The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
Colm McLoughlin, Salah Tahlak and Sinead El Sibai with Alison Milton, Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, presenting the trophies to the winning connections of Coolmore Stud owners; Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith, trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore. Image Credit: Supplied

Dubai: Trainer Aidan O’Brien claimed landmark 100th European Classic after favourite Auguste Rodin clinched the 16th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse last weekend.

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 glory.

Huge congratulations

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, together with his wife Breeda and the Executive Team at Dubai Duty Free consisting of Salah Tahlak, Joint Chief Operating Officer, Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Marketing Manager, Jasmin Micoyco were present.

Speaking after the race, McLoughlin said: “I would like to offer my huge congratulations to the winning connections and also to compliment The Curragh Racecourse on another hugely successful festival.”

Charity for children's foundation

The full week of activities included activities both on and off the track including a golf classic at The K Club where 28 teams of four played the Palmer North Course and later enjoyed a barbecue and traditional music.

Also, over the weekend, the Dubai Duty Free team visited the Barretstown Children’s Foundation, where they saw the great work the children’s charity does for seriously sick children and their families. McLoughlin added: “As part of our Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby activations, we have supported several Irish and local charities over the years, and this year, we are delighted to support the equine programme at The Barretstown Children’s Foundation, which runs camps where seriously ill children can enjoy themselves and have fun. Over 1,000 ‘campers’ will now enjoy the equine programme that we have supported this year.”