The 17th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby took place at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare (Ireland) today, (Sunday, 30th of June) and was won by Los Angeles to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 16th triumph in the race. Ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, Los Angeles finished three-quarters of a length clear of Sunway in second place and a further half-length in front of the 6-4 favourite Ambiente Friendly.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is the feature event of the festival of high-octane racing, where the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world take each other on for derby glory. The festival and day, which is sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, was a great success, filled with fantastic racing, fashion, and fun.
The newly appointed Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, Ramesh Cidambi, together with his wife Alpana hosted 130 guests for lunch, as the company sponsored six of the nine races on the card. The recently retired Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin, and his wife Breeda were also in attendance along with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President of Marketing of Dubai Duty Free and her husband, Jihad. Guests enjoyed a wonderful day of racing, fine food and fabulous fashion and entertainment in the spectacular Leger Suite which offers panoramic views across the Curragh plains and has a bird’s eye view of the winning post and parade ring. Speaking after the race, Ramesh Cidambi said, “I would like to offer my congratulations to the winning connections and also to compliment The Curragh Racecourse on another hugely successful festival.”
The Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition was a hotly contested affair with some serious style on display at the track. The fashion judges on the day included Lisa Hogan of the popular Amazon Prime show, ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, Alpana Cidambi, Breeda McLoughlin and fashion writer, Bairbre Power.
Liz Maher from Bagenalstown, County Carlow, was crowned Best Dressed and took home the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed prize. Liz looked very elegant in a white suit which she said is a trusty piece in her wardrobe and has had several days out at the races over the years. Liz’s look was a celebration of Irish fashion with her headpiece from Caithriona King Millinery and her suit was by designer, Julie Caulfield in Kilmore Quay in Wexford.
As well as her Best Dressed title, Liz was over the moon with her fabulous array of prizes including return flights for two to Dubai with five glorious nights in Dubai Duty Free’s own five-star hotel, The Jumeirah Creekside, and €1,000 spending money at the award-winning airport retailer.
The full week of activities included activities both on and off the track including a golf classic at The K Club where 20 teams of four played the Palmer South Course and later enjoyed a barbeque and traditional music.
On Derby Day the Executive Team also presented Barretstown Children’s Foundation CEO, Dee Ahearn with a donation of €20,000 to support the great work the foundation does for seriously ill children.
Worldwide viewership of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was significantly enhanced again this year as the full day of racing is part of the Tote World Pool whereby global tote operators operate a single pool on several major international race meetings.
