Derby Festival to offer glimpse of new-look Curragh

By Senan Hogan

Racegoers attending Derby Festival Weekend will get the opportunity to view the impressive progress in the redevelopment work being carried out at the Curragh.

The new Parade Ring looks splendid, the famous Queen's Room has been relocated to its new home where it can be admired by passers-by and families can also enjoy the new Bistro and Playground.

High-quality temporary facilities are in place everywhere throughout the famous venue to ensure a very comfortable day's racing.

Racegoers will also be able to see the centre-piece of the new redevelopment - a major new grandstand with an eye-catching roof design - being constructed in the background.

When completed, the standout infrastructure will incorporate 5-star corporate facilities, restaurants, bars and superb viewing facilities.

The redeveloped Curragh will have an enviable crowd capacity of 30,000 people from early next year.

Countdown 

Meanwhile the countdown is continuing for the 2018 renewal of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

The annual event takes place over three days from Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 1.

The racing festival promises a feast of top class racing as well as a fantastic spectacle of fashion, entertainment and music.

On Derby Festival Friday - the first race is due off at 5.25 and will be followed by live music.

The live music is part of the Summer Sounds at the Curragh which will feature 2FM DJ Bláthnaid Treacy.

Summer Sounds at the Curragh will continue on Friday, August 31.

2017 winner Capri 

On the following day - Sunday - the first race is off at 1.45pm with the feature Juddmonte Pretty Polly Stakes beginning at 4.40pm.

For lots more information and to buy tickets, see www.curragh.ie.