IRELAND/UAE. Aidan O’Brien-trained Los Angeles swooped late to capture the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, as the leading travel retailer marked its 17th year as title sponsor of one of Europe’s most prestigious horse races.
The event attracts a worldwide audience of racing enthusiasts and offers Dubai Duty Free the opportunity to profile its own activities and to promote Dubai.
Around 130 Dubai Duty Free guests were hosted for lunch in the St. Leger suite in the Aga Khan Stand by recently appointed Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi and his wife Alpana.
As previously announced, Cidambi took over the executive leadership with his promotion to Managing Director after the retirement of Colm McLoughlin, long-time Executive Vice Chairman & CEO. [Click here for our recent interview with Ramesh Cidambi as he assumed the executive leadership role.]
McLoughlin and his wife Breeda were also present at The Curragh, along with Senior Vice President of Marketing Sinead el Sibai and her husband Jihad.
Dubai Duty Free sponsored six of the nine races on the card, with the inaugural running of the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes race, won by Lord Massusus, among the highlights.
Ramesh Cidambi said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the winning connections and also to compliment The Curragh Racecourse on another hugely successful festival.”
He told guests in the St. Leger Suite: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be here for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and I’m honoured and privileged to follow Colm in this role.
“I’m especially happy that this is the first event I am taking part in outside Dubai since taking over as Managing Director, and myself and my wife Alpana are delighted to experience the wonderful Curragh hospitality.”
Alpana Cidambi, Breeda McLoughlin, fashion writer Bairbre Power and Lisa Hogan of the popular Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm judged the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition, won by Liz Maher from Bagenalstown, County Carlow.
The full week of activities included activities both on and off the track including a golf classic at The K Club, where 20 teams of four played the Palmer South Course and later enjoyed a barbecue and traditional music.
On Derby Day the Executive Team also presented Barretstown Children’s Foundation CEO Dee Ahearn with a donation of €20,000 to support the foundation’s work on behalf of ill children.
Worldwide viewership of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby has significantly grown over the years as the main day of racing has become part of the Tote World Pool, an initiative launched in 2019 whereby global tote betting operators run a single pool on several major international race meetings.
The festival has also become a permanent fixture as a Tote World Pool event, following a partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Terrestrial TV coverage of the race included live broadcasts by RTE, Fan Duel and Green Channel in Japan, while digital and specialist racing platforms including Racing TV carried full coverage of the event. ✈
