Where to Watch Curragh Racing on 18 July 2026: RTE2 & RTE Player with Ruby Walsh and Richard Pugh

Match date: 18 July 2026

Where to Watch Curragh Racing on 18 July 2026: RTE2 & RTE Player with Ruby Walsh and Richard Pugh

Irish racing fans can watch live coverage of the Curragh programme on 18 July 2026 starting at 13:00 UK time via RTÉ2 and the free-to-air RTE Player stream, with HD available to viewers in Ireland [1][5]. The broadcast is anchored by esteemed presenter Ruby Walsh, with Richard Pugh as the main commentator, delivering expert insights from one of Europe's most competitive racecourses.

For international viewers outside Ireland, the RTE Player is geo-restricted, meaning a VPN connecting to an Irish server may be required to access the stream [7]. However, Irish residents can access the coverage freely on terrestrial TV or online without subscription fees [5].

Expert Commentary and Pundit Panel

The commentary team combines legendary experience with fresh racing insight. Richard Pugh, a seasoned ITV and RTE commentator with 16 recorded RTE appearances, leads the live race narration [3]. His calm, authoritative delivery has made him a trusted voice in British and Irish racing broadcasting for decades.

Presenter Ruby Walsh, one of the most decorated jumpers in history with 52 Cheltenham wins and 11 Irish Champion Trophy titles, brings unmatched panel expertise [3]. She transitioned seamlessly from the track to the booth, becoming a staple of RTE's racing coverage and a key figure in shaping modern jump racing analysis.

The punditry box features a formidable lineup: Emmet McNamara, a top-class National Hunt trainer and former jockey; Fran Berry, a former flat racing champion with over 1,000 wins; and Jane Mangan, a respected trainer and former jockey known for her sharp tactical assessments [3]. Their diverse backgrounds ensure comprehensive coverage of both flat and jump racing nuances at the Curragh.

On-Track Reporting and Team Coverage

Live reporting is handled by Katie Walsh, Ruby's daughter and a highly accomplished jockey with major wins including the Cheltenham Awards and the Irish Grand National [3]. Her firsthand experience in top-tier races adds depth to pre- and post-race interviews.

Brian Gleeson, RTE's foremost racing presenter with 31 recorded appearances on RTE Player, anchors the broadcast's broader narrative [3]. Widely regarded as Ireland's leading horse racing broadcaster, Gleeson has covered every major Irish race for over two decades and is known for his articulate, engaging style.

Background on the Broadcast Team

Ruby Walsh retired from professional racing in 2015 after a record-breaking career. She joined RTE in 2016 and has become synonymous with Irish racing coverage, especially during major festivals like the Irish Grand National and Punchestown [5].

Richard Pugh began his broadcasting journey in the 1990s and has worked extensively with ITV Racing, where he commentated on landmark races including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. His RTE work includes regular coverage of the Curragh and Fairyhouse meetings [3].

Emmet McNamara, Fran Berry, and Jane Mangan all bring elite-level experience from the track to the studio, offering viewers a rare blend of insider knowledge and professional critique.

How to Watch Globally

While RTÉ2 and the RTE Player are Ireland-only, global audiences can access UK coverage via ITV Racing on selected days, which carries headline Grade 1 races including some from the Curragh [5]. For full meeting coverage, subscribers can access Racing TV, which offers day-by-day content in both the UK and Ireland [5].

To stream RTE Player internationally, viewers may need to use a VPN service such as ExpressVPN or PIA VPN to connect to an Irish server [7]. Once connected, the free stream becomes accessible via the RTE Player app or website.

For those unable to watch live, RTÉ Sport provides free race replays on its website within hours of each race's conclusion [5].

Why This Coverage Stands Out

RTE's summer racing coverage has been significantly strengthened, with live races every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through mid-July following the Irish Guineas Weekend [1]. The Curragh meeting on 18 July 2026 marks a key fixture in this expanded schedule, offering world-class racing and expert commentary from one of broadcasting's most respected teams.

Whether you're in Ireland watching on RTÉ2 or streaming globally via RTE Player, this broadcast delivers everything a racing enthusiast needs: top-tier analysis, experienced commentary, and comprehensive coverage of one of Europe's most prestigious racecourses.

Article generated: 18 July 2026, 01:02 GMT