Flat racing programme launched The Irish Summer Flat racing programme was launched today at a reception in Dublin´s Four Seasons Hotel. The event was hosted by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the Curragh and Leopardstown racecourses. Jim Bolger, Michael Halford, Aidan O´Brien, John Oxx, Fozzy Stack and David Wachman were among the leading trainers present to preview their best prospects for the season along with jockeys Johnny Murtagh, Pat Smullen and Declan McDonogh. The principal highlight of the 2008 racing season at the Curragh will be the first running of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby under its new sponsors, as part of a five year deal for this major race. The three-day Festival takes place from 27th to 29th June. Other features include the Boylesports Irish Guineas Festival on May 24th and 25th, with the Tattersalls Gold Cup on the 25th continuing to rate amongst the top international races for older horses. The Summer Racing Carnival on July 12th and 13th will feature the Darley Irish Oaks with prize money of ?500,000, while the Autumn Festival of Racing takes place on September 13th and 14th. The Irish Field St Leger features on day one, while Bank of Scotland (Ireland) sponsor the prestigious Group 1 National Stakes on the Sunday. 2008 will also see the beginning of the Curragh´s redevelopment programme following their much awaited confirmation of planning permission. Work will start in October after the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Millions Day on September 28th which will feature a fond farewell to the old facilities with a celebration of the ´Ten Most Memorable Curragh Classic Moments´. This day will continue to be Ireland´s richest raceday and one of the most valuable in Europe. The Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial this Sunday May 11th is the first major feature race of the Flat Season at Leopardstown and always provides a major pointer to the key Group 1 races for the remainder of the season. The Miller Race Evenings this year comprise a record eight fixtures, the first seven of which are on Wednesdays and get underway on May 21st, with the final date then on Thursday July 24th. Tattersalls Millions Champion Stakes Day on September 6th will once again be the highlight of Leopardstown´s Flat Season with the race carrying ?1million in prize money and maintaining its position as one of the top-rated races in the entire world. A very strong supporting card includes the Group 1 Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes.
