PRIZE money will be raised across the board at the Curragh this year in a bid to attract as many runners as possible in races at all levels.

Racing manager Evan Arkwright said: “We have made a lot of tweaks to our racing programme. The Guineas Festival is three days, starting on the Friday, the Derby Festival is also three days but starts on a Thursday, and we have a new two-day Autumn Festival at the end of September.”

Now that the Curragh has upgraded its stables and facilities for owners, it is hoped that more international runners can be lured to races such as the Irish Derby. The Derby itself stays at €1.5 million this year though every other race on the day has been boosted.

The Curragh’s Champions Weekend fixture, with four Group 1 races, is also set for some significant prize money increases. Both the Guineas and the Tattersalls Gold Cup are already at €400,000 and no race on a classic day will be worth less than €20,000.

“We have a big parade ring that can take 30 runners and we want to see that limit reached as often as we can,” added Arkwright. “We have fantastic facilities for owners and trainers. As many as possible should use them and enjoy them.”

It is believed that a new non-racing sponsor has been signed up for the Irish Oaks to replace Darley.