The Curragh has confirmed a new chapter in its ongoing partnership with Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes, who will sponsor the Ladies Derby for the first time in 2025 as part of their extended commitment to Irish flat racing.
The Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby will take place on Saturday, 28 June, the second day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, which also features the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes.
The €30,000 race—run over the famed Irish Derby distance of 12 furlongs—is widely recognised as one of the top contests for professional and amateur female jockeys in Europe.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that the premier estate agency has sponsored a race at the Curragh.
“We are delighted to extend our sponsorship for the fifth year during Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival weekend,” said Roseanne De Vere Hunt, Director of Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes, Farms & Estates.
“Sponsoring the Ladies Derby is very exciting for us. We’d like to thank Evan Arkwright and his team for their continued support, and we look forward to a fantastic weekend of racing.”
The 2024 edition of the Sherry FitzGerald-backed race was won by Apricot Ice, trained by Ger Lyons and owned by Ballygallon Stud in County Kilkenny, who fittingly hosted the launch of this year’s sponsorship.
Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager at the Curragh, praised the continued partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes back for their fifth year.”
“Their support is an important part of what makes Irish Derby weekend so special. We look forward to showcasing some of the exceptional properties they currently have for sale and ensuring their staff and clients enjoy another top-class weekend of racing.”
This announcement adds to a string of major sponsorship developments at the Curragh in 2025. Earlier this year, Paddy Power reaffirmed their commitment to the Irish Derby with a multi-year deal to headline the Pretty Polly Stakes, while Dubai Duty Free remains the anchor partner of the festival weekend.
Tattersall’s also extended their partnership with the Guineas Festival Weekend and other deals were signed with Nua Healthcare and Coca Cola.
The Latest Sport for Business Podcast
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out more of our Sport for Business coverage of Horse Racing
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The speed and the glamour of flat racing is proving increasingly attractive to brands looking to create a memorable entertainment experience.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival runs from Friday, 27 June to Sunday, 29 June, promising three days of world-class racing and vibrant summer celebration at the Curragh.
Express Your Interest in a Sport for Business Event Here
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Clubforce is among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community, which includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Get the full benefit of a Sport for Business membership by joining us at one of our upcoming events, where sporting and business leadership come together.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
