Starting signal for the Irish Derby Festival

Curragh, Friday, 24 June: Three days of great sport are offered by the Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh. Today the Curragh Cup (4th race/19.43/120.000 Euro/2816 m) takes centre stage. Aidan O`Brien won the Group 2 test last year and is sending three horses into the race this time. The best chance is thought to be Wordsworth (Ryan Moore), who could wrap up a second hit of the season after a disappointing run at Ascot and third place here at Listed level. Temple Of Artemis (Seamie Heffernan) won a handicap and is equally among the contenders for victory, while Sussex (Wayne Lordan) will find it very difficult after a pale performance in the Gallinule Stakes (Group 3). Joseph O`Brien saddles Gear Up (Dylan Browne McMonagle) and Master Of Reality (Declan McDonogh), who are among the closest favourites. The former only changed quarters this season. The English Derby contender always cut a good figure in appearances in the King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) and the Bahrain Trophy (Group 3). Master Of Reality was no match for Wordsworth on his seasonal debut but kept Camorra (Colin Keane) safely at bay. The seven-year-old finished a strong second in the Curragh Cup two years ago. Sunchart (Andrew Slattery) and Manu Et Corde (Kevin Manning) are at least in contention for a minor placing.