Irish 2000 Guineas 2026 FAQs - All Of Your Questions Answered
The Irish 2000 Guineas is one of the premier Group 1 flat races for three-year-old colts and fillies, held annually at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland. The 2026 edition will take place on May 23, kicking off the Irish Guineas Festival. With a substantial prize fund of €460,000, this mile-long contest draws top horses and trainers, especially with betting favourite Gstaad. The event is broadcast live on Racing TV, ITV Racing, and online streaming platforms, making it a highlight for racing fans across Europe.
- 2026 Irish 2000 Guineas runs at the Curragh on May 23
- Group 1 mile race for three-year-old colts and fillies with €460,000 prize
- Live coverage on Racing TV, ITV, and online streams
What is the Irish 2000 Guineas?
The Irish 2000 Guineas is one of Ireland’s most prestigious flat races and a Classic contest for three-year-old colts and fillies. Run over one mile at Curragh Racecourse, the race is a Group 1 event and one of the highlights of the Irish flat racing season.
When is the 2026 Irish 2000 Guineas?
The 2026 Irish 2000 Guineas will take place on Saturday 23rd May, on day one of the Irish Guineas Festival.
Where is the Irish 2000 Guineas run?
The race takes place at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland.
What distance is the Irish 2000 Guineas?
The Irish 2000 Guineas is run over one mile (eight furlongs, 1600m).
Who can run in the Irish 2000 Guineas?
The race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, although colts usually dominate the field, with fillies preferring to run against their own sex in the Irish 1000 Guineas.
Who won the Irish 2000 Guineas?
John and Thady Gosden celebrated their first joint victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas in 2025, as favourite Field Of Gold ran out an impressive winner.
Who will win the Irish 2000 Guineas?
Gstaad dominates the betting for Saturday's Irish 2000 Guineas, having finished second to Bow Echo in the British equivalent at Newmarket. Read our guide to Saturday's Classic here on our website.
What type of race is the Irish 2000 Guineas?
The race is a Group 1 flat contest and one of the five Irish Classics.
Can a horse win both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas?
Yes. As there is usually a three or four-week gap between the two Classics in the schedule, many top-class colts have completed the English-Irish Guineas double during their careers.
Why is the Irish 2000 Guineas so important?
The race is regarded as one of the leading mile contests for three-year-olds and regularly attracts elite horses from Britain, Ireland and across Europe.
Which trainers have the best record in the Irish 2000 Guineas?
Aidan O'Brien is among the most successful trainers in the history of the race, having sent out the winner on 12 occasions.
How much prize money is the Irish 2000 Guineas worth?
The Irish 2000 Guineas is one of Ireland's most valuable flat races, with a purse of €460,000.
Which TV channel will show the 2026 Irish 2000 Guineas?
The race is expected to be shown live on Racing TV and ITV Racing.
Can I watch the Irish 2000 Guineas online?
Yes. Fans can watch the race live on Racing TV, ITVX and bookmaker streaming services where available.
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