Event: Ireland

Budweiser Irish Derby

When:	2 Jun 2008 (annual)
Where:	Curragh Racecourse
Opening Hours:	First race at 1.15pm

The Irish Derby is the biggest event on the Irish racing calendar. On race-day the Curragh - one of the oldest sporting venues in Europe - is the focus of a nation united by its love of racing.

The Curragh is the headquarters of Flat Racing in Ireland, hosting all five Classic Races. Horse racing is a national obsession and the course, with its historic traditions, is a perfect venue for the expression of this passion. Whether you're a racing fan or not, a visit to this track on a big race day is an unforgettable experience.

Racing is rooted in the Irish psyche and written evidence of the sport can be dated back to the third century, when chariot races were held at the "Cuireach" - the Gaelic word for racecourse and the site of the Curragh today.