IRELAND. The second Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, held at The Curragh Racecourse near Dublin yesterday, proved a major success in both racing and sponsorship terms.
The event is one of the world’s leading horse races. It was won by the Aidan O’Brien-trained favourite Fame and Glory after the initial hot favourite Sea the Stars was withdrawn because of soft track conditions. Golden Sword was second and Marouyan third.
Over 23,000 racegoers enjoyed the day, and Dubai Duty Free benefited from intense global media coverage around the world.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin told invited guests: “Sponsoring sport is good for the company and good for Dubai.”
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(Clockwise from top left): Race winner Fame and Glory with jockey Johnny Murtagh aboard, returns to the winner’s circle; Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin with Director – Corporate Communications Salah Hussein Tahlak at the presentation ceremony; an ebullient Johnny Murtagh celebrates his big moment of Derby triumph | |
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(Pictured left) Fame and Glory streaks away for an easy victory in the big race; (Pictured right) Colm and Breeda McLoughlin with former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Ireland Albert Reynolds. Photo: Jason Sibley | |
Later, speaking from the presentation podium after the big race, McLoughlin said: “It is a great honour for Dubai Duty Free to sponsor this premium race for the second year and we look forward to many more years of great racing and carnival festivities here at the Curragh Racecourse.” The travel retailer has a five-year contract to sponsor the Irish Derby until 2012.
Dubai Duty Free sponsored a further four races on the day: The Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup Premier Handicap, The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Sapphire Stakes, The Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Scurry and the Dubai Tennis Championship hurdle.
Dubai Duty Free also hosted an Irish Derby Lounge, featuring “˜The Taste of Ireland’ – a mini food festival with top chefs producing some of their most famous signature dishes. Five of Ireland’s Michelin Star chefs were in attendance.
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Dubai Duty Free officials headed by Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director; George Horan, Deputy Managing Director; Salah Hussein Tahlak, Director-Corporate Communications; and Sinead El Sibai-Manager, Events, Advertising & Media present the trophies to the winners of the 2009 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, won by Fame and Glory, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Johnny Murtagh; Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen is pictured sixth from left |
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Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen (centre) poses with Dubai Duty Free staff and management (from left) Christine Feliciano, George Horan, Salah Hussein Tahlak, Colm McLoughlin, Sinead El Sibai and Anna Khan |
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The Moodie Tipster picked Fame and Glory (first) and Mourayan (third) to battle it out from Master of the Horse (fourth) and Gan Amhras (sixth) |
READERS’ COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
In related news The Moodie Report Readers’ Competition, in association with Dubai Duty Free, attracted strong interest. Readers had the opportunity to win a ticket in the retailer’s Millennium Millionaire draw. The winner of that draw will win US$1 million. Dubai Duty Free also offered a ticket in the “˜Finest Surprise’ luxury car draw to the runner-up.
Not surprisingly several contestants picked the winner, necessitating a draw by Dubai Duty Free to select our winners.
First name out of the hat was Aer Rianta International’s John Kilmartin, who now stands a runner’s chance of becoming a millionaire. The second name up was Iñaki Arteaga from Philip Morris Spain, who now has the chance of driving away a luxury car. Dubai Duty Free will be in touch with the winners.
MORE STORIES ON DUBAI DUTY FREE
The Moodie Report Readers’ Competition – win US$1 million at the 2009 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby – 25/06/09
Dubai Duty Free receives Industry Partnership honour from Dubai Women’s College – 15/06/09
Dubai Duty Free delights in “˜Best Duty Free Shopping’ ranking in Skytrax airport survey – 11/06/09
Pioneering landmark reached as Colm McLoughlin celebrates 40 years in duty free – 01/06/09
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