Ireland’s passion for horse racing is well known, with a rich history and an array of prestigious races that attract top competitors from around the world. For those looking to bet on horse racing, the country offers some of the most exciting and competitive events in the flat racing calendar.
Here, we explore the biggest flat races in Ireland — the Classics, each steeped in tradition and showcasing the very best of the sport at the iconic home of Irish racing, the Curragh in Newbridge, County Kildare.
The Irish 2000 Guineas
The Irish 2000 Guineas is one of the most important flat races for three-year-old colts. This Group 1 race, run over a mile, serves as a key early-season test for emerging talent.
Established in 1921, it mirrors the English 2000 Guineas and often features horses that have competed in the Newmarket race.
The event has seen numerous legendary winners, like Dubawi, Rock of Gibraltar, and Sadler’s Wells, and continues to be a major highlight for trainers, owners, and racing fans.
The Irish 1000 Guineas
The Irish 1000 Guineas serves as the female counterpart to the 2000 Guineas, exclusively for three-year-old fillies. Run over the same distance of a mile, this Group 1 race is a crucial fixture in the Irish racing calendar, showcasing the finest fillies.
First run in 1922, the Irish 1000 Guineas is a premier race that also often sees competitors from the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, making it a thrilling contest that attracts significant attention from the horse racing community.
The Irish Oaks
The Irish Oaks is another prestigious race exclusively for three-year-old fillies. This Group 1 race, run over a mile and a half, is the Irish equivalent of the Epsom Oaks.
Established in 1895, the Irish Oaks is a major target for the best fillies in Europe and often features horses that have competed in the English Oaks.
The race not only tests stamina and speed but also serves as a key indicator for future breeding prospects, making it a highly anticipated event each summer.
The Irish Derby
The Irish Derby is arguably the most prestigious flat race in Ireland. This Group 1 race, also run over a mile and a half, is open to three-year-old colts and fillies and is part of the Irish Classics series.
Established in 1866, the Irish Derby is Ireland’s equivalent of the Epsom Derby and often attracts top horses from Britain and beyond.
The race is a major highlight of the Irish racing season, drawing huge crowds and offering substantial prize money, making it a key fixture for the sport’s elite.
The Irish St Leger
The Irish St Leger is the final Classic of the Irish flat racing season. This Group 1 race, open to horses aged three and older, is run over a distance of one mile and six furlongs.
Established in 1915, it serves as the Irish counterpart to the English St Leger, which takes place at Doncaster each September and is known for testing the stamina and endurance of its competitors. The Irish St Leger has a rich history of producing outstanding long-distance runners and remains a popular event for both participants and spectators.
