The Curragh presents the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival
Dragon’s Den star and leading business woman, Chanelle McCoy, helped launch the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival which takes place from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July at The Curragh Racecourse.
This three-day festival promises top class racing alongside live music, delicious food, stunning style and family fun. To top all that, the jewel in Irish Racing’s Crown, the Irish Derby takes place on July 1st. Steeped in tradition and racing history, the event is Ireland’s most historic race with 2017 marking the 152nd Irish Derby.
Chanelle, who is the wife of legendary jockey AP McCoy, will join the Derby Day Most Stylish Lady judging panel which includes Melanie Morris, Bairbre Power and Breeda McLoughlin, wife of Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free Colm McLoughlin on Saturday, 1st July as official style ambassador and will be on the search for the most stylish lady. Courtesy of Dubai Duty Free, the lucky lady will win a luxury trip to Dubai, staying in the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, in addition to a €1,000 Dubai Duty Free spending spree. To make the trip even more memorable, the winner will relax and unwind for a night OF 5 Star accommodation at the K Club, before they jet off to Dubai. Chauffeur driven to the airport as they depart and on their return for a second night in the K Club, the winner will be in for a luxurious treat!
Speaking at the launch of the three day event in The Curragh, Chanelle McCoy said, “I’m delighted to be the 2017 official Style Ambassador for the Irish Derby festival. Tony and I are really looking forward to being at The Curragh for the top class racing, not to mention the fabulous style. I have attended so many race days and for me race day style is all about knowing what works for you, staying true to yourself and, of course, making sure you have a splash of colour! I’ll be looking for a winning outfit that stands out from the crowd and catches attention for all the right reasons. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase the exquisite Irish millinery which can elevate any outfit.
SportsJoe Derby Friday kicks off the three day festival on Friday, 30th June featuring the Hackett Apprentice Jockeys Derby. The race over 12 furlongs is one of the most high profile contests in the Irish racing calendar for future stars of horse racing. Iconic menswear retailer Hackett London, who are partnering with The Curragh for the first time and will sponsor the Most Stylish Man competition with a fabulous prize on offer for the winner which includes a stylish shopping trip to the Hackett London store in Kildare Village
Irish vocalist Gemma Sugrue has been selected to perform both the Irish National Anthem and The Curragh racecourse anthem, Winds of Glory this year. She is the soloist with Jenny Greene and the RTE Concert Orchestra for their very popular performances of 90s dance classics.
This year’s Irish Derby Weekend promises to be a glorious celebration of Ireland’s most prestigious racing over three days.
Friday, 30th June SportsJoe Derby Friday featuring the Hackett Apprentice Jockeys Derby and the party night of the festival with the ‘Apres Racing Party’ featuring the Honky Tonk Angels. Friday is the day for the men to up their style stakes as the Hackett judges look for The Curragh’s Most Stylish Man. 1st race 5.45pm
Saturday, 1st July is the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the highlight of the racing and style calendar so now is the time for the ladies to focus on fashion and think high style. This is the day to sport your A-game and make sure your style is spot on. 1st race 2pm with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby off at 5.20pm.
Sunday, 2nd July is all about families with an exciting line up of entertainment for children. Style-wise today is the day for more a more relaxed look that will still keep you chic trackside. The Group One Pretty Polly Stakes and Comer Group International Curragh Cup are the highlights on the track. 1st race 1.45pm
With limited capacity for just 6,000 people this year due to the redevelopment of the racecourse, Saturday will be a ticket-only event and racegoers are advised to book tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Like ‘TheCurraghRacecourse’ on Facebook and follow @CurraghRace on Twitter and @Curragh racecourse on Instagram to join the conversation!