Derby Devotees: 1. Melanie Morris & Michael Davern; 2. Roz Purcell; 3. Paul & Anne Hensey. (Pix. Anthony Woods)
The premiere social occasion of the summer season is nearly upon us and if last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is anything to go by then we are in for a magnificent racing festival. The Curragh, home of Irish racing, will play host to the 3-day event which sees the world’s finest thoroughbreds complete for one of the ultimate prizes in Irish sport.
To announce details of the festival Dubai Duty Free generously hosted a summer evening party in the salubrious surroundings of the K Club. The party set the scene for the much anticipated main event which takes place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th June – this is when the racing calendar meets the social calendar as the weekend attracts a diverse range of visitors including racing enthusiasts, punters, socialites, entertainment seekers and families.
As always there will be much to keep fashion fanatics happy with too. Ladies will have the opportunity to compete for the Best Accessorised Outfit sponsored by the Whitewater Shopping Centre along with the Sally Hansen sponsored Most Perfect Legs competition on Saturday, while the Most Stylish Lady will be announced on Sunday with a 5 star holiday to Dubai for the winner.
Guests at the launch sampled a selection of delicious foods which will be available in the Good Food Ireland Village over all three days of the festival. Representatives from Irish Autism Action were also in attendance to promote their association as the charity of choice for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball which takes place at the K Club on the Saturday evening of the festival.
All we need now is a repeat of last year’s glorious sunshine and we'll be at the races!
