MANAGEMENT at the Curragh report the track to be in excellent condition ahead of the three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival though the capacity for racegoers is restricted because of refurbishment.

The going was described on Wednesday morning as good to firm with rain expected over the next couple of days before dry weather returns.

"The course is in fantastic condition. We had lovely weather on Tuesday. Overnight there's been a good bit of rain, but the ground started the week good to firm," chief executive Derek McGrath told At The Races.

"The rain we had early in the week softened it to good. It is now back to good to firm but we are expecting a bit more rain the next couple of days.

"Friday and Saturday at the moment look like not too much rain at all.

"The people coming racing will be a smaller number. It's an incredibly exciting time at the Curragh, but it does come with pain. Unfortunately our capacity is restricted to 6,000 and we operating off facilities which are built for this year and it does mean there are some restrictions.

"People who do come racing are going to see a track in magnificent condition and will see some of the best horses.

"The track hasn't been used much this year, we started late in order to facilitate the development, so it does mean the track is in particularly good condition."

The highlight of the three-day fixture is the Irish Derby in which trainer Aidan O'Brien has a strong team headed by Investec Derby hero Wings Of Eagles as he bids for a record 12th win in the race.

"Aidan O'Brien is a great supporter of the Derby. I wouldn't say he was monopolising it as he's only won it once in the last four years," said McGrath.

"He is clearly going for the double this year (after Wings Of Eagles at Epsom) and we're so excited at seeing Waldgeist and Cracksman coming over. That just really sparks it up."