‘Let The Roar Begin’ when the Derby starts

THE new Irish Derby anthem will be heard for the first time at the races when performed by Kildare-based tenor Paul Lenihan, accompanied by the Newbridge Gospel Choir, as the horses for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby line up next Sunday.

Let The Roar Begin was written by Kildare natives Mario Corrigan and Pierce O’Donnell. Mario is the author of over 20 books and is the son of Paschal Corrigan, who worked for John Oxx for many years. Pierce is a local schoolteacher who has been performing for almost 40 years.

Great prizes for best dressed next weekend

THE ‘most stylish’ lady at the races on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby day will win a trip for two to Dubai which includes five nights in the five-star Jumeirah Creekside, as well as €1,000 in spending money with Dubai Duty Free. The prize also includes a two-night stay in a luxurious suite at The K Club, with plenty of extras thrown in.

There is also a fantastic five-star K Club VIP experience for the ‘most stylish’ man at the races, plus a €500 voucher to spend at Kildare Village. Picking the winners will be style ambassadors Arthur Gourounlian and Lottie Ryan, Breeda McLoughlin, wife of Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm, and Fashion Editor of the Irish Independent and Lifestyle Ambassador for Dubai Duty Free, Bairbre Power.

On Saturday prizes will be awarded through the day in the Festival Quarter to the most stylish racegoers.

New Irish Derby trophy

THE Kilkenny-based artist Ani Molineau has designed some spectacular trophies that will be presented to the connections of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner.

The sculpture depicts a falcon holding a spiral with a horse’s head. The representation of the falcon and the horse epitomises the characteristics of both species both hugely significant in Arabian culture and renowned for their bravery, pride, nobility, grace and power.