The second Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse has been rated 'a triumphant success' by title sponsor DDF, with the prize fund of E.1.5m ($2.1m) going to the winning connections of owners

Derrick Smith, John Magner and Michael Tabor, trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Johnny Murtagh.

DDF reports that more than 23,000 people enjoyed a great day of fun, fashion and racing action at the world famous track last weekend.

In addition to being the title sponsor of the event for the second year, DDF also sponsored a further four races on the day including, The Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup Premier Handicap, The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Sapphire Stakes, The Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Scurry and the Dubai Tennis Championship hurdle.

Speaking from the presentation podium after the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of DDF said: ‘It is a great honour for Dubai Duty Free to sponsor this premium race for the second year and we look forward to many more years of great racing and carnival festivities here at the Curragh Racecourse’. Dubai Duty Free has agreed a five-year contract to sponsor the Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse which will run until 2012.

In addition to is sponsorship of the racing, DDF also ran a competition for race goers to win a trip to Dubai and this was won by Paula Knox from Kilashee in Naas. The Kildare Village Most Stylish Lady title was awarded to Carla Mooney from Portarlington Co.Offaly. She walked away with a E.5,000 ($7,015) shopping spree prize for Kildare Village.

DDF also entertained a host of special dignitaries, international business guests and well known Irish celebrities and media personalities in their own suite on the day. Guests included model and daughter of Simon and Yasmin le Bon, Amber le Bon who was also one of fashion judges with fashion sponsors, Kildare Village.

Irish personalities in attendance included model Pippa O' Connor and television personality Brian Ormond, Jackie Lavin and Bill Cullen, RTE news anchor Anne Doyle, boxer, Bernard Dunne and Leinster rugby players, Bernard Jackman, Alan Gaffney and Leo Cullen. Other well known famous individuals spotted in the crowd included actors Clive Owen and Mel Gibson.