Irish Derby switches back to Saturday The Curragh is to break with recent tradition and hold the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on a Saturday in 2012. The change was revealed as part of the 2012 Fixture List released today by HRI, and it is hoped the change will boost attendance at the flagship Flat fixture which has suffered in recent year's clashing with high profile GAA matches. It is also considered that the timing of the race later in the afternoon, similar to feature races in recent years at the Punchestown Festival, will give the race a higher television profile. Curragh Manager Paul Hensey said, “The Curragh Racecourse made the decision to move the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby to Saturday next year following discussions with our title sponsors Dubai Duty Free and having consulted with Horse Racing Ireland. "We believe that a Saturday late afternoon Derby will have major benefits – facilitating its growth as the social occasion of the summer season and bringing it to a prime time television audience which will further raise its profile and attract new people to racing. Sunday will continue to be an outstanding raceday with the Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes featuring as part of a high quality programme.” Incidentally the last time the race was run on a Saturday was when Sir Harry Lewis won in 1987, and a bomb scare held up the meeting. Hopefully 25 years on there will not be any problems! Alan Magee
