Curragh development shaping a new era for Irish racing

Mary Tudor’s excellent third in the G1 Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh was a significant achievement for the Godolphin filly on a weekend that also gave a glimpse of what the future holds for Irish racing in the modern era.

The daughter of Dawn Approach fought on gamely for her third to the James Doyle-ridden Sea Of Class and Epsom Oaks heroine Forever Together, which provided proof that she stays a mile and a half, thus opening up a variety of future options in the top bracket.

Many photographs taken of the Oaks finish from inside the track will show that the frame of a new grandstand is now in place, and that a picturesque parade ring and saddling box area has been created behind.

If and when Mary Tudor returns to Irish Headquarters as a four-year-old, she will race in front of impressive new facilities that are expected to transform the experience for the racegoer at the Curragh. I like what I am seeing, so far.

The more intimate parade ring is a winner, and part of its success is that it is shielded from the elements. The Curragh is such a wide open area, it is often prone to wind and rain. The current hot weather is hardly the norm in Co Kildare.

Derek McGrath, the chief executive of the Curragh, explained: “His Highness The Aga Khan was very much the driving force for positioning the parade ring behind the grandstand. It has created a very attractive area.”

He went on to confirm that the construction of the new grandstand and revamping of facilities is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

It is interesting to note that in little more than a decade, new grandstands will have been built at Ascot, Longchamp and the Curragh, three courses that stage the major chunk of the G1 program in Europe.

At Saratoga, the brilliant American filly Monomoy Girl again underlined her great class when defeating Midnight Bisou in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks, over nine furlongs. She was recording her fifth consecutive win.