The countdown is on for the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby which will take place at the Curragh Racecourse in Co. Kildare, Ireland, June 27–29.
This year’s event marks a major milestone – the 160th running of the Irish Derby – and promises a weekend of world-class racing, style, and entertainment.
The highlight of the festival, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, takes place on Sunday, June 29. Last year’s edition saw Los Angeles, trained by legendary handler Aidan O’Brien, storm to victory under the expert guidance of Ryan Moore.
Since becoming title sponsor in 2008, Dubai Duty Free has elevated the event to new heights, sponsoring six of the eight races on Derby Day and helping cement its reputation as one of the premier fixtures in the global flat racing calendar.
Speaking ahead of the Festival, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi commented, “Sports sponsorship is part of Dubai Duty Free’s marketing strategy and that has been the case for many years, as it enables the business to reach a global audience via the media exposure that goes with the various sporting events the company is involved with. We are looking forward to a great day of racing and entertainment at The Curragh, one of the world’s most iconic racecourses and home to all five of the Irish Classics.”
Cidambi will host up to 100 guests in the St. Leger suite on Derby day. This year’s Derby Festival also features the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition, with celebrity chef and style icon Clodagh McKenna announced as Lead Fashion Judge. She will be ably assisted in her search for the Best Dressed by Alpana Cidambi, the wife of Ramesh Cidambi and by lifestyle and fashion journalist, Bairbre Power.
McKenna will be accompanied to the races by her husband, Harry Herbert, a lifelong supporter of Irish racing and a well-known figure in the thoroughbred world. “Harry just loves Irish racing, and he has been working with Irish breeders and trainers for over 20 years. So, he’s really excited that we will be going together, it’s going to be a lot of fun,” she said.
The winner of the Best Dressed Competition will receive an exclusive luxury prize package courtesy of Dubai Duty Free, including return flights for two to Dubai, five nights at the 5-star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and €1,000 spending money to indulge at the world-renowned Dubai Duty Free shopping experience.
