The Irish Derby (Irish: Dearbaí na hÉireann) is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.

Irish Derby
Group 1 race
Assert, oil on canvas
Painting by Bob Demuyser (1920-2003)
LocationCurragh Racecourse
County Kildare, Ireland
Inaugurated1866
Race typeFlat / Thoroughbred
SponsorDubai Duty Free
WebsiteCurragh
Race information
Distance1m 4f (2,414 metres)
SurfaceTurf
TrackRight-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
excluding geldings
Weight9 st 0 lb
Allowances
3 lb for fillies
Purse1,000,000 (2022)
1st: €580,000
Irish Derby
2024
Maroon, royal blue hoop, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap Yellow, white sleeves Yellow, black and yellow striped sleeves, white cap
Los Angeles Sunway Ambiente Friendly
Previous years
2023
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Dark blue Maroon, royal blue hoop, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap
Auguste Rodin Adelaide River Covent Garden
2022
Emerald green, pink sash, white sleeves, pink cap Dark blue, light blue cross sashes, diabolo on sleeves, white cap Maroon and yellow hoops, maroon sleeves, yellow cap
Westover Piz Badile French Claim
2021
Royal blue Emerald green, orange epaulets, orange armlet, orange cap, white star Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, white cap
Hurricane Lane Lone Eagle Wordsworth
2020-2011
2020
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Dark blue Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves, pink cap
Santiago Tiger Moth Dawn Patrol
2019
pink Dark blue Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Sovereign Anthony Van Dyck Norway
2018
Dark blue, white armlet, white cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Latrobe Rostropovich Saxon Warrior
2017
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, white cap Black and white halved, sleeves reversed, red cap Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Capri Cracksman Wings Of Eagles
2016
Green, red epaulettes, green cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Emerald green, royal blue cross sashes, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap
Harzand Idaho Stellar Mass
2015
Royal blue Dark blue, large yellow spots, dark blue cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
Jack Hobbs Storm The Stars Giovanni Canaletto
2014
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, white cap Pink
Australia Kingfisher Orchestra
2013
White, purple panel, check cap Yellow and red chevrons, hooped cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
Trading Leather Galileo Rock Festive Cheer
2012
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Yellow, purple cap, yellow star White, purple panel, check cap
Camelot Born To Sea Light Heavy
2011
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Dark blue
Treasure Beach Seville Memphis Tennessee
2010-2001
2010
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Dark blue Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
Cape Blanco Midas Touch Jan Vermeer
2009
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves, Royal Blue cap Green, red epaulettes, green cap
Fame And Glory Golden Sword Mourayan
2008
Royal blue, orange ball, orange stripes on sleeves, royal blue cap Black, white sleeves, red cap, black star Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap
Frozen Fire Casual Conquest Tartan Bearer
2007
Dark blue Pink Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Soldier of Fortune Alexander Of Hales Eagle Mountain
2006
Dark blue Emerald green, white sash with yellow piping, emerald green and yellow check sleeves, white cap with pompon Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap
Dylan Thomas Gentlewave Best Alibi
2005
Red, emerald green chevron, red cap, emerald green star Pink GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
Hurricane Run Scorpion Shalapour
2004
Black and white check, emerald green sleeves and cap Pale Blue, yellow and white check cap Pink, Dark blue cap fix!
Grey Swallow North Light Tycoon
2003
Green, chocolate hoops, chocolate cap GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Pink, Dark blue cap fix!
Alamshar Dalakhani Roosevelt
2002
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and striped cap Pink Dark blue
High Chaparral Sholokhov Ballingarry
2001
Dark blue Yellow, black epaulets Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap
Galileo Morshdi Golan
2000-1991
2000
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves, blue cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
Sinndar Glyndebourne Ciro
1999
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Dark blue
Montjeu Daliapour Tchaikovsky
1998
Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Royal blue Dark blue
Dream Well City Honours Desert Fox
1997
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Scarlet, white sleeves, scarlet cap with white hoop Royal Blue, Light Blue cap
Desert King Dr Johnson Loup Sauvage
1996
White, red epaulets, blue sleeves, white stars, red cuffs, red and blue quartered cap White, red stars on sleeves, emerald green cap Yellow and emerald green diamonds, emerald green sleeves, white cap
Zagreb Polaris Flight His Excellence
1995
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Black, white sleeves, red cap, black star Maroon, white sleeves and cap with maroon star
Winged Love Definite Article Annus Mirabilis
1994
Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Balanchine King's Theatre Colonel Collins
1993
Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Commander In Chief Hernando Foresee
1992
White, royal blue hollow box, diabolo on sleeves, royal blue cap White, light blue and white halved sleeves, quartered cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
St Jovite Dr Devious Contested Bid
1991
Dark green White, blue hollow box, hooped sleeves and cap White, red cross-belts, hooped sleeves, white cap fix!
Generous Suave Dancer Star Of Gdansk
1990-1980
1990
Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Salsabil Deploy Belmez
1989
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Yellow, blue diamonds on body and diamond on cap
Old Vic Observation Post Ile De Nisky
1988
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Dark green Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Kahyasi Insan Glacial Storm
1987
White, emerald green hoop, hooped sleeves, emerald green cap fix! Red, white cap, green diamond Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Sir Harry Lewis Naheez Entitled
1986
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Shahrastani Bonhomie Bakharoff
1985
Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Emerald green, white diamond frame and diamonds on sleeves, quartered cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Law Society Theatrical Damister
1984
Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Dark blue and grey diamonds, dark blue sleeves and cap
El Gran Senor Rainbow Quest Dahar
1983
Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Chocolate, Gold braid and sleeves, quartered cap
Shareef Dancer Caerleon Teenoso
1982
Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Green, red armlets and cap Emerald green, gold braid and tassel on cap
Assert Silver Hawk Patcher
1981
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Light blue, pink sash White and red check, white sleeves, royal blue cap
Shergar Cut Above Dance Bid
1980
Black, white spots on body and sleeves Pale blue, yellow and white check cap White, red star and hoop on sleeves, red cap
Tyrnavos Prince Bee Ramian
 
Shirley Heights, Derby winner by Bob Demuyser (1920-2003)

It is Ireland's equivalent of the Derby Stakes, and it is usually held four weeks after the English race.

History

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The earliest version of the Irish Derby was an event called the O'Darby Stakes. This was established in 1817, but it was discontinued after 1824. A subsequent race titled the Curragh Derby was inaugurated in 1848, but this was again short-lived.[citation needed]

The modern Irish Derby was created by the 3rd Earl of Howth, the 3rd Marquess of Drogheda and the 3rd Earl of Charlemont. It was first run in 1866, and it was initially contested over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 3 yards. It was extended by 9 yards in 1869, and cut to its present distance in 1872. The first Epsom Derby winner to achieve victory in the Irish version was Orby, trained in Ireland by Fred McCabe, in 1907.[citation needed]

The Irish Derby became a major international race in 1962, when its prize money was substantially increased. Joe McGrath, a founder of the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake, combined the race with the sweepstake, and it became known as the Irish Sweeps Derby. The event began to regularly attract the winners of the Epsom Derby, and Santa Claus became the second horse to win both races in 1964.[citation needed]

The Irish Derby was sponsored by Budweiser from 1986 to 2007, and it has been backed by Dubai Duty Free since 2008.[1] It is currently staged on the second day of the Curragh's three-day Irish Derby Festival meeting.[citation needed]

A total of nineteen horses have now completed the English-Irish Derby double, and the most recent was Auguste Rodin in 2023.[2]

Records

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Leading jockey (6 wins):

  • Morny Wing – Ballyheron (1921), Waygood (1923), Rock Star (1930), Rosewell (1938), Windsor Slipper (1942), Bright News (1946)

Leading trainer (16 wins):

  • Aidan O'BrienDesert King (1997), Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Dylan Thomas (2006), Soldier of Fortune (2007), Frozen Fire (2008), Fame and Glory (2009), Cape Blanco (2010), Treasure Beach (2011), Camelot (2012),[3] Australia (2014), Capri (2017), Sovereign (2019), Santiago (2020),Auguste Rodin (2023), Los Angeles (2024)

Leading owner (16 wins): (includes part ownership)

  • Michael TaborDesert King (1997), Montjeu (1999), Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Dylan Thomas (2006), Soldier of Fortune (2007), Frozen Fire (2008), Fame and Glory (2009), Cape Blanco (2010), Treasure Beach (2011), Australia (2014), Capri (2017), Sovereign (2019), Santiago (2020),Auguste Rodin (2023), Los Angeles (2024)

A Unique Racing Record - Only Owner to complete the Derby and Grand National Double

  • William Brophy, Herbertstown House, Two-Mile-House, Naas, County Kildare. Farmer, Breeder and Owner

In 1880 William Brophy completed a unique double by owning the winner of both the Irish Derby with King of the Bees and the Irish Grand National with Controller. Also uniquely both winners were out of the same Dam Winged Bee.

Winners since 1946

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Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Time
1946 Bright News Morny Wing Darby Rogers James McVey junior
1947 Sayajirao Edgar Britt Sam Armstrong HH Maharaja of Baroda
1948 Nathoo Rae Johnstone Frank Butters Aga Khan III
1949 Hindostan Rae Johnstone Frank Butters Aga Khan III
1950 Dark Warrior Jack Thompson Paddy Prendergast Mr Francis More O'Ferrall
1951 Fraise du Bois II Charlie Smirke Harry Wragg HH Begum Aga Khan
1952 Thirteen Of Diamonds Jimmy Mullane Paddy Prendergast A L Hawkins
1953 Chamier[a] Bill Rickaby Vincent O'Brien Mrs F L Vickerson
1954 Zarathustra Paddy Powell Jnr Michael Hurley Mr Terrence J S Gray
1955 Panaslipper Jimmy Eddery Seamus McGrath Joseph McGrath
1956 Talgo Manny Mercer Harry Wragg Gerald A Oldham
1957 Ballymoss T. P. Burns Vincent O'Brien John McShain
1958 Sindon Liam Ward Michael Dawson Anne B Biddle
1959 Fidalgo Joe Mercer Harry Wragg Gerald A Oldham 2:33.5
1960 Chamour Garnie Bougoure Vincent O'Brien F Walter Burmann 2:37.5
1961 Your Highness Bert Holmes Humphrey Cottrill Mrs Gladys Stanhope Joel 2:33.5
1962 Tambourine Roger Poincelet Etienne Pollet Mrs Howell Jackson 2:28.80
1963 Ragusa Garnie Bougoure Paddy Prendergast Jim Mullion 2:45.60
1964 Santa Claus Willie Burke Mick Rogers John Ismay 2:35.60
1965 Meadow Court Lester Piggott Paddy Prendergast Bell / McMahon / Crosby 2:46.80
1966 Sodium Frankie Durr George Todd Radha Sigtia 2:31.50
1967 Ribocco Lester Piggott Fulke Johnson Houghton Charles Engelhard 2:32.40
1968 Ribero Lester Piggott Fulke Johnson Houghton Charles Engelhard 2:33.90
1969 Prince Regent Geoff Lewis Etienne Pollet Countess de la Valdène 2:36.10
1970 Nijinsky Liam Ward Vincent O'Brien Charles Engelhard 2:36.80
1971 Irish Ball Alfred Gibert Philippe Lallié Emile Littler 2:33.80
1972 Steel Pulse Bill Williamson Scobie Breasley Ravi Tikkoo 2:39.80
1973 Weavers' Hall George McGrath Seamus McGrath Seamus McGrath 2:39.00
1974 English Prince Yves Saint-Martin Peter Walwyn Vera Hue-Williams 2:33.40
1975 Grundy Pat Eddery Peter Walwyn Carlo Vittadini 2:31.10
1976 Malacate Philippe Paquet François Boutin María Félix Berger 2:31.20
1977 The Minstrel Lester Piggott Vincent O'Brien Robert Sangster 2:32.00
1978 Shirley Heights Greville Starkey John Dunlop 2nd Earl of Halifax 2:32.30
1979 Troy Willie Carson Dick Hern Sobell / Weinstock 2:30.60
1980 Tyrnavos Tony Murray Bruce Hobbs George Cambanis 2:43.80
1981 Shergar Lester Piggott Michael Stoute HH Aga Khan IV 2:32.70
1982 Assert Christy Roche David O'Brien Robert Sangster 2:33.20
1983 Shareef Dancer Walter Swinburn Michael Stoute Maktoum Al Maktoum 2:29.40
1984 El Gran Senor Pat Eddery Vincent O'Brien Robert Sangster 2:31.50
1985 Law Society Pat Eddery Vincent O'Brien Stavros Niarchos 2:29.90
1986 Shahrastani Walter Swinburn Michael Stoute HH Aga Khan IV 2:32.10
1987 Sir Harry Lewis John Reid Barry Hills Howard Kaskel 2:40.20
1988 Kahyasi Ray Cochrane Luca Cumani HH Aga Khan IV 2:32.50
1989 Old Vic Steve Cauthen Henry Cecil Sheikh Mohammed 2:29.90
1990 Salsabil Willie Carson John Dunlop Hamdan Al Maktoum 2:33.00
1991 Generous Alan Munro Paul Cole Prince Fahd bin Salman 2:33.30
1992 St Jovite Christy Roche Jim Bolger Virginia Kraft Payson 2:25.60
1993 Commander in Chief Pat Eddery Henry Cecil Khalid Abdullah 2:31.20
1994 Balanchine Frankie Dettori Hilal Ibrahim Godolphin 2:32.70
1995 Winged Love Olivier Peslier André Fabre Sheikh Mohammed 2:30.10
1996 Zagreb Pat Shanahan Dermot Weld Allen Paulson 2:30.60
1997 Desert King Christy Roche Aidan O'Brien Michael Tabor 2:32.50
1998 Dream Well Cash Asmussen Pascal Bary Niarchos Family 2:44.30
1999 Montjeu Cash Asmussen John Hammond Michael Tabor 2:30.10
2000 Sinndar Johnny Murtagh John Oxx HH Aga Khan IV 2:33.90
2001 Galileo Michael Kinane Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor 2:27.10
2002 High Chaparral Michael Kinane Aidan O'Brien Tabor / Magnier 2:32.20
2003 Alamshar Johnny Murtagh John Oxx Aga Khan IV 2:28.20
2004 Grey Swallow Pat Smullen Dermot Weld Rochelle Quinn 2:28.70
2005 Hurricane Run Kieren Fallon André Fabre Gestut Ammerland 2:29.40
2006 Dylan Thomas Kieren Fallon Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor 2:29.70
2007 Soldier of Fortune Seamie Heffernan Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor / Smith 2:36.02
2008 Frozen Fire Seamie Heffernan Aidan O'Brien Tabor / Smith / Magnier 2:31.96
2009 Fame and Glory Johnny Murtagh Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor 2:30.87
2010 Cape Blanco Johnny Murtagh Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor 2:28.68
2011 Treasure Beach Colm O'Donoghue Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor 2:33.26
2012 Camelot Joseph O'Brien Aidan O'Brien Derrick Smith 2:43.96
2013 Trading Leather Kevin Manning Jim Bolger Mrs J S Bolger 2:27.17
2014 Australia Joseph O'Brien Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor 2:33.19
2015 Jack Hobbs William Buick John Gosden Godolphin & Partners 2:34:93
2016 Harzand Pat Smullen Dermot Weld Aga Khan IV 2:38:05
2017 Capri Seamie Heffernan Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor 2:35.45
2018 Latrobe Donnacha O'Brien Joseph O'Brien Lloyd Williams 2:32.62
2019 Sovereign Padraig Beggy Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor / Smith 2:31.50
2020 Santiago Seamie Heffernan Aidan O'Brien Tabor / Smith / Magnier 2:38.17
2021 Hurricane Lane William Buick Charlie Appleby Godolphin 2:33.85
2022 Westover Colin Keane Ralph Beckett Juddmonte 2:34.80
2023 Auguste Rodin Ryan Moore Aidan O'Brien Tabor / Smith / Magnier / Westerberg 2:33.24
2024 Los Angeles Ryan Moore Aidan O'Brien Westerberg/Tabor / Smith / Magnier 2:28.15

a Premonition finished first in 1953 but was disqualified.

Earlier winners

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  • 1866: Selim
  • 1867: Golden Plover
  • 1868: Madeira
  • 1869: The Scout
  • 1870: Billy Pitt
  • 1871: Maid of Athens
  • 1872: Trickstress
  • 1873: Kyrle Daly
  • 1874: Ben Battle
  • 1875: Innishowen
  • 1876: Umpire
  • 1877: Redskin
  • 1878: Madame du Barry
  • 1879: Soulouque
  • 1880: King of the Bees
  • 1881: Master Ned
  • 1882: Sortie
  • 1883: Sylph
  • 1884: Theologian
  • 1885: St Kevin
  • 1886: Theodemir
  • 1887: Pet Fox
  • 1888: Theodolite
  • 1889: Tragedy
  • 1890: Kentish Fire
  • 1891: Narraghmore
  • 1892: Roy Neil
  • 1893: Bowline
  • 1894: Blairfinde
  • 1895: Portmarnock
  • 1896: Gulsalberk
  • 1897: Wales
  • 1898: Noble Howard
  • 1899: Oppressor
  • 1900: Gallinaria
  • 1901: Carrigavalla
  • 1902: St Brendan
  • 1903: Lord Rossmore
  • 1904: Royal Arch
  • 1905: Flax Park
  • 1906: Killeagh
  • 1907: Orby
  • 1908: Wild Bouquet
  • 1909: Bachelor's Double
  • 1910: Aviator
  • 1911: Shanballymore
  • 1912: Civility
  • 1913: Bachelor's Wedding
  • 1914: Land of Song
  • 1915: Ballaghtobin
  • 1916: Furore
  • 1917: First Flier
  • 1918: King John
  • 1919: Loch Lomond
  • 1920: He Goes
  • 1921: Ballyheron
  • 1922: Spike Island
  • 1923: Waygood
  • 1924: Haine / Zodiac 1
  • 1925: Zionist
  • 1926: Embargo
  • 1927: Knight of the Grail
  • 1928: Baytown
  • 1929: Kopi
  • 1930: Rock Star
  • 1931: Sea Serpent
  • 1932: Dastur
  • 1933: Harinero
  • 1934: Patriot King / Primero[a]
  • 1935: Museum
  • 1936: Raeburn
  • 1937: Phideas
  • 1938: Rosewell
  • 1939: Mondragon
  • 1940: Turkhan
  • 1941: Sol Oriens
  • 1942: Windsor Slipper
  • 1943: The Phoenix
  • 1944: Slide On
  • 1945: Piccadilly
  1. ^ The 1924 and 1934 races were dead-heats and have joint winners.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Derby Extends Deal with Dubai Duty Free". Sport for Business. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  2. ^ Carson, Gary (2 July 2023). "Rodin rules as he completes Derby double". Irishracing.com. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Camelot completes Epsom and Irish Derby double". BBC Sport. 30 June 2012.
edit
  • Race Recordings (1966, 1970, 1977-2005) youtube.com
  • galopp-sieger.deIrish Derby Stakes.
  • horseracingintfed.comInternational Federation of Horseracing Authorities – Irish Derby (2018).
  • irishracinggreats.comIrish Derby (Group 1).
  • pedigreequery.comIrish Derby – Curragh.
  • tbheritage.comIrish Derby Stakes.
  • Abelson, Edward; John Tyrrel (1993). The Breedon Book of Horse Racing Records. Breedon Books. pp. 103–106. ISBN 1-873626-15-0.
  • The Sweeney guide to the Irish turf from 1501 to 2001 /by Tony & Annie Sweeney in association with Francis Hyland ; photographs by Caroline Norris ... [et al.].