LEOPARDSTOWN and the Curragh will be hoping to dodge the forecast showers today and tomorrow as they prepare to host the fourth Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

The five Group 1 races spread over the two days have all attracted double-figure fields and the supporting races also look competitive. Both tracks stage eight-race cards, with 102 runners at Leopardstown today and 121 at the Curragh tomorrow.

The Qipco Irish Champion Stakes featured eight individual Group 1 winners last year. That number is halved this year but Pat Keogh, Leopardstown CEO, is not disappointed. “The overall card is better than we could have hoped for. Last year’s race was unbelievable but there is real quality on show this time too. I think it’s an open race.”

The Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes on today’s card features an impressive six Group 1 winners, headed by Winter. Keogh pointed to the fact that top jockeys Ryan Moore, Frankie Dettori, Pat Smullen, Andrea Atzeni, James Doyle, Gregory Benoist and others were riding at Leopardstown as evidence that the fixture was of global importance.

As usual, the inner track will be used for the first four races on Saturday’s card and the outside track for the remainder, including the two Group 1 events.

CURRAGH CAPACITY

The Curragh has strong fields for its three Group 1 races though the defections midweek of Expert Eye (Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes) and Big Orange (Comer Group Irish St Leger) were disappointing.

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore will team up with the favourite for all three Curragh features in Clemmie (Moyglare Stud Stakes), Gustav Klimt (National) and Order Of St George (St Leger).

Derek McGrath, Curragh CEO, does not expect the day to sell-out, unlike Irish Derby day. “We have erected a new marquee in the infield enclosure which can take an extra 1,000 people. This will be predominantly for families with an expanded Moyglare Stud-sponsored funzone.”

In the middle of major redevelopment, the Curragh can accommodate 7,000 racegoers on Sunday. “The weather will have its say but I’d be confident we’ll have between 5,000 and 6,000 here. This will be our 18th meeting of the year and we have a good system in operation.”

Before racing on Sunday 400 people will avail of the opportunity to get a look behind the scenes at various training yards and studs in the Curragh area thanks to the ‘Thoroughbred Trail’ initiative.

Connections of Big Orange have switched their attentions to the Prix du Cadran at Chantilly on Arc weekend after opting to swerve Sunday’s Irish St Leger because of concerns over the ground at the Curragh. Trainer Michael Bell said: “There’s little point in playing away from home on a surface that doesn’t suit.”

Next year’s 2000 Guineas favourite Expert Eye was ruled out of the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes due to a minor setback.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for Expert Eye’s owner Khalid Abdullah said: “Unfortunately he returned [from Goodwood] a slightly dirty scope, so that has ruled him out of Ireland.

“I would think it would make sense now to head straight for the Dewhurst, that seems likely.”