Total prize money to increase to €1.5 million in 2016
The total prize money for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will increase to €1.5 million in 2016 following the decision of Dubai Duty Free to extend its sponsorship of Ireland’s most iconic race for a further two years until 2017. The agreement made between the world’s most successful airport retailer and the Curragh Racecourse also gives Dubai Duty Free the option to continue its sponsorship for a further three years thereafter, up to 2020. Should Dubai Duty Free extend their sponsorship until 2020 their commitment will result in a total prize fund of €7.5 million over the term of the sponsorship.
Dubai Duty Free has been the title sponsor of the Irish Derby since 2008 and has worked closely with the Curragh Racecourse to develop the event into a major festival in the Irish sporting and social calendar.
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free said, “We have been working together with the Curragh Racecourse to create a festival that incorporates premier racing, fashion, food and fun. Over the years we have added more ancillary activities both on and off the track. We run a golf classic and charity ball at The K Club in the earlier part of the week and on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day we sponsor the Best Dressed Lady. This year we also worked with the local communities in Newbridge and Kildare Town to have even more activities happening off the track in a bid to create a real sense of festival in the surrounding areas. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Sport and sports sponsorship is very much in line with our marketing strategy and we see this event as one of our key sponsorships.”
Paul Hensey, Curragh Racecourse General Manager commented, “The Curragh has enjoyed a very positive association with Dubai Duty Free since 2003, when the company first sponsored the Anglsea Stakes before taking over the title sponsorship of The Irish Derby in 2008. We are delighted to have secured the sponsorship of our flagship race and that our partnership with Dubai Duty Free will continue. We are very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and his team for their outstanding support which has greatly benefited both the Curragh and the Irish Horse Racing Industry”
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby takes place on Saturday, 27th of June at The Curragh Racecourse with the 150th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby running at 6.30pm. For more details, tickets or information see www.curragh.ie
