Dubai Duty Free has extended its sponsorship of the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby by a further two years, and added five additional races to its sponsorship portfolio, which will see prizemoney at this year's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival on June 26 to 28 rise to €2.25-million from €2-million. In 2021, all races at the festival will be worth a minimum of €100,000.
The Dubai Duty Free Village in the Curragh garden will this year provide a new entertainment venue with an array of food and beverage outlets and a full programme of entertainment. Dubai Duty Free will continue to sponsor the most stylish racegoer competition, with the winner receiving a five-star holiday to Dubai.
Dubai Duty Free will continue to support the Irish Derby 'Free Entry' initiative, with Chester's Listed Dee S. and G3 Chester Vase and ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix de Lys added to the roster of races. Dubai Duty Free has also increased its support of stable staff, with a trophy going to the winning groom of each company sponsored race and a cash prize going to the best turned out winner of each.
“Dubai Duty Free have been outstanding partners of The Curragh and I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Colm McLoughlin and his team have made to the success of the Irish Derby since 2008,” said The Curragh Racecourse Chief Executive Pat Keogh. “Their increased support across their six sponsored races for the next two years will ensure we can maximise the quality and competitiveness across all races.
“The 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was the highest-rated race in the world and our objective is to ensure we attract the very best 3-year-old horses in Europe. The extension of the 'Free Entry' is a great initiative and will encourage owners and trainers to be part of Ireland's greatest and most valuable horse race.”
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