Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby 2016: Ireland's richest horse race gets 'richer'

Dubai Duty Free have raised the prize money of the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival to €1.5 million (Dh6.25m), making it Ireland’s richest and most prestigious race.

The highly anticipated derby takes place at The Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare on Saturday, June 25, 2016.

Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free since 2008, this event is Ireland’s answer to Royal Ascot and is the place to see and be seen, renowned across the nation for its high-octane glamour and style, celebrities, fun seekers and racing enthusiasts alike.

Jack Hobbs, trained by John Gosden and ridden by William Buick, wrote himself in to the history books by winning the 150th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby in 2015 also becoming the first British trained horse to win the race in 20 years.

“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,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free.

“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.”

2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner presentations (Supplied)

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival has grown annually expanding to include many exciting ancillary events which take place off the track during derby week.

On the eve of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, Friday, June 24, the annual Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball will be held at the Five AA Red Star K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare.  Glitzy dresses are donned, hair is coiffed and teased and slicks of lip gloss are applied, all in preparation for the annual Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball, one of the highlights of the summer social calendar, in aid of the children’s charity, The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

Throughout the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh Racecourse, racegoers can also enjoy lots of live music performances, a fantastic food village and exclusive styles stakes! Fashion and millinery will be the barometer of style on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day itself, with many attendees putting their best foot forward in the hope of winning the covetable “Most Stylish Lady” prize.

This year’s winner will walk away with a holiday of a lifetime, courtesy of Dubai Duty Free comprising of five glorious nights in Dubai Duty Free’s own, 5 star hotel, The Jumeirah Creekside as well as €1,000 to spend at the multi award-winning Dubai Duty Free and return flights. The prize also includes a spectacular statement piece of jewellery from Boodles and a luxurious overnight stay at The Marker Hotel in Dublin.

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