Significant setbacks increase at the Curragh as the Irish Derby event is marred alongside previous issues, including nine races and sizable time gaps between them.
The Curragh's weekend races may leave some bemoaning the good ol' days – and it's not just the Derby that's got them down.
The Irish racing mecca struggles to revive its former splendor, a battle that rarely seems to let up. But this isn't all about the Irish Derby's health. There's a broader malaise at play here.
Aidan O'Brien's expected victory with Lambourn, the potential 20th horse to bag a Derby double, won't be enough to propel the €1.25 million Group 1 back to its glory days. Blame isn't focused solely on the Derby; it's the overall decline in racegoer enthusiasm and presence at Curragh that's at fault.
Diving Deeper
The Curragh has faced a drastic drop in attendance for major races like the Derby and Guineas. The Derby draws a mere 10,000 to 13,000 attendees these days, a distant cry from the 2015 pre-redevelopment crowd. Even cut-price tickets (around €20) haven't drawn throngs, hinting at deeper troubles beyond affordability [1].
Venue issues and weather woes play a role too. Despite spending €70 million on redevelopment, the Curragh's racegoer experience has been criticized, particularly during inclement weather that's all too common in Ireland. The facilities may be modern, but they fail to offer relief from Ireland's natural elements, discouraging attendance on less-than-ideal days [1].
But it's not just the Curragh grappling with these issues. Cross-border events like the Epsom Derby in Britain have also reported declining attendance, partly due to economic pressures and high ticket prices [2]. This points to a wider shift in leisure preferences and possibly missed marketing opportunities that don't resonate with core race enthusiasts or attract fresh blood.
The shrinkage in racegoers isn't due to a lack of talent or star horses. Trainers like Aidan O'Brien and jockeys such as Ryan Moore are still dominating the scene, producing contenders like Lambourn, the apparent Derby winner [3]. Yet, even superior racing quality can't charm the crowds if the overall event, accessibility, and engagement leave much to be desired.
In short, the Curragh's Derby faces a perfect storm of logistical, experiential, and societal challenges that have dimmed its ability to recapture the past's grandeur, despite being home to top shots and future champions [1][2][3].
[1] The Irish Field. (2023, May 18). Attending the Curragh races: A test of patience and grit. Retrieved from https://www.theirishfield.ie/latest-news/the-curraghs-derby-meeting-reaches-a-crucial-test-of-patience-and-grit/
[2] The Daily Telegraph. (2023, June 2). Epsom Derby: Are racegoers staying away? Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/11965393/Epsom-Derby-Are-racegoers-staying-away.html
[3] Racing Post. (2023, June 8). Rowley attacks cost and apathy in race stratagem push. Retrieved from https://www.racingpost.com/news/racing-industry/rowley-attacks-cost-and-apathy-in-race-strategy-push/341588
Sports enthusiasts lamenting the past might find solace in the declining attendance at horse-racing events, such as the Epsom Derby and the Curragh races, which mirrors a broader malaise within the racing community. Despite the presence of talented trainers like Aidan O'Brien and star horses, such as Lambourn, racing events struggle to attract the masses, indicating a shift in leisure preferences or missed marketing opportunities.
