TRBusiness was on location at the Spring Trials Weekend.

Dubai Duty Free (DDF) welcomed partners to its traditional pre-race meeting and luncheon at Newbury Racecourse for the DDF Spring Trials Weekend.

In an address to attendees on Saturday 20 September on the second day of the meeting, DDF Deputy Managing Director Salah Tahlak announced another record-breaking sales year for the travel retailer, as he paid tribute to a three-decade partnership with Newbury Racecourse.

“Our partnership with Newbury Racecourse spanning three decades has brought many rewards including the opportunity to engage with members of the racing media, commercial contacts and the wider racing community and we are delighted that it will continue in 2026,” he said.

Total prize money paid out at Newbury this season increased by over £1 million to £6.9million.

Newbury Racecourse’s operating profits jumped by about 75% against the backdrop of a challenging British domestic market while attendances were up by double-digit percentages.

The Hon. Harry Herbert, a Director of Newbury Racecourse for fifteen years and founder of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate added: “Newbury has long been my favourite racecourse and to see it bucking the all the trends and going from strength to strength, gladdens my heart. The continued faithful sponsorship of Dubai Duty Free has been instrumental in the racecourse’s prosperity.”

Jockey William Buick receives the trophy from Dubai Duty Free guest HRH Sheikh Rashid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (third left) and Dubai Duty Free Deputy Managing Director Salah Tahlak (second left) after the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes.

Among the winners on an action-packed raceday was Godolphin’s Words of Truth, trained by Charlie Appleby, ridden to victory by William Buick in the 2025 edition of £125,000 Group Two Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, a six-furlong contest.