of the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds, Pat Keogh, said “The 1,500 acres that make up the Curragh Racecourse and its training grounds containing 80 miles of gallops, is a driving heartbeat in what is a largely rural economy in Kildare. The potential here is enormous and we intend to increase our racegoer number to come to our amazing new racing facility here to 94,000 people in 2022 and 101,000 in 2023. We also expect more horses and trainers to base themselves here and make use of what is one of the best training facilities in the world. We expect the financial impact of this racing venue on the economy to exceed €110m in 2023 which compares to having a multinational in this historic equine area.”

Economist Jim Power said “The Curragh makes a very significant economic and employment contribution to a rural area, and the region will continue to contribute to Ireland’s stated regional economic growth agenda. The development of the Curragh Racecourse will build the tourism potential of the area and is totally consistent with the Fáilte Ireland strategy to grow Ireland’s Ancient East as a strong tourism brand in its own right.”

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