Dubai: Dubai Dubai Duty Free have once again increased their commitment to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1), the centrepiece of this week’s highly anticipated 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, by raising the prize money to €1.5 million (Dh6.24 million).
Given the significant boost in prize money, which makes the Derby Ireland’s richest and most prestigious race; it is assured of attracting the very best horses three-year-olds in the world to compete at The Curragh, Ireland’s premier international racecourse.
Twelve months ago Jack Hobbs, trained by John Gosden and ridden by William Buick, made histtory by winning the 150th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby to become the first British trained horse to win the race in 20 years.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is a terrific event, it reflects our brand and is very much in line with our global marketing plan which encompasses sports sponsorship.
“This is our ninth year as title sponsor of what we believe is a complete festival that incorporates a golf tournament at the K. Club, a charity ball at the K Club with proceeds raised for the Jack & Jill Foundation, a Busk and Food Festival and Best Dressed Shop Front Competition in the neighbouring towns of Newbridge and Kildare, and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day itself.
“Since we took over as title sponsor in 2008 we have made a concerted effort to build on our association with the derby and to engage with as many communities as possible both on and off the track.”
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Golf Classic is played at The K Club on Thursday. The four-person team event is played on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course, home of the 2006 Ryder Cup and undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest golf courses. The winning team are then invited to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse on the Saturday, where they can enjoy full hospitality in the Dubai Duty Free private VIP suite.
