LAMBOURN will be the star name on the track at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival next weekend.

The three-day meeting kicks off on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday when Epsom winner Lambourn is expected to start hot favourite for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

This year marks a milestone celebration of 160 years of the Irish Derby.

Friday evening’s card features the Corinthian Challenge race, a very special event in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund contested by amateur riders who have never ridden in a race before.

On Saturday the big race is the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes. Last year this race was won by Bluestocking, who went on to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Ballydoyle Racing has stated that Epsom Oaks runner-up Whirl will go for this race and among the older fillies tipped to take part are the David O’Meara-trained Estrange and David Menuisier’s Tamfana.

The Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld International Stakes will be run over the same trip on Saturday, and the Ger Lyons-trained Lady Iman is on course for the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes on that card too.

The Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes Ladies Derby also takes place on Saturday, an unusual race in that it is open to both professional and amateur female riders.

Derby day

As of this week’s forfeit stage there were still 64 colts left in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, suggesting that there are plenty of owners and trainers keen to take on Lambourn next Sunday. Epsom third Tennessee Stud is a confirmed starter.

Sunday’s card, which is a World Pool meeting, will start at 1.15pm with a competitive nine-furlong handicap, one of three valuable handicaps sponsored by Dubai Duty Free.

Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort and GAIN Equine Nutrition also sponsor €100,000 handicaps on Derby day.

THE winner of the Best Dressed Competition on Irish Derby day will receive a spectacular prize package from Dubai Duty Free, including return flights for two to Dubai, five nights at the luxurious Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and €1,000 spending money to enjoy at the award-winning airport retailer.

Celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna will be the lead fashion judge. She has a strong racing connection through her husband, Harry Herbert, founder of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicates, who will be joining her at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Clodagh will be joined on the judging panel by lifestyle and fashion writer Bairbre Power and Alpana Cidambi, representing Dubai Duty Free, the event’s long-standing title sponsor since 2008.

On Saturday The K Club’s “Summer Floral Themed” Most Stylish Racegoer competition will be judged by comedian Kayleigh Trappe.

ALL weekend the Curragh will be alive with Irish musicians, the Ramblin Rovers and other performers. As the sun sets on Friday night racing, you can enjoy live music with The Classic Beatles in the Champions Hall.

Sunday’s racing will be followed by a live performance from The Whistlin’ Donkeys, who bring the Festival to a close with their blend of Irish music and Celtic rock, with thanks to Afterparty sponsors, O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey.

Friday

Gates open 3.30pm, racing from 4.50pm to 8.30pm

Featuring the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race, in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys

After racing: The O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey After Party with The Classic Beatles

Saturday

Gates open 11am, racing from 1.15pm to 5.15pm

Featuring the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes and The Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes Ladies Derby

After racing: Party in the Square with Spring Break, Kildare Town Square

(Complimentary buses from track to Kildare)

Sunday

Gates open 11am, racing from 1.15pm to 5.55pm

Featuring the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

After racing: The O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey After Party with The Whistlin’ Donkeys

THERE is plenty of parking at the Curragh plus a fleet of golf buggys to bring racegoers from their cars to the entrance building.

Complimentary buses will also run across the weekend from Kildare town and station, Newbridge town and station, and Naas town centre.

Full details will be published closer to the time on the Curragh website.

Web: curragh.ie

RACEGOERS are advised to buy their tickets in advance and save money. Friday tickets start at €15, rising to €20 on Saturday and €30 on Sunday. These discounts will not be available at the gate.