The 11^th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, which took place at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare on Saturday (30 June) was won by Latrobe.

Brothers Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien combined giving the later his first win in the race. The former had already triumphed on Australia and Camelot as a jockey.

As a result of the triumph, their father, Aidan, was denied a 13th Irish Derby success on Rostropovich and Saxon Warrior, who finished second and third respectively.

Joseph O’Brien was training the winner for Lloyd Williams, who had also teamed up with the younger trainer to win the Melbourne Cup last November.

VIP LUNCH

Meanwhile, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free and his wife Breeda, together with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President of Marketing of Dubai Duty Free hosted over 350 people for a VIP lunch. This took place in their private pavilion on the finish line.

On and off the track activities in the early part of the week included a Best Dressed Window Competition for businesses in Kildare town and Newbridge and a golf classic and charity ball at The K Club in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

Over €60,000 ($69,837) was raised for the children’s charity at the ball including a €20,000 ($23,277) donation from Dubai Duty Free.  All activities were also sponsored by Dubai Duty Free as well as the Best Dressed Lady Competition which also took place on Saturday.

This was won by Regina Horan from Malahide, who claimed a luxury trip to Dubai for two including flights and accommodation in the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. The package also includes a €1,000 Dubai Duty Free shopping voucher and two nights at The K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare.

McLoughlin said: “This is our 11th year sponsoring the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and we have seen it grow in terms of both its prestige and value over this time. It is great to be involved with a race of this calibre, and we were delighted to see the great progress that is happening at The Curragh.

“The redevelopment here is already very impressive and we are looking forward to seeing the final and finished facilities next year.”