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Curragh Friday going update

Irish Derby weekend gets underway at the Curragh this evening. Irish Derby weekend gets underway at the Curragh this evening.
© Healy Racing Photos

Day one of the 2025 Irish Derby festival gets underway at the Curragh on Friday, with the action set to commence at 4.50.

After 3mm of rain, the ground on the straight course remains good, good to yielding in places and the round course is good.

Forecast going forward is for 3-5mm of rain between this morning and Sunday night.

Racing will take place on fresh ground on each of the three days.

The feature race on the opening evening is the Fitzpatrick's Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Derby Handicap(8.00). Here the Joseph O'Brien trained Fortuna Vera appears to have leading claims under Julian Pietropaolo.

Elsewhere on the card, the JJ Mahon & Sons Handicap(5.50) looks a highly competitive affair, in which Four Blondes Ribchestina and Dark Viper head the market.

Joseph O'Brien Trainers
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.
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