Subscriber

Ruby Walsh: You'd swear tactics were something new, it's part of a jockey's job

The Irish Derby prize is the main attraction of a jam-packed festival at the Curragh this weekend

Benvenuto Cellini will most likely start as the favourite in the Irish Derby. Pic: Healy Racing

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 - 03:00

Ruby Walsh

For a change, the weather Gods look like shining bright for the Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh this weekend, for what is a jammed-packed weekend of action.

The revival of the football championship, sparked by simple changes that must have felt like moving a mountain for some, won’t help the Curragh’s gate, but there is nothing they can do about that. Eight of the 25 races were decided on Friday evening, but over the next two days, 17 contests will go to post with €2,780,000 up for grabs, with the Dubai Derby Free Irish Derby responsible for €1,250,000 of the total pot.

This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in