We do like a bit of style at Sport for Business and are looking forward already to the 150th running of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby later this month.
A big part of the weekend is about the high fashion that is on display. Ireland’s version of the finery of Royal Ascot will be judged this year by TV personality Amanda Byram who flew in yesterday to get the countdown ticking on the big day.
“I’m thrilled to be this year’s official Style Ambassador for The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on such a landmark year,” she said.
“I have been to many Derby’s over the years but this year will be the big one. I’m encouraging all the ladies to put their best foot forward on Derby Day on Saturday 27th June and showcase their style to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize.”
That prize consists of a five night holiday in Dubai’s Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, €1,000 of spending money in Dubai Duty Free and a statement piece of Jewellery from Boodles.
This year’s 150th running of the Irish Derby promises to be a glorious celebration of Ireland’s most historic race with many special events planned including a specially commissioned book with a forward by Jacqueline O’Brien, wife of the legendary Vincent O’Brien, which features images and stories from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby over the past 150 years including famous attendees like Jerry Hall, Richard Gere, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and legendary crooner Bing Crosby.
A highlight of Derby Day 2015 will be Bing’s daughter Mary Crosby who will travel to Ireland with her family and join the crowd in singing ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’, following in the footsteps of her father who spontaneously broke into song following the success of his horse Meadow Court in 1965.
That win prompted a present to the staff of legendary trainer ‘Darkie’ Prendergast which helped to pay for the wedding of my parents, 50 years after my Grandfather rode the winner of the race in 1915.
The Curragh Racecourse will play host to an array of live bands and DJs throughout the Dubai Duty Free Derby weekend, creating a festival atmosphere hosted by Hector O hEochagain including live performances from country music star Nathan Carter.
Leading Chef Natalie Collins from the Silver Restaurant in Newbridge, whose family have a long association with The Curragh Racecourse will be one of the many participants in the Derby Food Paddock serving the best dishes from some of Ireland’s leading food producers.
