Curragh Tips: Irish Oaks Weekend (2026)

It’s Irish Oaks weekend at the Curragh and as well as the famous Irish Fillies’ Classic, there are several intriguing looking Group races taking place too. 

Our horse racing expert Steve Mullington casts his eye over all the elite action on the Emerald Isle.

SATURDAY

2.15 – 1m2f Meadow Court Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares)

German-bred filly NYRA (NAP) was extremely unlucky to just get touched off in the Munster Oaks at Cork when an untimely drop of the whip probably contributed to her defeat.

The four-year-old is as consistent as they come and she will have a big say in the finish.

3.25 – 5f Sapphire Stakes (Group 2)

PARTISAN HERO put up a stellar performance to finish just a length third in the Group 3 Sprint Stakes at Sandown, giving him every chance to be a contender in this Group 2.

After a career-best win at York in May, the six-year-old hasn’t looked back and can reward his followers.

4.00 – 6f Railway Stakes (Group 2) 

CONFUCIUS will be partnered here by Ryan Moore for Ballydoyle. He was a beaten favourite when finishing third behind Immortal Guard in the Anglesey Stakes, however that race probably came too soon after Royal Ascot.

At odds of 11/8 in our horse racing betting, punters are already latching on to his chances in this Group 2.

4.35 – 1m4f Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1)

Trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, THUNDERING ON (NB) sets the standard following her brilliant, explosive victory in the Epsom Oaks.

The long home straight at the Curragh should play to her strengths and she’s in pole position to complete the Anglo-Irish Oaks double.

SUNDAY

3.15 – 7f Minstrel Stakes (Group 2) 

The roof will come off again if BIG GOSSEY can land yet another Group race on Sunday.

The popular grey is now a 12-time winner from his 89 starts, and the fire still shines in his nine-year-old belly as winning the Dash Stakes here last time out showed.

The gelding is highly likely to be supported by punters far and wide in our sports betting too.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*