Curragh Racecourse

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Racing Heroes Confirmed to Parade at the Curragh on Ryder Cup Race Day
11/09/06

Some of the greatest National Hunt horses to have graced our racecourses in recent years are confirmed to parade at the Curragh on Ryder Cup Race Day on Tues 19th September: Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Kicking King; English Grand National winners, Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter; four-time Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup winner, Florida Pearl; triple Champion Hurdle winner, Istabraq; dual Champion Hurdle winner, Hardy Eustace, current Two Mile Champion Chaser, Newmill, and the remarkable pair of Limestone Lad and Solerina, successful in 57 races between them.

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI said: "It is a fitting conclusion to the Ryder Cup Race Day featuring the Shelbourne Hotel Goffs Million that we have arranged a Parade of Champions in the parade ring after the last race and they will form part of a full programme of events. It is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the heroes of the Irish racing who have achieved so much success at home and abroad."

NH Horses to Parade: Kicking King, Numbersixvalverde, Newmill, Hedgehunter, Florida Pearl, Istabraq, Hardy Eustace, Limestone Lad & Solerina

Vincent O’Brien To Be Honoured In Celebration Of Irish Racing
01/09/06

Vincent O’Brien, Paddy Mullins and Dermot Weld are among the twenty confirmed ‘racing heroes’ who have been invited by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to be honoured on Ryder Cup Race Day at the Curragh on 19th September.

Irish racing says ‘thank you for the memories’ as the celebration portrays Ireland's extraordinary achievements in breeding, training and riding over the years, in which these heroes have succeeded at the highest levels internationally. The central theme of the celebration will be 'Winning the World Over’, an apt description of Irish racing’s impact on the world stage. The ceremony will take place in two parts -one for Flat Racing and another for National Hunt, between races on the day.

This is a week when the world’s eyes will be focused on Co.Kildare and HRI is working with Failte Ireland, Goffs and the Curragh to create an exceptional raceday which will present the best aspects of racing in Ireland. In addition to the first-class race programme on the day it will also feature cultural elements with music, painting and street theatre combining to entertain the visitors, along with the €20,000 Brown Thomas ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition. There will be a number of displays and presentations to celebrate the Ryder Cup link, welcoming many visitors from the USA, including Ryder Cup participants and their entourages.

As a fitting conclusion to the Ryder Cup Race Day featuring the Shelbourne Hotel Goffs Million, HRI have arranged a Parade of Champions in the parade ring after the last race. Kicking King, Hardy Eustace, Brave Inca, Hedgehunter and Florida Pearl are among the equine heroes to be honoured.

Flat Presentations

Vincent O’Brien, Dermot Weld, Michael Kinane, Aidan OÆBrien, John Magnier, Jim Bolger, John Oxx , Kevin Prendergast (to receive on behalf of his Father Paddy), Christy Roche, Neil McGrath (to receive on behalf of his Grandfather Joe and Uncle Seamus).

National Hunt Presentations

Tommy Carberry, Dessie Hughes, Paddy Mullins, Jim Dreaper (to receive on behalf of his father Tom), J.P McManus, Charlie Swan, Edward O’Grady (to receive on behalf of the O’Grady Family), Arthur Moore (to receive on behalf of the Moore Family), Martin Molony, Tom Taaffe (Tom to receive on behalf of his Father Pat).