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One of the jewels in the racing summer’s crown, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby returns this weekend as part of a packed three days at The Curragh.

First run in 1866, the Derby is the third Classic of the Irish season and sees leading trainers from both sides of the Irish Sea bidding to claim one of the sport’s most prestigious honours.

It is one of two Group 1s across the weekend, while there is plenty more to enjoy on and off the track.

Here’s all you need to know…

What time does racing start?

The weekend action begins on Friday evening with a seven-race card, the first of which is off at 5pm.

Saturday’s eight-race card kicks off at 1.15pm while there are nine races on Sunday, with the opener going to post at 1.10pm.

When are the big races?

The feature of the weekend is the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, which takes place at 4.05pm on Sunday.

The current favourite is Ambiente Friendly, who was runner-up to City Of Troy in the Epsom Derby and is looking to go one better here for James Fanshawe, with Robert Havlin on board.

Auguste Rodin’s win in this race last year was a record-extending 15th for Aidan O’Brien and he is typically well represented.

Los Angeles leads the Ballydoyle charge and will have Ryan Moore in the saddle for the first time. Third at Epsom, he will look to make up the three-and-a-quarter lengths which he trailed Ambiente Friendly by on that occasion.

Grosvenor Square has run just once this season, beaten as favourite in the Chester Vase, while Agenda, Chief Little Rock, Euphoric and The Euphrates make up the O’Brien contingent prior to Friday’s final declarations.
Roger Varian’s Matsuri, a son of Sea The Stars, is an intriguing contender while David Menuisier has entered Sunway with Oisin Murphy to take the ride.

On Saturday, four British-trained horses lead the market in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes. Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking is the favourite and will have Rossa Ryan on board, with John & Thady Gosden’s Emily Upjohn. Hughie Morrison’s Stay Alert and Sir Mark Prescott’s Tasmania are also well-fancied, with Lumiere Rock the leading home contender for Joseph O’Brien.

What else should I look out for?

Legendary Puerto Rican jockey John Velazquez is looking to add an Irish winner to a glittering CV which includes 20 Breeders’ Cup triumphs and six US Classics.

He arrived in time for a ride at Naas on Wednesday and will have several chances to break his duck across the weekend, with two rides on Friday and a further three on Saturday – including Varner in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes.

Off the track, Friday’s evening racing features a live performance from the fabulous tribute show, Abbaesque, after racing.

Saturday’s action features the K Club’s Most Stylish Racegoer contest with Cork singing sensation and style queen LYRA confirmed as the star judge.

Sunday, meanwhile, includes the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Best Dressed Competition with a fabulous prize on offer.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets for all three days, and weekend tickets, are available to purchase at https://www.curragh.ie/tickets/