The world of horse racing and professional golf came together at the Curragh races yesterday (Sunday April 7) when the exciting Irish ‘Double Ticket’ initiative was officially launched by famous faces from the two sports which will form part of a ‘Super Saturday’ of world class action in County Kildare on June 29.
European Tour champions Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane, who will next be seen competitively in Ireland during the Irish Open at Carton House Golf Club, together with last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winning combination of trainer Aidan O’Brien and his jockey son Joseph, were on hand to launch the innovative ticket package and present the prizes to the winning connections.
One ticket costing just €50 will permit fans of racing and golf to enjoy one of the best sporting and social occasions of the year in the third round of the Irish Open at Carton House during the day followed by the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh in the evening.
With the golf commencing early in the day, and the Derby meeting starting in late afternoon, sports enthusiasts will have the perfect opportunity to experience what promises to be two of the great summer events, both taking place in Co. Kildare and close to the capital of Dublin.
To add another touch of fun and excitement to an already packed programme, The European Tour will be opening the facilities within the Tented Village at Carton House from 7.30am on the day in order for early arrivals to the Irish Open to enjoy a hearty ‘Lions Breakfast’ and watch the second rugby union Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions (kick-off 10.00am) live on the big screens located in the village.
To get the initiative off the first tee and out of the starting stalls today, The European Tour sponsored the inaugural Irish Open Alleged Stakes (Listed), one of the main features on the competitive seven-race card, with many well known personalities from golf and racing attending a reception which took place before the first race.
Meanwhile, on June 29, Irish Derby sponsors, Dubai Duty Free, have kindly extended an invitation to the Irish Open competitors, their wives and partners to enjoy the spectacle of Ireland’s Classic race once they have completed their ‘day job’ at Carton House.
Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, commented: “The Irish Double initiative is an extension of the very good partnership that we enjoyed with The European Tour during The 2006 Ryder Cup and it is a fantastic opportunity to strongly link both events in order to maximise the potential to attract visitors from all over the world to come to County Kildare for two fantastic events as part of the Gathering.”
He added, “In addition to the joint ticket we plan to unveil other exciting promotions between us over the coming months.”
Antonia Beggs, Irish Open Championship Director, commented: “We are thrilled to be participating in one of the great days of sport on June 29. ‘Super Saturday’ is an appropriate name for a day which starts with the Lions at breakfast, continues with the all-important third round of the Irish Open at Carton House and concludes with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.
“We believe that €50 to gain access to two world class sporting events represents tremendous value for money and we are delighted to be working once again in partnership with the Curragh following the success of The Ryder Cup initiative in 2006. Fans of golf and racing alike are sure to have a day to remember.”
Golf and racing fans hoping to take advantage of the €50 ‘double ticket’ offer can purchase this, or any other ticket, now from www.europeantour.com/tickets / www.curragh.ie or telephone EUROPEAN TOUR Ticket Hotline: +440800 023 2557. Irish callers can phone: 1890 252 698 or call the Curragh on +353 45 441205
European Tour: www.europeantour.com
The Curragh Racecourse www.curragh.ie