Five-Time Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy to Make His Naas Debut This Sunday for Season Opener

Five-time British Flat champion Oisin Murphy will take his first of two rides at Naas Racecourse this Sunday, March 22nd, aboard Cotai Lights for trainer Adrian Keatley and Chirac for John James Feane. He will be joined by three-time British champion Ryan Moore, getting the leg up for Irish champion trainer Aidan O’Brien, and former champion apprentice David Egan, aboard Flanker Jet for Robson de Aguiar - promising a thrilling showcase of top-class riding as the 2026 flat season kicks off at the track.

Sunday’s feature contest, the Listed Devoy Stakes, adds further intrigue, with last year’s standout performer Sunchart set to return in a bid to land the race for a remarkable third time, having already secured back-to-back victories in the contest for the Andy Slattery yard.

Entries for the remainder of the card suggest another competitive and informative afternoon, with a strong mix of established performers and promising three-year-olds set to take to the track. The Irish Racing Writers Association Madrid Handicap once again looks a key early-season target, with several progressive types expected to line up.

Among those potentially heading to Naas is Causeway, who was highlighted by trainer Aidan O’Brien at his open morning earlier this week as one to follow this season:

“He could be one for the Madrid Handicap at Naas. We’ll see what the handicapper does first. He’ll go up in trip after that and sure he could be a Paddington. He’s a big horse and should progress well. I think he could be a very good horse, I’m just not sure how far he’ll stay as he shows plenty of pace.”

Sunday’s card also sees continued support from key industry figures, with Micheál Orlandi of Compas Stallions once again showing his backing of Naas Racecourse for the sixth consecutive year by sponsoring two races on the programme, including the Aesop’s Fables Irish EBF (Fillies) Maiden — a race that has produced some high-quality fillies in recent seasons.

This year looks set to be no different, with O’Brien potentially introducing Drop Dead Gorgeous, and he also commented earlier this week:

“We think she is a very smart filly. She’s a sister to Gleneagles, she might go for a maiden in Naas — she could start there.”

Sunday’s fixture also sees the return of valued partners, with TRM Equine Nutrition and Colm White Booker both sponsoring the opening of their race series across the flat season.

Racegoers can look forward to a fantastic atmosphere as the Flat campaign gets underway, with competitive racing, social buzz, and the promise of stars for the season ahead all on show.

The first race is scheduled for 1:35pm, and Early Bird tickets (€15) or Panoramic Restaurant packages (€80) are available now via naasracecourse.com.

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