Welcome to Sportsandracing.news’ list of Ireland’s 5 Richest Group 1 Races. We provide free racing tips for various meets worldwide.
5 – Irish 1,000 Guineas
Location: The Curragh, County Kildare
Distance: 1 Mile (8 Furlongs)
Purse (approx.): €400,000
Date: May
Reigning Champion: Empress Josephine for Aidan O’Brien
Open to 3 year old fillies, established in 1922 and is often contested by runners from the English version of this race.
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4 – Irish 2,000 Guineas
Location: The Curragh, County Kildare
Distance: 1 Mile (8 Furlongs)
Purse (approx.): €400,000
Date: May
Reigning Champion: Mac Swiney for Jim Bolger
Open to 3 year old colts and fillies, established in 1922. Similar to the 1,000 Guineas there’s a lot of crossover with the English version. Part of the Irish Triple Crown (St. Leger, 2,000 Guineas, Derby)
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3 – Irish St. Leger
Location: The Curragh, County Kildare
Distance: 1 Mile, 6 Furlongs (14 Furlongs)
Purse (approx.): €460,000
Date: September
Reigning Champion: Sonnyboyliston for Johnny Murtagh
Open to any thoroughbred three or older, established in 1915. Original open to 3 year olds only between 1915 and 1983. Many of the best here are sent off to Flemington, Australia to compete in the Melbourne Cup, the world’s richest 2m handicap. Part of the Irish Triple Crown (St. Leger, 2,000 Guineas, Derby)
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2 – Irish Derby
Location: The Curragh, County Kildare
Distance: 1 Mile, 4 furlongs (12 Furlongs)
Purse (approx.): €690,000
Date: Late June/Early July
Reigning Champion: Hurricane Lane for Charlie Appleby
Open to 3 year old colts and fillies only, established as we know it in 1866. Contesting horse soften vie for the derby-double alongside the English Epsom Derby.
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1 – Irish Champion Stakes
Location: Leopardstown, County Dublin
Distance: 1 Mile, 2 Furlongs (10 Furlongs)
Purse (approx.): €890,000
Date: September
Reigning Champion: St Mark’s Basilica for Aidan O’Brien
Ireland’s Richest Group 1, open to thoroughbreds of three or older, the only on this list held outside the Curragh. Established in 1976, fairy late compared to the rest of these entries. Is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge as of 2009, winners earn a ticket into the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Many competitors go on to contest the other majors in the season.
