Horse Racing
June 2015Irish Derby
This is the premier international race day in the Irish racing calendar. It is a Group I flat race open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, and run over a distance of one mile and four furlongs.
A crowd of over 45,000 people descends on the Curragh for the Irish Derby - it's a glamorous event, attended by local and international celebrities and royalty. Large quantities of champagne, wine, salmon and afternoon tea are consumed in the catering marquees, and there is a veritable parade of high fashion, with women in particular vying to outdo each other in the fashion stakes.
The Irish Derby is less formal than English races such as Epsom and Ascot, and there are no strict codes. Smart casual dress is requested for anyone entering the Premier Level of the Grandstand, and 'appropriate attire' is requested at all times. But relaxed dress codes do not in any way compromise the flamboyance and sartorial style of the occasion.
Part of the holy trinity of international racing - which includes the Epsom Derby and the French Derby at Chantilly - the Irish Derby is the race everyone wants to win.
