Kildare racecourse seeks artists and snappers
Ross McHale, winner of the Artist of The Curragh competition in 2024
THERE is to be competition of quite a different kind on the Curragh Racecourse for the month of September with the launch of two exciting competitions that invite artists and photographers to capture the heart and soul of Irish racing.
The 2025 photography competition is called ‘Beyond the Finish Line’, while the ‘Artist of the Curragh’ competition is for the 2025-26 period, because painting takes a little longer to complete.
Both competitions will culminate in a celebration of Creativity at The Curragh at the Goffs Millions Race Day on Saturday, 27 September, where the winners will be announced.
The photography competition invites amateur photographers to explore the profound connection between horses and humans in Irish racing.
Whether captured on race day, during training, or in quiet moments of care, photographers are encouraged to submit images that reflect the love, dedication, and trust that define equine life.
The deadline for entries is Monday, 15 September, and all finalists will be announced ahead of the Autumn Racing Weekend.
The overall winner will receive a Canon Pixma G4511 Printer valued at €300, and two runners-up will receive a Canon Selphy QX10 Printer each valued at €170.
All prizes are kindly sponsored by Bermingham Cameras from Dublin, and entries are open now at www.curragh.ie/beyondthefinishline.
“We’re delighted to support this competition again,” said Brian Whelan, director of Bermingham Cameras.
“The entries last year were truly inspiring, and I’m looking forward to seeing how amateur photographers capture the emotional depth of racing life off the racetrack once more.”
For the 2025–2026 Art Competition, the Curragh is inviting artists from across County Kildare to submit a sample piece of artwork and a short statement (max 100 words) explaining why they should be selected as one of five finalists.
These finalists will be invited to The Curragh on Goffs Millions Race Day (Saturday, 27 September) to paint a live race day scene.
The winning artist will be selected on the day and receive a €1,500 commission from The Curragh, and their work will be proudly displayed at The Curragh throughout 2026.
Interested artists are invited to submit their interest by Friday 19 September by emailing rnorton@curragh.ie with “Artist of the Curragh” in the subject line.
Ruth Norton, marketing manager for The Curragh Racecourse said: “These competitions are a celebration of the artistry, emotion, and heritage that make The Curragh Racecourse a very special place. Whether through lens or brushstroke, we invite creatives to share their vision.”
For further information, see www.curragh.ie or follow The Curragh Racecourse on social media for the latest updates.
