Who is on RTE One and RTE Player for the Curragh today? Ruby Walsh leads Tattersalls Irish Guineas coverage

Irish racing fans can follow a major afternoon at the Curragh today on RTE One and RTE Player, with coverage centred on the Tattersalls Irish Guineas card and a strong supporting programme of Listed and Group races. The broadcaster’s live presentation is fronted by Ruby Walsh, one of the most recognisable voices in racing coverage, while Richard Pugh is in the commentary seat to call the action as the Classic contenders go to post.

Walsh, a multiple Irish champion jump jockey and one of the sport’s most decorated riders, has become a familiar television presence since retirement. His transition into punditry has been a success because he combines elite-level riding knowledge with a clear, concise broadcasting style. Pugh, meanwhile, is a seasoned racecaller with extensive experience across Irish racing, and his commentary is well known to viewers for its pace and accuracy on big days like this one at the Curragh.

The pundit line-up adds plenty of depth to the broadcast. Emmet McNamara, a former top jockey best remembered for major success in the saddle before moving into media, brings the rider’s-eye view that can be especially useful on a tactical track such as the Curragh. Fran Berry, another former Group-race jockey, is widely respected for his analytical approach and understanding of race shape, pace and positioning. Jane Mangan completes a strong panel and has built a reputation as one of racing’s most versatile broadcasters, with experience as both a presenter and analyst across major Irish meetings.

The day’s headline contest is the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas, the premier fillies’ Classic at the Curragh and one of the most important races in the Irish Flat calendar. Run over a mile, the race traditionally attracts the best three-year-old fillies in training and often provides a key pointer for later summer targets. It is part of a superb afternoon that also includes the Tattersalls Gold Cup, the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes and other valuable races that make the Curragh one of the most significant venues in Europe.

For viewers tuning in, the meeting offers both quality and depth. The Curragh’s straight mile and expansive turf course tend to reward horses with class, balance and a strong turn of foot, particularly when the ground is riding good with some ease in places. That can make the race patterns fascinating, and it is exactly the sort of scenario where experienced pundits like Walsh, Berry, McNamara and Mangan can help viewers interpret what is unfolding on screen.

The Curragh remains the centrepiece of Irish Flat racing and a key stop on the international calendar. Its Guineas weekend is regularly watched well beyond Ireland, with overseas racing fans following the action for clues about the season’s top milers and middle-distance performers. If you want to read more about the racecourse itself, the official site is here: The Curragh Racecourse.

RTE’s live coverage is especially valuable on a card like this because it combines race-by-race detail with expert perspective and strong production values. Viewers on RTE Player can stream the same action online, making it easy to keep up with the big races wherever they are. With a Classic, Group races and competitive handicaps all on the same bill, the broadcast should have plenty of talking points from flag fall to the final race.

For racing followers in Britain and Ireland, today’s Curragh coverage is one of the standout television appointments of the weekend. With Ruby Walsh leading the presentation and Richard Pugh calling the action, the Irish Guineas meeting should be delivered with the combination of insight, authority and excitement that such a prestigious fixture deserves.

Article generated: 24 May 2026, 14:05 GMT