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Local community and charitable donations at forefront of Irish Derby pilot day

The Curragh: has been unable to host paying spectators since the end of their 2019 season
The Curragh: has been unable to host paying spectators since the end of their 2019 seasonCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The Curragh racecourse has revealed details of how tickets will be allocated for its government-led pilot event on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby day, placing a strong emphasis on the local community and donations to charity.

The breakdown of the 1,000-strong crowd permitted to attend the June 26 fixture sees 450 tickets go on general sale via the Curragh's website at 10am on Monday, with a separate 200 spaces allocated to residents of Kildare.

There will be 50 complimentary tickets given to local frontline workers, while the remainder will be offered to Curragh and Go Racing in Kildare members.

From each €25 ticket purchased, €10 will go to the Peter McVerry Trust, a national charity that provides accommodation for the homeless at seven different locations in Kildare.

Curragh chief executive Pat Keogh said: "It is shaping up to be a special day's racing and it is great that the revised protocols will allow 1,000 members of the public to attend.

The Curragh stage the second day of the Irish Oaks meeting behind closed doors this afternoon
The Curragh stage the second day of the Irish Oaks meeting behind closed doors this afternoonCredit: Patrick McCann

"In line with government protocols this will be an outdoor event. While it will not be the Curragh as we know it, the racing will be as good as ever and we are sure there will be plenty of atmosphere on the day. All dining will be outdoors and we will have plenty of seating for your pleasure."

He added: "Racing has been running smoothly behind closed doors for the last number of months and to maintain this, we will also need to section off parts of the racecourse for industry and racing professions in line with protocols.

"To welcome everyone back, all tickets will cost €25 and will go on sale at 10am on Monday, June 14 at www.curragh.ie. Residents of Kildare can register their interest by sending an email to reception@curragh.ie with their address and phone number and we will contact you."


Read more:

Welcome news for Irish racing with crowds allowed back at the Curragh for pilot

The turbulent timeline of crowds returning to racecourses

Royal Ascot to be allowed crowds of 12,000 a day after selection for pilot event


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Mark BoylanReporter

Published on 10 June 2021inNews

Last updated 16:36, 10 June 2021

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