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The first Classics of the Irish flat season take place at the Curragh this weekend as the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas occupy centre stage.

The Guineas weekend festivities begin on Friday evening with an eight-race card while there are seven Group races across a star-studded Saturday and Sunday.

Here’s all you need to know…

What is the difference between the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas?

The 2,000 Guineas is open to both colts and fillies, while the 1,000 Guineas is a filly-only affair.

This year, however, only colts are left standing in the 2,000 Guineas field.

When are the races?

Racing starts at 1.20pm on Saturday and 1.25pm on Sunday.

The 2,000 Guineas takes place on Saturday at 3.40pm, shortly the Group 2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (2.30pm).

The 1,000 Guineas goes to post at 3.45pm on Sunday, part of a back-to-back Group 1 double header after the Tattersalls Gold Cup (3.10pm).

The Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes is off at 2.35pm, with the Group 3 Heider Family Stables Gallinule Stakes beginning at 4.15pm.

Who are the contenders?

Rosallion, a close second in the English equivalent at the start of the month, is the 2,000 Guineas favourite, currently priced at a shade under evens.

He is one of two runners for travelling English trainer Richard Hannon, who also saddles 13/2 shot Haatem – the son of 2019 winner Phoenix of Spain. He will have Jamie Spencer on board, with Sean Levey to ride Rosallion.

 

 

 

 

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Aidan O’Brien holds a typically strong hand including last year’s Coventry Stakes winner River Tiber, Unqestionable and Mountain Bear while Joseph O’Brien runs Atlantic Coast.

County Tyrone-based trainer Andy Oliver is represented by course and distance winner Bright Stripes and Jack Davison sends Take Me To Church for a first run over this trip.

Sunday’s 1,000 Guineas field is headed by Opera Singer, who makes a much-anticipated seasonal reappearance.

The daughter of Justify won a Group 1 in France on her last outing in October and is joined by Ballydoyle stablemates Buttons, Everlasting and Pearls and Rubies as Aidan O’Brien bids for an 11th victory in the race.

Fallen Angel represents Yorkshire trainer Karl Burke while the Paddy Twomey-trained pair A Lilac Rolla and Purple Lilly are both priced at 10/1.

Dermot Weld’s first win in this race came in 1982 and he has recorded back-to-back successes courtesy of Homeless Songs and Tahiyra. Azada is his sole runner as he bids for a hat-trick.

Elsewhere, Auguste Rodin returns to the Curragh for the first time since last summer’s Irish Derby triumph in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.

Ryan Moore takes the ride on the favourite while reigning champion jockey Colin Keane will be on board White Birch, twice a winner already this season, for John Murphy.

Where can I buy tickets?

Find ticket information here.