The 153rd running of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was something special for the O’Brien family when brothers Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien combined for a historic when Latrobe came out on top of a terrific finish at the Curragh.
It is the first time in the history of the sport that Brothers have combined as Trainer and Jockey, never mind that their father trained the second, third, fourth and fifth horses.
What sounds like the results of a family sports day in the back garden though was actually played out on one of the richest days in irish sport and on a global stage.
It was the second year the race has been run with reduced capacity due to the major redevelopment taking place but the new grandstand is now clearly evident and the racecourse will be fully reopened as one of the most advanced in world racing in time for next season.
Joseph O’Brien, who won the race on Australia and Camelot as a jockey, was providing his younger brother with his first win in the race.
The winning owner Lloyd Williams, an Australian property developer, had also teamed up with the young trainer to win the Melbourne Cup last November with Rekindling.
“It’s unbelievable really,” O’Brien said. “Donnacha gave him a great ride and went forward when the plan was to drop him in but that was the winning and losing the race. I have so many people to thank but Lloyd and Nick Williams have been very good to me and we’ve loved this horse ever since we got him as a yearling.”
Off track Regina Horan from Malahide was announced as the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Lady and courtesy of Dubai Duty Free she will enjoy a luxurious trip to Dubai, with stylish accommodation in the 5 Star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and a €1,000 Dubai Duty Free spending spree.
The winning look was chosen by a judging panel which included legendary lady jockey Nina Carberry, Breeda McLoughlin representing Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Irish Independent Fashion Editor, Bairbre Power.


Image Credit: Morgan Treacy, Inpho.ie