Set to Deliver a Spectacular Weekend of World-Class Racing, Fashion and International Glamour
The countdown is on to one of the highlights of the international flat racing calendar as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival returns to The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare, culminating in the running of the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Irish racing, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby has been proudly sponsored by Dubai Duty Free since 2008. Over the past number of years, the award-winning airport retailer has significantly expanded its commitment to the festival, now sponsoring six of the nine races on Derby Day and helping to elevate the event to one of the most prestigious fixtures on the global racing calendar.
Speaking ahead of this year’s Festival, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi commented: “Sports sponsorship has long been an important part of Dubai Duty Free’s marketing strategy, enabling the business to reach a global audience through the extensive international media exposure associated with world-class sporting events.”
He continued, “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby continues to be part of the prestigious World Pool, further enhancing its international profile and attracting audiences from across the globe. Events such as this provide an exceptional platform for global television coverage, showcasing our brand to millions of viewers worldwide. We are looking forward to a fantastic day of racing and entertainment at The Curragh, one of the world’s most iconic racecourses and home to all five Irish Classics.”
The 2026 renewal promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory, with eleven horses remaining in the preliminary entries and an exceptional field assembling to chase Derby glory.
Racing fans are set for a fascinating clash featuring the first, third and fourth-placed finishers from the Epsom Derby, setting the stage for a thrilling battle at The Curragh. Master trainer Aidan O’Brien will be hoping Christmas Day can complete the coveted Anglo-Irish Derby double, while his son Joseph O’Brien is poised to mount a serious challenge with the exciting James J Braddock. Also flying the flag for Ballydoyle is Benvenuto Cellini, another leading contender expected to make his presence felt. Adding further international interest, British trainer Owen Burrows saddles Raaheeb for Shadwell Estates.
Last year’s Derby produced another memorable chapter in racing history when Lambourn, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, became the 20th horse to complete the prestigious Anglo-Irish Derby double.
Beyond the racing, Derby Day promises a spectacular celebration of style, entertainment and hospitality. Television personality and style icon Vogue Williams will lead this year’s highly anticipated Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition as Lead Fashion Judge. She will be joined by Alpana Cidambi, wife of Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi, and renowned fashion and lifestyle journalist Bairbre Power.
The winner will receive an extraordinary prize courtesy of Dubai Duty Free, including return flights for two to Dubai, five nights luxury accommodation at the Creekside Hotel Dubai, an Accor Hotel, together with Euro 1,000 spending money to enjoy at Dubai Duty Free.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi will host 100 guests in the prestigious St. Leger Suite on Derby Day, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to one of Ireland’s most celebrated sporting occasions. The festival will receive extensive television coverage both at home and internationally, with live broadcasts on RTE and Racing TV, bringing the excitement of The Curragh to millions of viewers around the world.
Dubai Duty Free’s global sporting portfolio extends far beyond horse racing. The company is also the owner and organiser of the internationally acclaimed Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which has welcomed champions including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Competition take place at The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare (Ireland). Tickets are available at www.curragh.ie
