Epsom Derby winner Harzand is among nine runners declared to run in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this SATURDAY at the Curragh. Trainer Dermot Weld has won the race twice previously with Zagreb in 1996 and Grey Swallow in 2004, while owner His Highness The Aga Khan has won the race five times previously with Alamshar (2003), Sinndar (2000), Kahyasi (1988), Shahrastani (1986) and Shergar (1981)

Idaho heads a team of four runners for Aidan OBrien who attempts to win the Group 1 Classic for a remarkable 12th time. Red Verdon trained by Ed Dunlop is the sole British trained contender.

Jim Bolger, who has trained two Irish Derby winners with Trading Leather (2013) and St Jovite (1992), has declared both Moonlight Magic and Stellar Mass and he commented about the Derrinstown Derby Trial winner: “Moonlight Magic is very well and I am hoping he will give a good account of himself. I think the Curragh will suit him better than Epsom. It might have been that he just had an off day at Epsom but I think the track may have been a factor so we are looking forward to the Curragh.”

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival gets underway on FRIDAY evening at 5.30pm with a seven race card. A field of 13 will go to post for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ragusa Handicap with champion jockey Pat Smullen teaming up with William Haggas to ride Dawn Missile and in the DoneDeal Apprentice Derby 16 runners have been declared for as Ireland’s leading young jockeys do battle over the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby course and distance.

The Curragh is delighted to announce that they will have a dedicated FAN ZONE for soccer fans at the races this SUNDAY to watch the Ireland V France game and anyone wearing their green jersey will gain admission for only 5 euro which includes a food voucher which can be redeemed in the Fan Zone. Facilities will include open bar, big screen and food outlets. The Kildare v Westmeath Leinster Semi Final will also be shown.

Evan Arkwright from the Curragh Racecourse commented:

“What better way to watch the match on Sunday then to come racing to support the boys in green, see top class racing, enjoy lots of free entertainment for kids and the game on five big screens throughout the racecourse - there is guaranteed to be a great atmosphere.”

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1 Classic) Saturday 25th June

Claudio Monteverdi

Ebediyin

Harzand

Idaho

Moonlight Magic

Port Douglas

Red Verdon

Shogun

Stellar Mass

Paddy Power: 4-5 Harzand, 9-4 Idaho, 10 Red Verdon, 12 Moonlight Magic, 16 Port Douglas, 33 Stellar Mass, Shogun, 50 Claudio Monteverdi, 66 Ebediyin