The Irish Guineas Festival returns to the Curragh racecourse from Friday 23rd May to Sunday 25th May, marking a significant highlight in Ireland’s flat racing calendar. This three-day event features the first two Irish Classics of the season: the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday and the Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday – two mouthwatering races where speed certainly steals the show.
Racing commences at 5:15pm on Friday and at 1:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday, and the 2025 edition promises to provide thrilling action for racing enthusiasts around the world.
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The Curragh Racecourse
Situated in County Kildare, the Curragh Racecourse is the premier flat racing venue in Ireland, and is steeped in both history and tradition. Established in the 18th century, it has been the stage for a number of iconic races and is renowned for its right-handed, undulating track that tests the mettle of both horse and jockey.
The course’s unique terrain, which includes the challenging uphill finish, adds a layer of complexity that often influences race outcomes. Only those who are bold will be rewarded at the Guineas Festival.
Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas – runners to watch
Set to take place on Saturday 24th May, the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat race that’s run over one mile. Open to both three-year-old colts and fillies, the race has a rich heritage and a reputation for showcasing future champions.
With a €500,000 prize pot, this mile-long dash attracts the best young colts from not only Ireland, but also the UK and beyond. Let’s take a look at this year’s main contenders hoping to be first past the post.
Top contenders for 2025
Field Of Gold – Tonybet odds: 8/11 (FAV)
Juddmonte’s leading hope, Field Of Gold, comes into the race as the odds-on favourite and for good reason. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, this son of Kingman turned heads with a dominant victory in the Craven Stakes before finishing a very close second in the English 2000 Guineas. Now, he travels to the Curragh looking to return to winning ways.
The switch in jockeys is a key storyline. Colin Keane, one of Ireland’s top flat riders and no stranger to Guineas success, will take the reins for the first time. Field Of Gold’s smooth cruising speed, tactical versatility and proven Group 1 credentials make him the standout pick on form. Expect a strong showing and plenty of support on the day.
Do you believe that Field of Gold is the banker? If so, bet on the race here.
Cosmic Year – Tonybet odds: 4/1
Trained by Harry Charlton and also representing Juddmonte, Cosmic Year missed the English Guineas but quickly re-established himself with a convincing win in the Listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket. He’s a horse on the rise, showing excellent maturity and acceleration in his latest run.
Oisin Murphy, the retained Juddmonte jockey, keeps the ride, adding further credibility to Cosmic Year’s chances. Although he’ll need to step up to beat Field Of Gold, his recent form suggests that he’s a serious contender and could thrive over the one-mile trip.
Twain – Tonybet odds: 5/1
Another from the Aidan O’Brien yard, Twain brings solid form and a hint of untapped potential. While he hasn’t quite made headlines like some of his stablemates, he has progressed steadily through the spring and could surprise a few punters if the race falls apart up front.
Twain has the pedigree and team behind him to be competitive. With Ryan Moore likely riding O’Brien’s main hope, watch for jockey bookings closer to race day to gauge stable confidence.
Officer – Tonybet odds: 6/1
Also trained by Aidan O’Brien, Officer is a colt that knows the Curragh well. A recent winner on this very track, Officer appears to be improving at the right time. His familiarity with the uphill finish and local surroundings could give him an edge, especially if the pace gets testing.
He’s perhaps flying slightly under the radar compared to others in the Ballydoyle camp, but his current form makes him a live each-way player at attractive odds.
Ruling Court – Tonybet odds: 8/1
The English 2000 Guineas winner and a genuine threat to repeat the feat, Ruling Court cannot be ignored. He landed that race at Newmarket with a powerful stretch run, defeating none other than Field Of Gold in the process.
What makes Ruling Court even more intriguing is his versatility. He has proven that he can handle a strong pace and still find more late on. If the ground remains good or better, then expect him to be flying late again. With a win already over some of these rivals, he brings proven Group 1-winning form to the party.
Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas – runners to watch
On Sunday 25th May, it’s the turn of the fillies in the Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas – another Group 1 race also run over one mile and carrying a €500,000 prize. It is the female equivalent of the 2000 Guineas and has a proud history of producing exceptional race mares.
Below, we take a look at the leading fillies for the 2025 renewal.
Lake Victoria – Tonybet odds: 2/1 (FAV)
The standout contender in this field is Lake Victoria, a filly that has caught the eye with her progressive profile this season. Trained by one of the best in the business, Aidan O’Brien, she comes into the Irish 1000 Guineas as the current 2/1 favourite with Tonybet. She impressed when finishing a strong second in the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, just behind the winner after a late surge from deep in the pack.
Lake Victoria has already proven that she stays the mile strongly, and with her turn of foot and classic pedigree, she looks like the one to beat. Back on home soil and with Ryan Moore likely to be in the saddle again, she will be the centre of many punters’ betting slips come Sunday.
Swelter – Tonybet odds: 7/2
Swelter has quickly developed a reputation as a hardy, no-nonsense filly with a tenacious attitude. Trained by Dermot Weld, she ran a blinder in the Group 3 Athasi Stakes earlier this month, winning comfortably over seven furlongs. Now stepping up to the mile, her stamina will be tested for the first time.
Tonybet currently has her at 7/2, reflecting her current upward trajectory. She’s well-bred, relishes soft ground, and has an adaptable running style, which is an important asset on The Curragh’s galloping track. If she sees out the trip, then she’ll be a major danger to the favourite.
Flight – Tonybet odds: 9/2
Flight brings a touch of class and some solid juvenile form into this Classic assignment. Trained by Jessica Harrington, she made waves as a two-year-old with a Listed win and placed effort in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh last season.
She returned with a pleasing seasonal debut in the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown, finishing third behind good company. Now fully fit and with that run under her belt, she’s expected to improve. With Tonybet odds at 9/2, Flight just about offers each-way value.
Red Letter – Tonybet odds: 5/1
Red Letter represents the Joseph O’Brien yard and brings a powerful finishing kick into the equation. After an eye-catching win in a Curragh maiden last autumn, she returned with a strong runner-up finish in the Guineas Trial, closing fast despite traffic issues.
Currently at 5/1 with Tonybet, she looks like a filly who is coming to the boil at the right time. The longer straight at the Curragh could suit her running style perfectly. Don’t be surprised if she’s flying late down the outside.
Simmering – Tonybet odds: 7/1
Simmering might not have the big-race credentials of some rivals, but she’s a classic ‘dark horse’ in this line-up. A filly with a late-developing profile, Simmering is trained by Paddy Twomey and won a minor conditions race in tidy fashion earlier this spring.
At 7/1, she’s a solid option for those looking for an improving type with untapped potential. With form that’s hard to knock and a shrewd trainer behind her, Simmering could take a major leap forward in this contest.
Keep up to date with odds at Tonybet
As always with top-tier racing, odds and form can shift quickly, especially as we approach the Irish Guineas Festival. Tonybet is the go-to platform for Irish racing fans looking to track market movers, secure competitive odds, and explore special betting offers in the lead-up to major racing events throughout the year.
Whether you’re backing Aidan O’Brien’s powerhouse stable or an outsider has caught your eye, Tonybet offers a full suite of race day odds, ante-post markets and live updates.
The betting markets will sharpen as declarations firm up, ground conditions become clear, and final jockey bookings are announced. Staying plugged in to Tonybet ensures that you’re ready to go ahead of the weekend.
