'We have quality handicaps with loads of runners and I'm happy with that' - Curragh chief responds to criticism of Irish Derby day

Brian Kavanagh, the chief executive of the Curragh, has launched a staunch defence of Sunday's Irish Derby card after the nine-race programme came in for heavy criticism on social media this week for not having a single Group race supporting the famous Classic. 

Among those to comment on the quality of the fare was former on-course bookmaker turned professional punter Johnny Dineen, who described the Derby day card as "outrageously poor" and believes attendances will be hit as a result. 

Dineen posted on X: "The Curragh card on Derby day is outrageously poor and my guess is that it will be attended accordingly. It’s an excellent programme on Saturday but inexplicably that is followed by one that I wouldn’t cross the road to go to. The Derby alone as proven at Epsom will not guarantee a crowd and I can see it being a dismal gathering on Sunday."