The Curragh is prepared for racing on its first day of the Irish Flat season on March 18. However, officials are hoping that the forecasted amount of rain is not exceeded, to ensure that the event can proceed as planned.
The Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (G3) and the €100,000 Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire will be the main attractions on the eight-race card at Ireland's top Flat track.
After experiencing heavy rainfall of 0.87 inches within 24 hours, the Curragh was deemed unsuitable for racing on Thursday due to waterlogging. Nonetheless, Brendan Sheridan, the clerk of the course, stated on March 17 that while the ground is heavy, it is still suitable for racing.
Sheridan remarked, " The ground is heavy. There has been (.12 inches) of rain since declarations and there's a possibility of (.08-.2) through today and tonight. It's mainly dry tomorrow morning with the possibility of further showers tomorrow evening. We're racing on the stands' side track and we're fit to race, but we'll continue to monitor the situation."
In the previous season, the Irish Lincolnshire was won by a British contender when Chris Hayes guided Lattam, trained by William Haggas, to victory. This year, only one raider, Raadobarg, has entered the race. Owned by Amo Racing, the 6-year-old secured victory in this race in 2022 when under the training of Johnny Murtagh.
The Park Express Stakes has enticed 11 competitors, which include the duo of Everlasting and Brilliant, trained by Aidan O'Brien.