Curragh chief frustrated as GAA match clashes with Irish Derby

Curragh boss Derek McGrath has revealed his frustration over the GAA staging a crucial All-Ireland qualifier involving Kildare at St. Conleth’s Park in Newbridge, less than five kilometres away from the racecourse and just 20 minutes before Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Kildare's infamous 'Newbridge or nowhere' showdown with Mayo shared the stage with Latrobe’s memorable Irish Derby success for brothers Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien 12 months ago, and another unfortunate clash is on the cards.

McGrath says he respects the decision the GAA has made, but is disappointed requests made by the Curragh have fallen on deaf ears.

The GAA fixture at nearby St. Conleth's Park will clash with the Irish Derby

McGrath said: "Certainly it's disappointing for the Derby itself given the proximity of both events. An approach was made to the GAA but we have to respect the fact it has a lot of matches on during the weekend and it has to make decisions in the best interest of its own sport."

He added: "It's just an unfortunate clash as they are both important events. Unfortunately the GAA weren't able to meet our requests.

"A request was made that the match be played later or on another day but that was denied and we have to respect that. We're still looking forward to a great three days of racing."

Not only does the qualifier between Kildare and Tyrone, which is set to begin at 5pm, detract from the Irish Derby spectacle, but the volume of traffic has the potential to wreak havoc among racegoers as roadworks continue to take place on the M7, the main road from Dublin to the Curragh.

Asked if he thought the match – which forms part of a Sky Sports double-header along with Mayo v Armagh at 7pm – would put a major dent in the crowd on Derby weekend, McGrath said: "It's not the first time [there's been a clash]. Particularly around this time of year we come up against a lot of events and we have to promote our own event as best we can.

"We know we have a very important weekend for Irish racing ahead of us and I think that will attract a lot of people."

Legends evening to get Derby festival up and running

Dessie Scahill: will be the MC at the legends evening on TuesdayCredit: Patrick McCann

The GAA going ahead with Saturday’s match will come as a major blow to officials at the Curragh who have been doing their bit to promote Derby weekend in the local community in Kildare.

A legends' evening will take place at the Silken Thomas bar in Kildare town on Tuesday evening with Dessie Scahill, in his role of master of ceremonies, reliving Derby memories with John Oxx, Johnny Murtagh, Dermot Weld, Christy Roche, Pat Smullen and Seamie Heffernan.

Tickets are available at a cost of €10 and the Injured Jockeys Fund and Trainers Benevolent Fund will benefit.

A Curragh racing memorabilia exhibition will take place in Kildare town’s former courthouse on Wednesday, while on Sunday there will be the launch of the Irish Derby legends walk, featuring some of the winning connections from Saturday's big race.

Explaining the new initiatives, the Curragh’s Evan Arkwright said: "There's been a reinvigoration of the whole Derby festival and the racecourse is working closely with various partners in the town of Kildare to put together an event which will appeal to as wide a group of people as possible.

"The key events will have a strong racing theme, which begins on Tuesday evening with the legends' evening as well as Wednesday’s exhibition and the inaugural Derby walk on Sunday. The interest in these events have been great and we’re looking forward to a big turnout."

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app