Search

24 Sept 2025

Kildare artist to judge art contest as part of packed racing weekend at Curragh

Autumn Racing Weekend, taking place at the Curragh Racecourse on this Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September

Kildare artist to judge art contest as part of packed racing weekend at Curragh

Kildare artist Emma Campbell

The Curragh Racecourse in Co Kildare has unveiled its Autumn Racing Weekend, taking place this Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, promising an unforgettable fusion of world-class racing, interactive sports experiences, and a celebration of Irish creativity.
 
Saturday 27th September: Goffs Million Race Day
The weekend kicks off with the Goffs Million, Europe’s richest race for two-year-olds, drawing top juvenile talent from across the continent. With a prize fund that sets the gold standard, this race is a highlight of the European flat racing calendar and a must-see for racing enthusiasts.
 
The Curragh Sports Hub: Feel the Thrill of the Game
In a unique twist, The Curragh will host a Sports Hub on Saturday, 27th September offering racegoers the chance to immerse themselves in the excitement of other major sporting events happening across the globe.
  • NFL Simulator: Ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings clash at Croke Park on Sunday 28th, fans can step into the shoes of an NFL player and test their skills.
  • Golf Simulator: With the Ryder Cup underway at Bethpage Black, New York, visitors can play the same course as the pros and feel the pressure of championship golf.
 
The Goffs Mini Millions
 
The Goffs Mini Millions, kindly supported by Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz, is open to children aged between three and seven years. The race encourages kids to get together and race a short distance on foot on The Curragh Racecourse Track. The winner gets to “drive” away in a fantastic Bobby Benz, kindly provided by Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz, with a Goffs goody bag for the runners-up.
 
Celebrating Creativity: Art & Photography Competitions
Saturday, 27th September also marks the culmination of two inspiring competitions that spotlight the heart of Irish racing:
  • Beyond the Finish Line – 2025 Photography Competition
    In partnership with Bermingham Cameras, this contest invites amateur photographers to capture the emotional bond between horse and human. Finalists will be announced ahead of the weekend, with winners revealed on Goffs Million Race Day.
    Prizes include Canon Pixma and Selphy printers, generously sponsored by Bermingham Cameras.

  • Artist of the Curragh – 2025–2026 Art Competition
    Five finalists from County Kildare will paint live at The Curragh on Saturday, 27th September capturing the vibrancy of race day.
  • The Artist of the Curragh will be judged by acclaimed Kildare artist Emma Campbell who will be at the racecourse on Goffs Millions Day, Saturday 27th September. Emma will be on hand to discuss each artists techniques and inspiration behind their piece, before making the final decision as to which artist will win a €1500 commission from the Curragh Racecourse.  Based in Kilmeague, County Kildare, Emma’s work blends contemporary and abstract styles, working with both Acrylic and Oils. Her style explores themes throughout nature and landscapes. Speaking ahead of the event, Emma commented "I'm delighted to be judging The Artist of the Curragh competition. It’s a great opportunity for up-and-coming artists and I’m sure there will be fantastic work submitted."
 
Sunday 28th September: The Friends of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch
Sunday 28th September features the richest handicap in Europe, The Friends of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch.
 

Ahead of The Autumn Racing Weekend at The Curragh Racecourse, Ruth Norton, Marketing Manager for The Curragh Racecourse commented, “from thrilling finishes to artistic flair and interactive sports, The Curragh’s Autumn Racing Weekend offers something for everyone. Whether you're a regular racegoer, a sports fanatic, or a lover of the arts, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.
For tickets, packages, and full event details, please visit www.curragh.ie.
Children up to age 18 are free to attend The Autumn Racing Weekend, when accompanied by a paying adult. 
Complimentary raceday bus services will run from Kildare, Newbridge, and Naas kindly sponsored by Manguard Plus. Timings will be available closer to the day. For full transport details, visit www.curragh.ie/plan-your-visit/how-to-get-here/ and click the bus icon.

To continue reading this article,
please subscribe and support local journalism!


Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

Subscribe

To continue reading this article for FREE,
please kindly register and/or log in.


Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Register / Login

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.