PRESS RELEASE

Monday 05 October 2026

THE CURRAGH TO STAGE INAUGURAL BEST SHOD AWARD

The Curragh Racecourse in association with the Worshipful Company of Farriers (“WCF”) is delighted to launch the inaugural Best Shod Horse Award, which will take place at the races on Tuesday 20 October 2026.

The Award will be judged by Mr Robin May AWCF, a WCF approved Judge and Middle Warden of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. The Judge will examine each horse in the Amateur Riders Derby Race taking into consideration, (a) the condition of the feet, (b) the making (or preparation) and fitting of the shoes and (c) the nailing and the position of clips.

The winning horse will be awarded a rosette and inscribed card. A brass plaque will be presented to the winning owner and a further brass plaque to the farrier responsible for the horse's feet and shoeing.

The Best Shod Horse Awards are currently presented at a wide range of leading equestrian and racing events across Great Britain, including Badminton Horse Trials, Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Horse of the Year Show. The Company is also proud to present Best Shod Horse Awards in racing, including at the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, the Grand National and the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown.

Canon Dr. Lydia Brown MBE, Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers commented,

“The Best Shod Horse Awards form an important part of the public-facing work of the Company, promoting high standards of farriery, professional skill and the welfare of the horse. The Worshipful Company of Farriers is delighted to bring the Award to The Curragh and looks forward to developing this relationship and with the wider Irish racing community.”

Evan Arkwright Racing and Sponsorship Manager of The Curragh said

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and skill of our farriers who play such an important role in our industry. It is a pleasure to partner with the Worshipful Company of Farriers and we look forward to further extending the awards to other race days in the future."

The Worshipful Company of Farriers, 55th in the order of precedence of the City of London Livery Companies, has a worldwide reputation for promoting high standards in the craft and profession of farriery and the welfare of the horse. Through its qualifications and wider professional activities, the Company supports the continuing development of farriers internationally.

ENDS