SUMMER SHOWCROSS SERIES 2026 AT THE HOLLIES
Sunday 28 June 2026
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The eyes of the racing world will turn to the Curragh this Sunday as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby takes centre stage. One of Ireland's most prestigious Flat races, the Group One contest regularly attracts the best middle-distance three-year-olds and often provides a rematch between horses that have already crossed paths during the British Classic season.
This year's renewal promises another intriguing chapter, with several exciting contenders lining up over the mile-and-a-half trip and the betting market headed by three horses that have already generated plenty of discussion.
Benvenuto Cellini heads the market at around 6/4 and has been widely viewed as one of the most talented colts of his generation. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the son of Frankel has long been held in high regard and arrives at the Curragh with expectations of adding Classic success to an already impressive profile.
The Ballydoyle team has an exceptional record in the Irish Derby and another victory would further underline their dominance in the race.
The unbeaten Raaheeb is next in the betting at approximately 3/1 to 7/2 and represents a fascinating challenge to the favourite. Trained by Owen Burrows, he has progressed steadily through the ranks and remains one of the few runners whose full potential may not yet have been seen.
His unbeaten record adds an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday's contest, driving many to compare the latest ante-post prices to judge whether he can genuinely upset the Group One established stars.
Christmas Day is also firmly in the picture at around 3/1 and comes into the race with plenty of supporters. Another member of the powerful Aidan O'Brien team, he has already demonstrated both stamina and determination and has shown that he belongs at the highest level.
With Ballydoyle fielding multiple leading contenders, race tactics and positioning could prove every bit as important as raw ability.
Part of the appeal of the Irish Derby is that it brings together proven performers and emerging stars, often producing a contest that remains difficult to call despite a strong betting favourite. It is one of the reasons racing enthusiasts enjoy analysing the form and comparing the latest prices before the runners head to post.
Whatever the outcome on Sunday afternoon, the 2026 Irish Derby has all the ingredients of a memorable renewal: an odds-on favourite carrying lofty expectations, an unbeaten challenger seeking to preserve his perfect record and another high-class Ballydoyle contender capable of upsetting the script. The stage is set for another compelling edition of one of Ireland's greatest races.
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