The sense of excitement is rising ahead of the 14th Irish Derby Festival sponsored by Dubai Duty Free which takes place at The Curragh Racecourse in Co. Kildare (Ireland) from June 25th-27th of June. The iconic racing venue is set to welcome 1,000 spectators on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day this Sat (26th June), for one of the biggest, most important races in Europe. During the pandemic racing was allowed to continue behind closed doors but this weekend sees the return of racing fans to the track who will be keen to witness the live action in person. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is one of the chosen pilot initiatives for extended capacity at outdoor sporting events chosen by the Irish Government.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free said, “We have been the title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby since 2008 but have been working with the Curragh Racecourse, supporting them, and sponsoring other races at the track for 20 years now. Our long-standing relationship with the Curragh is important and allows us to continue to promote our brand and the city of Dubai through our sponsorship of this prestigious race. Our support has ensured it continues to be one of the world’s most prestigious races.”
He went on to commend the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board, Horse Racing Ireland and The Curragh Racecourse for keeping racing going during the pandemic and for safely overseeing the return of spectators to the track this weekend.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival has grown beyond recognition since the airport retailer took on the role of title sponsor in 2008. The centrepiece, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, has become one of the premier races in the global calendar and has a total prize fund of €1 million. The company also sponsor five other races on Derby Day at the Curragh.
During its tenure as title sponsor Dubai Duty Free has always been keen to have activations off the track. Over the years the company has supported many local and Irish charities and has worked with Kildare businesses and traders in a bid to involve local people in the festival. This year Dubai Duty Free commissioned the talented craftspeople at Newbridge Silverware to handmake silver trophies which will be presented to the winning connections of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Saturday.
It is expected that Ireland’s flagship race will be viewed all around the world with viewers tuning in from as far away as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, South Africa, USA, all over Europe, Mongolia and of course in the United Arab Emirates, the home of Dubai Duty Free.
For more information on Dubai Duty Free see www.dubaidutyfree.com and for more on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby see www.curragh.ie
