Duty Free’ Extends Irish Sponsorship

The G1 Irish Derby, which sees its 150th renewal take place Saturday at The Curragh, will enjoy a purse boost to €1.5 million next year, with Dubai Duty Free extending its sponsorship a further two years. The agreement also gives Dubai Duty Free the option to extend their sponsor to 2020 at the end of the current contract. Dubai Duty Free has been the title sponsor of the Irish Derby since 2008 and has helped The Curragh make its signature weekend into a major sporting and social festival. 

“We have been working together with the Curragh Racecourse to create a festival that incorporates premier racing, fashion, food and fun,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free. “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.”