RACE INFO

NEXT RACE

WHEN IS THE NEXT IRISH DERBY?

4:35pm - 27th June 2027

Days
Hours
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
KEY DETAILS

RICHEST RACE IN THE IRISH TRIPLE CROWN

Race Type
GROUP 1

FLAT

Distance: 2400 Metres
Surface: Turf

Trophy for winning horse race
PURSE

PRIZE MONEY

Winner: €712,500
Prize Fund: €1.5 million

Qualify for a race
QUALIFYING

ENTRY

Qualification: Three-year-olds+
Weight: Colts 126lbs/fillies 123lbs

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    IRISH DERBY BOOKMAKER

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    IRISH DERBY

    ODDS & RUNNERS 2027

    Check the odds with your Bookmaker before placing a bet, as fluctuations occur. Full Terms and Conditions for the promotional bet offers can be found on the respective websites – read them before you sign up. Important to Remember: Please be aware that when you place a bet on a horse in the ante-post market and your chosen horse is subsequently withdrawn from the race for any reason, your ante-post bet is considered lost. In such cases, the bookmaker will retain your stake.

    Odds Updated 29 Jun 2026
    NoHorseOddsAgeWeightJockeyTrainerForm
    1Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    2Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    3Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    4Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    5Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    6Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    7Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    8Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    9Unknown0/039-2UnknownUnknown
    IRISH DERBY

    2026 RACE WINNER

    Benvenuto Cellini powered clear to claim the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh, justifying strong market support as the 7/4 favourite.

    Dropped in at the rear early, he made smooth headway after four furlongs, switched for a run and swept to the front two out before hanging right but always doing enough.

    Christmas Day, who had taken over after Action’s early tearaway effort, rallied gamely when headed and kept on for a clear second, with Pierre Bonnard staying on late into third.

    The result completed a famous clean sweep of the first three for Aidan O’Brien and confirmed Benvenuto Cellini as a top-class twelve-furlong colt.

    IRISH DERBY

    RACE OVERVIEW

    The Irish Derby, set for June 27th, 2027, at the Curragh, stands as Ireland’s premier flat race for three-year-old colts and fillies and is a highlight of the international racing calendar.

    First run in 1866, the Irish Derby has evolved from its local roots into a global event, renowned for its rich history, prestige, and fiercely competitive field.

    Contested over 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres), the race mirrors the distance and Classic status of its English counterpart at Epsom, taking place roughly three weeks after the Derby and often featuring rematches between top contenders from both sides of the Irish Sea.

    The event is open exclusively to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, with fillies receiving a three-pound weight allowance (colts carry 9 stone, fillies 8 stone 11 lbs).

    The Irish Derby boasts a total prize fund of €1.5 million, making it the richest race in the Irish Triple Crown, with the winner typically earning around €870,000.

    The race’s roll of honour features legends of the turf, and it has become a proving ground for future champions.

    Notably, the race has been dominated by Irish-based trainers, especially Aidan O’Brien, who has set a record with 18 wins, including recent victories with Benvenuto Cellini in 2026, Lambourn in 2025, Los Angeles in 2024, and Auguste Rodin in 2023.

    Middle Leg of the Irish Triple Crown

    The Irish Derby occupies a prestigious position as the middle leg of the Irish Triple Crown, a trio of Classic races for three-year-old colts and fillies.

    The series begins with the Irish 2000 Guineas, run over a mile at the Curragh in May, testing the speed and precocity of young thoroughbreds.

    The Irish Derby follows in late June or early July, also at the Curragh, extending the challenge to 1 mile and 4 furlongs and demanding a blend of stamina and tactical speed.

    As the richest and most celebrated of the three, the Irish Derby often attracts horses that have competed in the English Derby, with some aiming for the rare “Double Derby” by winning both at Epsom and the Curragh.

    The series concludes with the Irish St. Leger in September, again at the Curragh, which stretches the test to 1 mile and 6 furlongs and is open to older horses as well as three-year-olds.

    Winning all three races is a formidable feat, cementing a horse’s reputation as a true Classic champion.

    Ireland's Most Historic Race

    The Irish Derby is one of Ireland’s most prestigious and historic flat races, with a lineage stretching back to 1866.

    The race was established through the efforts of the 3rd Earl of Howth, the 3rd Marquess of Drogheda, and the 3rd Earl of Charlemont, and has since become the centrepiece of the Irish racing calendar.

    While earlier versions such as the O’Darby Stakes (1817) and the Curragh Derby (1848) existed, they were short-lived, making the modern Irish Derby’s continuous run from 1866 a significant milestone.

    The race quickly gained prestige, particularly after the prize money was substantially increased in 1962, attracting international competition and cementing its status as a major global event.

    The Irish Derby is closely linked to the Epsom Derby, with many horses attempting to win both. Orby was the first to achieve the English-Irish Derby double in 1907, a feat since matched by 19 others, most recently by Lambourn in 2025 and Auguste Rodin in 2023.

    Legendary figures include jockey Morny Wing, with six wins, and trainer Aidan O’Brien, who holds the record with 18 victories.

    UPDATES

    RACING & IRISH DERBY NEWS

    WINNER

    TRENDS & STATS

    The Irish Derby is a race where trends and statistics often provide valuable insights into predicting success on the track.

    Aidan O’Brien Dominance

    O’Brien-trained horses have won 14 of the last 20 runnings and 18 overall, with 39 placed finishers from 89 runners since 2004.

    Irish-Trained Horses Prevail

    17 of the last 20 winners were trained in Ireland, showing a strong home advantage.

    Epsom Derby as a Key Trial

    10+ winners in the last 20 years ran in the Epsom Derby last time out, with 8 of the last 10 winners having contested it. Horses finishing in the top three at Epsom have a particularly strong record.

    Recent Form is Crucial

    Every winner in the last 10 years had their previous run within 29 days of the Irish Derby. Horses with no recent run (over 30 days) have a poor record (0-37).

    Market Leaders Often Deliver

    12 of the last 20 winners were favourites, and 18 of 20 favourites placed in the top four. 7 of the last 10 winners were in the top three in the betting.

    Stall/Drawing Trends

    Nine of the last 10 winners were drawn in stalls 7 or higher, with stalls 8 and 9 being especially successful. Only Lambourn in 2025 defied this statistic, running out of stall 5.

    Flat Experience Matters

    All of the last 10 winners had at least four previous runs on the Flat.

    Group Race Form

    8 of the last 10 winners had already won a Group 1-3 race before the Irish Derby, highlighting the value of proven class.

    Colts Dominate

    No filly has won the Irish Derby in the last 20 years; male runners have a near-monopoly.

    Big Odds Rarely Win, but Not Impossible

    While favourites often win, the biggest-priced winner in the last 20 years was Sovereign at 33/1 in 2019, showing that shocks can happen.

    These trends highlight the importance of recent form, proven Group race ability, strong Irish and O’Brien connections, and a favourable draw when searching for the next Irish Derby champion.

    ENTRY

    TICKETS & PRICING

    For 2027, the Irish derby is scheduled to take place at The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, 27th June 2027, at 16:10.

    Here's everything you need to know about attending the great Irish race:

    General Admission Ticket Prices

      • General Admission:
        • Adults: €30
      • Curragh Day Membership
        • Adults: €85
    • Curragh Bundle:
      • Adults: €42

    The Curragh Bundle includes General admission, a race card, €10 food voucher* and a €5.00 Tote voucher.

    Winning Line Lounge

    For €150 you can enjoy Irish Derby Day from the spectacular setting of the Winning Line Lounge on the top floor of the Curragh grandstand, overlooking the winning line with a dedicated balcony view.

    Ticket includes admission, a complimentary race card, access for the day to the Winning Line Lounge, bar and Tote betting facilities.

    Queen's Room Marquee

    For €345 per person, you can start your Irish Derby Day experience in the Queen's Room Marquee with a complimentary glass of Moet & Chandon.

    The resident tipster will be on hand, and with your seat secured for the day, you'll enjoy a 4-course buffet menu followed by a light afternoon tea, served after the Irish Derby.

    How to Buy Tickets

    Tickets are currently available through the official Curragh Racecourse website.

    IRISH DERBY

    VISITOR TIPS

    Here's a clear, helpful list of tips for visitors attending the Irish Derby at the Curragh:

      1. Fashion & Comfort
        The festival is a stylish affair, but comfort is important as you’ll be on your feet and exposed to Irish spring weather-layers and comfortable shoes are recommended.
      2. Weather Preparedness
        May in Ireland can be unpredictable; bring a raincoat or umbrella and sunscreen.
      3. Family Friendly
        The weekend includes entertainment for all ages, including live music, food stalls, and children’s activities.
      4. Transportation
        The Curragh is easily accessible by car or public transport from Dublin and nearby towns. Shuttle services and parking are available.

      Follow these simple tips to ensure your Irish Derby experience at the Curragh is enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable!

    EARLY YEARS

    HISTORY

    The early years of the Irish Derby are marked by a series of ambitious beginnings and adjustments that shaped it into Ireland’s premier Classic race.

    The modern Irish Derby was first run at the Curragh in 1866, following two earlier but short-lived attempts: the O’Darby Stakes (1817–1824) and the Curragh Derby (1848).

    The successful establishment of the current race is credited to the 3rd Earl of Howth, the 3rd Marquess of Drogheda, and the 3rd Earl of Charlemont.

    The inaugural running in 1866 was won by Selim, with the race initially contested over 1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 3 yards-longer than its English counterpart.

    In 1869, the distance was extended by 9 yards, but in 1872 it was reduced to the present-day 1 mile and 4 furlongs to mirror the Epsom Derby.

    Early prize money was modest: Selim’s connections received £421, a stark contrast to the riches of the English Derby at the time. Throughout the late 19th century, other juvenile races at the Curragh often offered higher purses, reflecting the Derby’s gradual rise in status.

    The race conditions in the early decades included a range of penalties and weight allowances, producing winners carrying anything from 7st 12lb (Sylph, 1883) to 9st 8lb (Orby, 1907).

    The Irish Derby steadily grew in prestige, eventually drawing top-class horses and laying the foundation for its later international significance.

    VIDEOS

    4 Videos
    QUESTIONS

    FAQs

      1. What is the Irish Derby?
        The Irish Derby is a Group 1 flat race for three-year-old colts and fillies, run over a mile and four furlongs (2,414 metres) at The Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland.
      2. When is the 2027 Irish Derby?
        The 2027 Irish Derby is scheduled for Sunday, 27th June, as the main event of the three-day Irish Derby Festival, which runs from Friday, 25th June to Sunday, 27th June 2027.
      3. Who can enter?
        Entry is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies; geldings are not eligible to compete in the Irish Derby.
      4. What is the prize money?
        The total prize fund for the 2027 Irish Derby is €1.5 million, making it the richest race in the Irish Triple Crown. The winner typically receives around 60% of the purse, approximately €870,000.
      5. What is the course like?
        The race is run on a right-handed, turf round course at The Curragh, renowned for its challenging uphill finish and sweeping bends-a true test of stamina and class.
      6. How do I get tickets?
        Tickets and packages, including general admission, hospitality, and VIP experiences, are available for purchase online. Upgrades to reserved grandstand seats and hospitality packages are also offered, but these can sell out quickly.
      7. What should I wear?
        Smart, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. While there is no strict dress code for general admission, fashion and style are encouraged, especially on Ladies Day. Comfort is also key due to the festival atmosphere and outdoor setting.
      8. Can I bet on the race?
        Yes, betting is available both on course and online, allowing racegoers to enjoy the thrill of a wager on the Irish Derby and supporting races.
      9. Who are the most successful trainers and jockeys?
        Aidan O’Brien is the most successful trainer in Irish Derby history with 18 wins. Among jockeys, Morny Wing holds the record with six victories.
      10. What else is there to do?
        Beyond the racing, the Irish Derby Festival offers live music, fashion competitions, family entertainment, and the chance to explore local attractions in Kildare and nearby Dublin.

      The Irish Derby at The Curragh remains a cornerstone of the European flat racing season, blending elite sport, tradition, and Irish hospitality in a spectacular festival setting.

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