Countdown begins for Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

Ireland’s blue riband event to offer Dh6.4m in prize money

The countdown for the highly-anticipated 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival which takes place at Ireland’s premier international racecourse, The Curragh on June 30, has begun.

Dubai Duty Free have once again increased their commitment to the Derby and raised the prize money to €1.5 million (Dh6.4m), making it Ireland’s richest and most prestigious race. The winner will take home €850,000.

The 2017 edition was officially the highest rated threeyear-old race in the world.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and owner of Dee Ex Bee, runner-up to Masar in the Epsom Derby earlier this month, is one of the leading contenders.

Although Dee Ex Bee does not hold an entry to the race, he is eligible to take his place in the blue riband event through the free entry offer to the winners and placed horses in a variety of races including the English Derby.

Commenting on Dubai duty Free’s 11-year sponsorship of the Derby, Colm McLoughlin, Executive ViceChairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is a terrific event, it reflects our brand and is very much in line with our global marketing plan which encompasses sports sponsorship.

“This is our 11th year as title sponsor of what we believe is a complete festival.”