This is one of the busiest weekends in Irish sport for many years with the Irish Open continuing at Royal Portrush, 16 All Ireland Championship matches including Dublin and Kildare in semi final action against Wexford and Meath at Croke Park and the Budweiser Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.  With European Athletics and the final of Euro 2012, it is a crowded weekend.
Credit is due to Horse Racing Ireland and the Curragh for meeting this challenge head on and breaking with tradition by shifting the Derby to a 7.40 time slot on Saturday evening.
It is always a risk to play around with dates and times of major sports events.  People have it locked in their minds as being in one particular place and when it is not, a fall off can occur.
Evening racing has proved popular at urban tracks especially in most countries, including Ireland.  In the United States it would be considered folly to run major events like the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders’ Cup at anything other than an early evening slot.  We believe the Curragh is right to follow suit and to place the main event as the final race on the card as well, bringing the occasion to a natural high point.  There are risks without doubt.
The new later time may put off families, negating a major benefit for the sport that children under 16 years of age gain free admission.  It may deter some day trippers from down the country or overseas who will opt to watch on TV rather than arrive home too late.  These can be overcome however.
The race will now be broadcast at 22.40 across the key bloodstock, sponsor and financial hub of the Middle East. Because of the intense summer heat this will now be prime time there for many who split their waking and active day to avoid the noon heat.  That will benefit awareness of the race in a key global market.  Shifting back four hours also brings it into afternoon time in the US where betting into the Irish pool will therefore likely rise as well.
Perhaps best of all, the race has attracted Camelot, winner of the Investec Epsom Derby, bound for a first potential first triple crown in more than 30 years and sure to draw in those with an interest in the sport.
Ronan Keating will perform a concert in front of the grandstand after the race presentation and while he may not be to everyone’s taste his biggest hit, “Life is a rollercoaster” is appropriate for the chance the organisers have taken this year.  They deserve to have the crowds around the world screaming in delight.
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