The thrill of thoroughbred racing and the flash of fashion are set to return to The Curragh Racecourse this weekend, bringing with it the much-anticipated 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. This thrilling event promises three spectacular days of world-class flat racing and vibrant social celebrations.
Located in the heart of Co. Kildare, Ireland, the historic Curragh Racecourse is not just a venue but a storyteller, weaving tales of racing greatness. This year marks the 160th running of this prestigious colt’s Classic, a testament to its long-standing place in the fabric of Irish racing tradition. With each year, the Derby attracts top-tier competition, promising an exhilarating spectacle.
The highlight of the weekend will undoubtably be Derby Day on Sunday, June 29th. The stakes are incredibly high as elite thoroughbreds from the UK and Europe compete over 2,400 meters for glory. Last year, the race was claimed by Los Angeles, a horse trained by the renowned Aidan O’Brien and ridden by the illustrious Ryan Moore. Events like this remind us of the caliber of horses that the Irish Derby consistently draws.
Since Dubai Duty Free stepped into the role of title sponsor in 2008, the festival has skyrocketed in global stature. What began as a local spectacle has transformed into a key event on the international flat racing calendar, with Dubai Duty Free sponsoring six of the eight races on Derby Day. This partnership has imbued the race with not just financial backing but also a cosmopolitan flair, elevating the profile of the meeting significantly.
Highlighting the impact of strategic sports alliances, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi emphasized the importance of such partnerships in reaching global audiences. “Sports sponsorship is part of Dubai Duty Free’s marketing strategy and that has been the case for many years,” he noted. “The media exposure from these events allows us to connect with racing fans all over the world.” The unique atmosphere at The Curragh, which is home to all five of Ireland’s Classics, serves as an ideal backdrop for this thrilling collaboration.
On Derby Day, Mr. Cidambi will host up to 100 guests in the exclusive St. Leger Suite, enhancing the buzz of the event. Meanwhile, the infield will play host to the eagerly awaited Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition. Adding a new twist to the event, celebrity chef, author, and style icon Clodagh McKenna steps in as Lead Fashion Judge. Her presence not only brings glamour to the day but also a pinch of culinary flair, making the competition a highlight this weekend.
Joining Clodagh in this stylish endeavor is Alpana Cidambi, a seasoned fashion connoisseur and Dubai Duty Free ambassador, alongside Bairbre Power, one of Ireland’s leading fashion journalists. Their combined expertise will ensure that the competition is nothing short of sartorial excellence. The couple brings a unique touch to the occasion; Clodagh’s husband, Harry Herbert, a passionate racing enthusiast, will also be in attendance, further enriching the celebrity backdrop.
The excitement isn’t limited to Sunday; the day prior will feature two esteemed Dubai-based brands lending their support to Saturday’s racecard. The Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes (Group 3) for two-year-olds over 6½ furlongs will set the stage for the Derby’s main event. Following that, the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai International Stakes (Group 3)—named for the legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast—will showcase top-class three-year-olds and older horses racing over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs, reinforcing Dubai’s enduring presence in the world of international flat racing.
The allure of the Best Dressed Competition isn’t merely in the accolades; the winner will receive a luxurious travel package courtesy of Dubai Duty Free. This enticing prize includes return flights for two to Dubai, a five-night stay at the luxurious Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and a €1,000 shopping spree at Dubai Duty Free’s iconic retail haven. It’s an irresistible incentive that adds an extra layer of excitement to the day’s events.
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, attendees can look forward to more than just elite racing; it’s a vibrant tapestry of Irish heritage and a celebration of the enduring passion for the turf, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most hallowed racing venues.
