THE 200th running of the Group 3 Royal Whip will take place at the Curragh on Friday, August 14th, and to celebrate this historic race The Irish Field will append its name to it. This is also a special year for Ireland’s dedicated equine and equestrian paper, which was first published 150 years ago. The race will be named The Irish Field Celebrating 150 Years Royal Whip.

Celebrating both of these special anniversaries by linking them was an appealing prospect when put to The Irish Field’s editor Leo Powell. He said: “In this special year for the paper, we are grateful to Pat Keogh and Evan Arkwright at the Curragh for allowing us to be associated with such an historic race, and in its own special year.

Alleged

“I can remember Alleged winning it twice on his way to Arc glory, while in more recent times it has been captured by the likes of Pilsudski, High Chaparral, Fame And Glory, Banimpire and Found. I hope we can welcome the winning owner this year to the Curragh to accept the unique trophy, presented by King William IV in 1830 to replace the original gold-handled whip presented to the Irish Turf Club by King George IV.”

Pat Keogh, CEO of the Curragh is delighted to have The Irish Field at the Curragh where for many years they sponsored the Group 1 The Irish Field St Leger. He said: “This is a very special year for The Irish Field who are celebrating their big birthday. This is a great opportunity for us to say a big thank you to them for all their magnificent contribution to the industry and the Curragh over the past 150 years.”