IRELAND/UAE. Aidan O’Brien-trained favourite Benvenuto Cellini captured the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby in thrilling fashion at The Curragh racecourse in County Kildare on Sunday (28 June). The race was the showpiece of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival from 26 to 28 June.
The event offers the travel retailer superb visibility, with many thousands of guests in attendance at the track and a global television audience of millions.
Since becoming title sponsor in 2008, Dubai Duty Free has elevated the event to new heights, helping to extend the Irish Derby’s reputation as one of the premier fixtures in the global flat racing calendar.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi and his wife Alpana hosted close to 100 guests (including The Moodie Davitt Report) for a sumptuous lunch in the St. Leger Suite on Sunday. Cidambi outlined the company’s long-standing support for horse racing, notably at The Curragh, and its wider commitment to sports sponsorship.
He warmly welcomed the UAE Ambassador to Ireland Mohammed Al Shamsi; Breeda McLoughlin, wife of former Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin (who passed away in October 2024); plus ex-colleagues George Horan (former Dubai Duty Free President) and John Sutcliffe (former ARI Middle East Managing Director), who attended with their wives Carmel and Anna-Marie, respectively.
The racing was part of a memorable day of entertainment and hospitality at The Curragh. Irish television personality and style icon Vogue Williams led the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition as Lead Fashion Judge, and was joined by Alpana Cidambi and fashion and lifestyle journalist Bairbre Power.
Courtesy of Dubai Duty Free the winner, Jeanette Kelly from County Wexford, received return flights for two to Dubai, five nights’ luxury accommodation at the Creekside Hotel Dubai, together with €1,000 spending money at Dubai Duty Free. ✈
