UAE/IRELAND. Aidan O’Brien-trained Lambourn won a thrilling, close-fought Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh racecourse in County Kildare on Sunday. It completed an impressive season double for horse and trainer, after Lambourn captured the English Derby at Epsom three weeks ago.
Dubai Duty Free marked its 18th year as title sponsor of one of Europe’s most prestigious horse races. The event offers the leading travel retailer the opportunity to profile its own activities and to promote Dubai.
Dubai Duty Free, led by Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi and his wife Alpana, alongside Deputy Managing Director Salah Tahlak, hosted close to 100 guests for lunch in the St. Leger suite in the Aga Khan Stand, which offered spectacular views of the track, the parade ring and the winning post.
Ramesh Cidambi said, “We are proud to celebrate 18 years of sponsoring The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. This event represents the perfect blend of sporting excellence, Irish culture and warm hospitality. Congratulations to all the winning connections and my thanks to The Curragh team for a truly exceptional day.”
The day was also notable for the hosting of the first Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes, in honour of Dubai Duty Free’s former Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, who sadly passed away last October.
Colm’s wife Breeda, daughters Tina and Mandy, brother Feidlim, sister Muire and members of the extended family presented the main prizes to the connections of winning horse Skukuza. Feidlim McLoughlin also presented a special gift from the family to Dubai Duty Free to mark the occasion.
Cidambi told guests: “This is the first time that Dubai Duty Free has hosted the Irish Derby and Colm has not been with us. We remember him very much and we recognise his huge contribution to relations between Ireland and Dubai.
“He led the relationship with The Curragh and of course did so much both for Ireland and for Dubai over many years. The running of the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes is one way to honour that contribution.”
Among the other event highlights was the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition. This year’s lead judge was celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna, who was joined by Alpana Cidambi and Bairbre Power, fashion and lifestyle editor. Angela Belle McSweeney from Sydney, Australia won the prize package, which includes return flights for two to Dubai, five nights in the five-star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (owned by Dubai Duty Free) and €1,000 in spending money at stores run by the award-winning airport retailer at Dubai International Airport. ✈
