The Curragh will stage a compelling autumn fixture on Thursday, 16th October as Curragh Racecourse Race day 2025 will assemble a deep and varied card of maidens, handicaps and staying tests. Across eight races the meeting will showcase juvenile promise, sharp sprint battles and stamina-laden finales a day that will see trainers, jockeys and supporters bring intensity to one of Ireland’s most storied tracks.
RACE 1: The Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden (Smullen Series)
Start Time: 13:15
Distance: 1m
Total Prize Money: €25,000
Category:Maiden
The meeting will begin with the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden (Smullen Series) a one-mile maiden worth €25,000 and open to a large juvenile field. A full declaration of 17 will contest the race and attention will fall on the more experienced and well-bred newcomers. Expect tactical early positioning on the straight before a decisive final two furlongs. Watch for ACCLAMATIC, MUSASHI, SANTA BRAVADO and ARAVALLI to feature prominently as stables aim to roll out potential stayers and late-season improvers.
RACE 2: The Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden
Start Time: 13:50
Distance: 6f
Total Prize Money: €25,000
Category: Maiden
The short sprint for juveniles will follow run over six furlongs for a €25,000 purse. A field of 12 will line up and the early dash will reward natural speed and gate positioning. Several trainers will seek to unveil precocious types capable of taking advantage of Curragh’s sharp mile circuit. Keep an eye on STARRED, LIBERATION DATE, SILK BRAID and LUMIERE DES ETOILE as likely front-rank contenders in what will be a lively test for two-year-olds.
RACE 3: The DNG Handicap
Start Time: 14:25
Distance: 6f
Total Prize Money: €35,000
Category: Handicap
At mid-afternoon the DNG Handicap over six furlongs will present a competitive sprint for more mature campaigners, with 10 declared. This €35,000 race will test class and turn-of-foot; reputation and recent form will matter as much as the draw. Names to note include GO ATHLETICO, UNIQUE JOURNEY, GERMANESE and SARAHMAE horses that will be expected to bring speed and track craft to the fast and furious feature.
RACE 4: The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap
Start Time: 15:00
Distance: 5f
Total Prize Money: €18,000
Category: Apprentice Handicap
A quick-fire five-furlong apprentice contest will offer sharp, competitive racing with 18 runners declared. The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap will reward split-second timing and a good break from the stalls. Expect plenty of early hustle and close finishes. Look for DONTSP OILASALE, SPORTING HERO, MARY SHOELACES and TINO PAI among the ones likely to push for the front in this frenetic dash.
RACE 5: The DNG Handicap
Start Time: 15:35
Distance: 1m 2f
Total Prize Money: €35,000
Category: Handicap
The middle-distance DNG Handicap will bring a classier handicap test at 1m 2f with 8 declared carrying the day’s heftier prize fund. This contest will reward balanced galloping and a strong late kick on the Curragh’s sweeping straight. Prominent names include COEUR D’OR, IN MY TEENS, WAR ROOMS and BEAR PROFIT each expected to play a central role in the tactical puzzle as trainers seek autumn glory.
RACE 6: The Maiden
Start Time: 16:10
Distance: 1m 4f
Total Prize Money: €20,000
Category: Maiden
The card will move up in trip for a 1m 4f maiden worth €20,000 where 12 are set to contest. This test of stamina and education will suit young horses stepping up for longer assignments and will be watched closely by trainers plotting future staying careers. Key prospects likely to take centre stage are EASTERN BLUE BIRD, APPEARED, BARTHOLOMEW and SETI ONE horses that will be expected to stay on strongly in the closing stages.
RACE 7: The DNG Gold Handicap
Start Time: 16:45
Distance: 1m 6f
Total Prize Money: €18,000
Category: Handicap
As the afternoon deepens the DNG Gold Handicap will provide a notable staying examination over 1m 6f with 22 declared. This race will demand patience and measured pace jockeys will time their bids for the long run-in. Leading contenders for the stayers’ test include TOTO TOO, EARTHSONG, QAMARI and TRUBSHAW each named among those likely to make the race a strategic contest of endurance.
RACE 8: The Irish Racing Handicap
Start Time: 17:20
Distance: 7f
Total Prize Money: €18,000
Category: Handicap
The meeting will close with a seven-furlong handicap featuring 27 declarations and a sprightly mix of speed and stamina. The Irish Racing Handicap will demand a fine balance between positioning and a strong late surge. Keep a close watch on ZIPSTER, GOAL EXCEEDED, CAL I CASE and TOFINO contenders who will be expected to animate the finale and provide a fitting end to a packed Curragh programme.
Thursday’s Curragh Racecourse Race day 2025 will stitch together juvenile promise, sharp handicapping contests and staying tests into a cohesive, excitement-filled afternoon. Trainers will use the track’s generous galloping layout to set up autumn targets while several horses will emerge with renewed spring ambitions after spirited Curragh runs. The meeting will not only close the week in style but will also set the tone for the next Curragh fixture, fans will find reason to return, expecting more top-class action and storyline development.
Next up, Curragh supporters will be promised another strong weekend card that will pick up the narratives sown on the 16th: stayers will be asked to carry their form forward, maidens will evolve into handicappers and the autumn turf will continue to separate the hardy from the hopeful.
For more, stay tuned to Racebuzz.com for full previews, updates and post-race coverage as Curragh’s autumn campaign unfolds.
