Dubai Duty Free reports that its major sponsorship of the eighth Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse in Ireland was such ‘a triumphant success’ that the total prize money will now increase to €1.5m ($1.67m) in 2016, alongside its decision to extend its sponsorship for a further two years until 2017.

 

This year DDF sponsored six out of the eight races on the card, including the flagship race, with the 150th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby ultimately won by the John Gosden trained, Jack Hobbs. This was ridden by William Buick in front of 25,255 race fans present at the racecourse, who saw him win confidently from more than a furlong out from the finishing post. It was also televised widely and shown all around the world on the Internet.

 

Colm McLoughlin, the Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free presented the winning connections with a brand new commissioned trophy specially produced for the 150th anniversary, in front of a packed grandstand. Opera singer, Celine Byrne followed with that famous aria, ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling’ before parachutists descended onto the track, delighting the crowd in a fitting end to the 150th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

 

Prior to this grand finale, McLoughlin and his team entertained and hosted nearly 400 guests in DDF’s VIP private pavilion beside the winning post. This comprised a drinks reception, lunch, plus full hospitality and entertainment, including a magician, a caricature artist, two jazz bands and a string quartet.

 

 

HIGH PROFILE SPONSORSHIP

Clearly delighted, McLoughlin said: “This is our eighth year sponsoring the Irish Derby. Every year it gets bigger and better. This has been an even more exciting year as it marks the 150th running of this prestigious race. The title sponsorship of the Irish Derby is very important for us and is in line with our global strategy of high profile sports sponsorships.”

 

Dubai Duty Free was also inducted into the Curragh Racecourse Hall of Fame on the day. The induction ceremony took place in the Parade Ring and Dubai Duty Free now join a prestigious role of honour.

Meanwhile, just days before the main event, the retailer confirmed that the total prize money for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will increase to €1.5m ($1.67m) in 2016 as part of the extended its sponsorship of Ireland’s most iconic race for a further two years until 2017.

 

There is also an option of DDF’s part to continue its sponsorship for a further three years to 2020. If this happens, then DDF’s commitment would increase to providing a total prize money fund of €7.5m ($8.37m) over the extended full term.

 

 

OTHER ANCILLARY EVENTS

Famous people and celebrities were all on hand and a few notable events also took place. Lorraine O’Sullivan from Dooradoyle in County Limerick won the title of the Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish Lady. She wore a dress by Philip Armstrong adorned with Chanel and Gucci accessories, plus a handmade hat with a Lulu Guinness clutch.

 

For her trouble, Lorraine won the top prize of a holiday of a lifetime to Dubai for two courtesy of Dubai Duty Free, comprising five nights in Dubai Duty Free’s own, 5-star hotel, The Jumeirah Creekside, plus return flights and a €1,000 ($1,116) to spend at the multi award-winning Dubai Duty Free.

 

As already reported, the prize also included ‘a spectacular statement’ piece of diamond jewellery from Boodles valued at €5,000 ($5,582) and a luxurious overnight stay at The Marker Hotel in Dublin – all worth an impressive and generous €20,000 ($22,330).

 

In addition to all this, the full festival included several ancillary events which ran on and off the track, including the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Golf Classic which was held on Thursday 26 June at the Palmer Ryder Cup course at The K Club. This was also where the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball was held on the eve of the derby which was in aid of the very worthy charity, called The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.