RTÉ’s Nationwide this Monday celebrates Irish flat racing, breeding and those who work behind the scenes to make racing work and features the Dubai Duty Free Derby.

Mary Fanning meets Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff award recipients - Pat Farrell, the Irish Excellence Award winner from Moyglare Stud, Stephen Thorne from Ado McGuinness’ yard with the picturesque background of Rush beach and the Gordon Elliott yard where three members of the team won awards.

Mary Kennedy also pays a visit to brilliant young trainer, Joseph O’Brien’s yard.

She gets a taste of Derby day, embracing all that is good about this weekend at the Curragh.

Name that race

INTERESTING note in this week’s Irish Racing Calendar that trainer Jim Bolger and owner John Corcoran are quietly sponsoring the €115,000 Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on August 26th but they have declined the opportunity to use their verbal dexterity and put their own stamp on the race name.

Any suggestions for them?

Chairman’s horse

HORSE RACING IRELAND chairman Nicky Hartery has a new horse. The two-year-old colt by Derby winner Australia is out of Nick’s Group 3 winner Nick’s Nikita.

The Waterford man has named the colt Metal Man, presumably after the statue in Tramore. No offence to top track manager Sue Phelan but hopefully the horse proves too good for racing at the popular seaside venue.

Day out at Ado’s

ADO McGuinness Racing opens its doors to the public on Sunday July 8th at 10.30am. The team want to showcase their facilities and give everyone an understanding of how the racing stable operates. They are looking forward to welcoming everyone and if you have an interest in attending, please email mcguinness.ado@gmail.com or contact assistant trainer Stephen Thorne on 085 7163850 for more information.

The address is Hayestown House, Hayestown, Lusk, Co Dublin.