DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY WEEKEND
       
 
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby weekend was one of the most exhilarating weekends of the Irish social and racing calendar.

With golf at the prestigious Palmer Ryder Cup Course at The K Club, a glitzy black tie ball in aid of the Leinster Branch of Special Olympics, and of course, Sunday’s racing, the entire weekend was a spectacular event for all.

The Kildare Hotel and Country Club, affectionately known as The K Club, hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Golf Classic on Friday the 25th June. This four ball competition took place at the Palmer Ryder Cup Course, undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest golf courses. The day began with brunch at the Arnold Palmer Clubhouse with tee-off at 2pm on the world famous Ryder Cup course. A sumptuous BBQ followed and the golf winners were announced. Greg Brady won the longest drive in the male category while Geri Delamere won it in the ladies category. James Heffernan was presented with nearest the pin for men and Margaret Canavan won the nearest the pin for the ladies. The winning team were Murt Davis, Brendan Barrett, John Treacy and Seamus Tully. The golf winners were also invited as guests of Dubai Duty Free to come racing on Derby Day as their guests in the Dubai Duty Free Hospitality Suite. After the formalities ended guests sat back and listened to some lively traditional Irish music which included some well known Galway songs, a tribute to Colm McLoughlin, the Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free who hails from Ballinasloe.

Saturday 26th featured the Audi Pretty Polly Stakes and was also The Best Hat Competition, sponsored by Kildare Village. Chinese White, ridden by Pat Smullen and trained by Dermot Weld won the main race of the day. Saturday evening saw the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball which was in aid of the Leinster Branch of Special Olympics. The glitzy event at The K Club began with a drinks reception in the lavish Old Entrance Hall and relaxing jazz music provided as perfect background music by the award winning Legends of Swing. Guests then took the outdoor route to the Legacy Suite; the walkway was alit with beautiful outdoor lanterns and the hazy evening sunshine made for a delightful summer’s evening stroll. Guests were greeted with soft piano music and the room was elegantly decorated with silver candelabras and white fabric which draped the ceiling and the walls. A delicious four course meal was a tantalising experience for all and the Legends of Swing band ensured guests danced the night away. The glamorous television presenter Kathryn Thomas added a touch of sparkle to the evening as MC for the night. Attendees included Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and his wife Breeda, George Horan, Deputy Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free and his wife Carmel, Salah Tahlak, Director Corporate Communications, Dubai Duty Free, Sinead El Sibai, Manager-Events, Advertising and Media Relations, Dubai Duty Free and Mary Davis of Special Olympics, Minister Aine Brady and Curragh Racecourse Manager Paul Hensey.

Sunday was the all important day with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse. Dubai Duty Free hosted a magnificent luncheon for their 220 guests in their marquee in the infield. Guests included An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Albert Reynolds, Dick Spring, Anne Doyle, Gary Kavanagh, Lestor Piggott, Andrea Roche, Celia Holman Lee and Breffny Morgan. Crystal Swing were also in attendance and even performed two songs, which included the ever popular ‘The Hucklebuck’. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal and afternoon tea and had a first class view of every race. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was won by Cape Blanco, trained by Aidan O’ Brien and ridden by Johnny Murtagh and Alex Fay was the winner of the Kildare Village Most Stylish Lady.

One of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events of the year, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was a fantastic success and regular attendees are already looking forward to next years event.