WITH one week to go to the Longines Irish Champions Weekend, the sold out signs have been hung out at the Curragh. Before panic sets it, it should be said that this is for the hospitality options only, and chief executive Derek McGrath is keen to stress that admission to the racecourse on Sunday is still available, starting at an incredible €15.

The success of the casual dining outlets this year, introduced following the reconfiguration of facilities during the Curragh redevelopment programme, has been heartening and I can personally attest to the quality of the offerings. Some of these can be accessed, along with admission, if you purchase the very attractive Punters Package online for just €35.

What about the day itself? Racing at the Curragh on Sunday follows the opening day of the weekend at Leopardstown, and the fare on offer at the Co Kildare venue is as mouth-watering as it can be. News that one of the best loved horses in racing, Big Orange, is a likely contender for the Comer Group International St Leger was a further boost this week to what was already a compelling card.

In addition to the final classic race of the season, Sunday’s programme contains two more Group 1 races, both of which traditionally set the standard in Ireland – and often in Europe – for the best two-year-olds of either sex. The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes has a roll of honour of champions that is the envy of every other such contest in Europe, while the Moyglare Stud Stakes is one of the longest and most successful sponsorships in racing.

Moyglare Stud puts huge effort and weight behind this particular day and also sponsor the Group 2 Blandford Stakes. During Sunday’s meeting a special presentation will be made to Dermot Weld to honour his Irish St Leger and Melbourne Cup achievements. Dermot has a long association with Moyglare Stud, first with the founder Walter Haefner and now with his daughter Eva Maria.

The anticipation ahead of the hugely competitive Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes is always palpable and this is such a spectacle up the Curragh straight.

The Derrinstown Stud Flying Five is a chance to see some of the top sprinters about, while the EBF append their name to a pair of competitive and very valuable handicaps.

Racegoers whose passion is the racing itself will have no complaints with the day, while there will be no end of entertainment too for the casual racegoer. Longines support the Prize for Elegance competition – looking for the most stylish lady and gentleman – and Kildare Village and David Marshall Hair Salon come on board for this. Why not go down early on Sunday morning and start with breakfast and some retail therapy just up the road at the outlet village?

The Late Late Show’s resident band, the Connor McKeon Band, will entertain racegoers after the final race is run, while earlier in the day you can enjoy the sounds of the Dublin Welsh Choir and the Newbridge Gospel Choir.

A delightful and welcome addition for this Sunday is the Family Fun Enclosure. This will be a great way to experience the thrill of racing ‘on the ground’ and the in-field site will also be home to a variety of free entertainment for children and the young at heart. A family ticket for this will cost just €50 and those availing of the facility will access the racecourse at the main entrance.

Derek McGrath and his team are primed and ready to welcome one and all to what will be a day of classic racing and fun for all. All that is left to get now is the sunshine.

One final reminder from Derek: “The Curragh Thoroughbred Trail offers the public having the unique opportunity to visit some of the leading stable yards, stud farms and other equine establishments around the Curragh. Tickets are still available for these guided opportunities on Sunday morning to see how champions are born and prepared for racing.”

An irresistible offer.

www.curragh.ie