The Curragh will hum with expectation on Saturday 4 October 2025, as the Irish EBF Race day brings a compact card of maidens, handicaps and a feature race. From the early seven-furlong newcomers to the stretching finale, the day will blend juvenile promise with hard-fought handicap drama on one of Ireland’s most storied plains.
RACE 1: 13:07, The Bermingham Cameras Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden — 7f — €20,000 — Maiden
The card opens with a seven-furlong maiden for two-year-old colts and geldings. This race will showcase early-season potential with newcomers aiming to make a mark and established juveniles looking to confirm their promise. The distance will test speed out of the stalls and the ability to sustain a strong gallop through the middle section. With fourteen declared runners positioning and composure will be vital on the Curragh’s expansive straight.
Contenders: Field of 14. Keep an eye on ARDAD NED, BIG BILL, IRON LILY and LOCH GAMHNA.
RACE 2: 13:42, The Bermingham Cameras Irish EBF Fillies Maiden — 7f — €20,000 — Fillies Maiden
A mirror of the opening contest, the fillies’ seven-furlong maiden will provide an early platform for emerging stars. These young horses will face the dual challenge of gauging pace while handling the mental demands of their first significant test. The course promises a fair examination of stamina and acceleration as they negotiate the opening bends and the long run to the line.
Contenders: Field of 14. Watch CAMEO, DIVINE BLUE, GOOFY GANDER and LADY KELLY.
RACE 3: 14:17, The Darley Irish EBF Brigid’s Pastures Stakes — 6f — €55,000 — Listed
The afternoon’s sprint is the standout race of the card. Covering six furlongs this contest will attract a quality line-up of juvenile sprinters. Riders will be tasked with finding the right position early and timing their final push perfectly over the course’s long, flat stretch. With eighteen runners declared the race promises an electrifying tempo and a chance for emerging stars to claim black-type recognition.
Contenders: Field of 18. Leading names include GUTSY GIRL, CARLA RIDGE, EASY MOVER and SPARKLING SEA.
RACE 4: 14:52, The Irish Racing Handicap — 6f — €26,000 — Handicap
The six-furlong handicap will challenge the field over a sharp and lively sprint distance. Ten horses are set to contest the race where early positioning, rhythm and an ability to respond to pace changes will be crucial. The Curragh’s track layout will reward those who can maintain momentum through the mid-section and produce a strong finish down the straight.
Contenders: Field of 10. Note BISHOPTON, UNIQUE JOURNEY, GERRIT’S GEM and JON RIGGENS.
RACE 5: 15:27, The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap — 1m — €21,000 — Apprentice Handicap
Stretching out to a mile this handicap will test both stamina and tactical sense across fifteen entries. Riders will need to gauge pace carefully, positioning their mounts for a decisive move at the top of the straight. The longer distance opens opportunities for a measured approach, and several contestants will be looking to showcase their resilience and finishing strength.
Contenders: Field of 15. Look out for EARLS, REFRESHMENT, MR RANGO and FLYING FORTRESS.
RACE 6: 16:02, The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Lady Riders Trophy (Q.R.) Handicap — 1m 4f — €21,000 — Handicap Race
The longest race of the day will push horses and riders to their endurance limits over twelve furlongs. Fifteen declared runners will navigate the Curragh’s wide, testing track as they balance stamina, positioning, and timing their finishing kick. The extended distance will favour horses who can maintain a steady gallop and produce a strong late surge, highlighting both class and resilience.
Contenders: Field of 15. Watch EPHESUS, DABOYA, THE MEDIATOR and MOONLIT MIST.
RACE 7: 16:35, The Handicap — 6f — €18,000
A six-furlong sprint with a declared field of eighteen this handicap will combine speed and tactical acumen. Quick starts and maintaining momentum through the bend will be essential as contenders jostle for position and time their effort to perfection for the final run to the line.
Contenders: Field of 18. Keep tabs on OHAILBHIC, KEY WITNESS, SALAH BELLE and SMOKE THEM OUT.
RACE 8: 17:10, The Final Furlong Podcast With 1xbet.ie Handicap — 1m — €18,000 — Handicap
The card closes with a lively one-mile handicap, where twenty-two runners will stretch across the course in a test of rhythm and strategic timing. The extended field and distance will encourage well-judged efforts with horses that conserve energy for a final thrust through the straight likely to feature prominently.
Contenders: Field of 22. Heads will turn for COUNTERCULTURE, RIZAL, CODICE and GOLDRUSH KID.
Across eight races, the Curragh will present a full spectrum of Flat racing: raw two-year-old speed, class and the relentless grind of competitive handicaps. Expect tight finishes, late surges, and emerging stars to make their mark on the track.
Racing will not pause for long, another Curragh card will follow on the calendar, promising fresh narratives and new contenders to track.
For more, stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
