Two Group 2 races, some intriguing maidens and a raft of competitive handicaps make up the Curragh’s flat card on Sunday 19th July. Steve Chambers delves through the form guides ahead of day of Irish Oaks Weekend and picks out his four best bets to make up the GG Lucky 15 for the day.
Curragh Tips (Sunday 19th July 2026)
The action at the Curragh on Sunday begins at 1.40pm and goes right through until 5.30pm. Group 2 action takes place in the shape of the Minstrel Stakes and Curragh Cup, which are the two highlights on the card.
3.15 Curragh – Dorset (1pt win – 17/2)
Aidan O’Brien saddled Diego Velazquez to victory in this race 12 months ago and the master of Ballydoyle can claim the Minstrel Stakes once again at 3.15pm. He will saddle Dorset, who’s failed to kick on this season, but could relish the return to the Curragh. A winner of the Goffs Million at the track earlier in his career, he was last seen finishing ninth in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. He will need to improve on that effort, but this contest does lack significant strength in depth, so he’s one that could come out of the woodwork and the land the money.
3.50 Curragh – Kirkland Sioux (1pt win – )
Joseph O’Brien has been firing winners in left, right and centre of late and he can claim more success in the 3.50pm with Kirkland Sioux. The Sioux Nation filly finally broke her duck at the fifth time of asking at Fairyhouse just over two weeks ago, but it was the manner in which she pulled clear of her rivals that suggests more is to come. She’s been given a whopping 12lbs hike for that three length plus victory, but a mark of 76 still looks within her capabilities and she can notch up back-to-back wins.
4.25 Curragh – Al Riffa (1pt win – 11/8)
Illinois won the Queen Alexandra Stakes in dramatic style at Royal Ascot last month, but Aidan O’Brien’s star stayer may need those extreme distances over two miles to show his best. He will be a leading contender for the Group 2 Curragh Cup over 1m 6f 4y on Sunday at 4.25pm, but he could struggle to get the better of Al Riffa. Fourth in the Gold Cup at the Royal meeting, Joseph O’Brien’s charge is one that has shown he excels over this 1m 6f trip, when winning the Irish St Leger. He’s been struggling to get his head in front of late, but has the ability and can outpace Illinois at the business end of the race.
5.00 Curragh – Lars Soldier (1pt win – )
A surprise 18/1 winner at the Curragh on his second start, Lars Soldier returns to the scene of his solitary victory on Sunday in the 5.00pm contest. He will have to carry top weight in this trappy nursery handicap, but he’s shown, unlike the others in the line-up, that he’s capable of getting his head in front. There will be some improvers lining up with Joseph & Donnacha O’Brien unleashing strong dangers, but Lars Soldier can continue his progression and taste a second career win.
Steve Chambers’ Lucky 15 Tips – Sunday 19th July
3.15 Curragh – Dorset (1pt win – 17/2)
3.50 Curragh – Kirkland Sioux (1pt win – )
4.25 Curragh – Al Riffa (1pt win – 11/8)
5.00 Curragh – Lars Soldier (1pt win – )
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Curragh – first race 1.40pm
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are the Sunday 19th July Lucky 15 tips?
Steve Chambers provides his Lucky 15 tips on Sunday 19th July, which includes selections at Curragh.
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 15 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
When were the Sunday 19th July’s Lucky 15 tips for Curragh published?
Steve Chambers’ Lucky 15 tips for Sunday 19th July at Curragh were published at 7.25am on Saturday 18th July.
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