Curragh well prepared as temperatures set to soar on Irish Derby day

Of all the problems Derek McGrath thought he might face heading into this year's Irish Derby, hot weather was probably towards the bottom of the list.

But with temperatures set to hit 27C on Saturday, the Curragh chief executive is ready for the heat and will have water available for horses and humans at almost every point on the track.

"It's a very strange scenario," said McGrath. "It's the complete opposite to what you might expect. Usually it would be cold and wet, but this year's Derby is going to be very hot and dry so we need to have measures in place to cope with the unusually high temperatures.

Derek McGrath: Curragh chief executive well prepared for heatwaveCredit: Patrick McCann

"It's quite amazing. The Irish Derby is 150 years old and I guarantee you every single one has been different. This will certainly be one of the hottest. We have humans and horses at the forefront of our minds and will do everything we can to ensure it is an enjoyable experience for everyone."

The going for Saturday's Classic was described as good to firm on the straight course and good, good to firm in places on the round course with the dry weather set to continue.

McGrath added: "The track has been watered every day and will continue to be watered to ensure beautiful ground. There will be water available for horses at every point from the stables to the finishing line.

"We are very conscious of water supplies and have brought in extra supplies of water for catering and retail. We will be well equipped to cope with the hot weather and water supplies will most certainly not be an issue."

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