Dubai: The eighth Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby which was staged at The Curragh Racecourse, Kildare, Ireland on Saturday was a triumphant success, not just for Duty Free but also for the Dubai-owned Godolphin stable whose Jack Hobbs triumphed in style.
A crowd of over 25,255 enthusiastic fans thronged the historic racecourse to witness what was the 150th anniversary of the famous race, which was a special occasion for Dubai Duty Free who were also inducted into the Curragh Racecourse Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony took place in the Parade Ring and Dubai Duty Free now join a prestigious role of honour.
Godolphin, the stable which was launched in 1992 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took home the trophy for the second time in 21 years, the last occasion being 1994 when the stable’s first superstar Balanchine, won the 2,400 metre contest.
Trainer John Gosden was generous in his tributes and said: “We are really thrilled with this result and are very grateful to Shaikh Mohammad and his support. Jack Hobbs is a wonderful horse.”
Colm McLoughlin, the Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free presented the winning connections with a brand new, specially commissioned trophy which was made for the 150th anniversary, in front of a packed grandstand.
Earlier in the day, McLoughlin and his team at Dubai Duty Free hosted almost 400 guests in their VIP private pavilion, situated just beside the winning post. The day commenced with a reception followed by a sumptuous lunch and full hospitality and entertainment, including a magician, a caricature artist, two jazz bands and a string quartet.
