THIS week the Curragh Racecourse announced that Dubai Duty Free has extended its sponsorship of the Group 1 Irish Derby for a further two years. They have also agreed to sponsor five additional races which will all benefit from significant increases in prizemoney. Dubai Duty Free has been the title sponsor of Ireland’s premier classic since 2008.

The three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival returns to a weekend timeslot this year, running from Friday, June 26th to Sunday 28th. In a new development, the Dubai Duty Free Village located in the new Curragh garden close to the parade ring will offer an array of food and beverage outlets and a full programme of entertainment. Dubai Duty Free will also continue to sponsor the most stylish racegoer competition with a 5-star Dubai holiday for the winner.

Prizemoney on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day on Saturday, June 27th rises by 12.5% to €2.25 million, while in 2021 all races will have a minimum value of €100,000.

In an effort to further boost the quality of runners in the premier classic, Dubai Duty Free will continue to support the ‘free entry’ initiative as an incentive for owners. In addition to the existing races in the scheme, the Dee Stakes and the Chester Vase, as well as the Prix De Lys at ParisLongchamp, have been added this year.

Dubai Duty Free recognises the great work of stable staff and will present a trophy to the groom whose horse wins a Dubai Duty Free-sponsored race, with a cash prize for the best turned out horse in each of their races.

Colm McLoughlin, the sponsoring company’s executive vice chair and CEO, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is a premium race meeting, generating global media coverage. Our title sponsorship is in line with our global strategy of promoting both our own duty free brand and the city of Dubai itself. This sponsorship enables us to reach our potential audience and speak to them through the medium of exciting, premium sport.

“We have successfully sponsored the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby for the past 12 years and we are happy to renew our sponsorship for 2020 and 2021. We are very pleased that we have been able to grow this festival, with the help of our partners at the Curragh. The weekend is now much more than racing, with various ancillary events happening off the track over the weekend including a golf classic, a charity lunch and lots of local community initiatives which we are proud to support. It has grown to become a ‘must visit’ festival.”

Pat Keogh, the Curragh’s chief executive, commented: “Dubai Duty Free have been outstanding partners of the Curragh and I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Colm McLoughlin and his team have made to the success of the Irish Derby since 2008. Their increased support across their six sponsored races for the next two years will ensure we can maximise the quality and competitiveness across all races.

“The 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was the highest-rated race in the world and our objective is to ensure we attract the very best three-year-old horses in Europe. The extension of the ‘free entry’ is a great initiative and will encourage owners and trainers to be part of Ireland’s greatest and most valuable horse race.”