PICS: All the style from Derby Day at the Dubai Duty Free festival at the Curragh

02/07/2024

The créme de la creme of racing royalty came together on Sunday for a highly charged day out at the races - and plenty of laughs along the way!

'Derby Day' at the 17th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse in Kildare proved to be a day to remember both on and off the track.

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The hotly contested race saw jockey Ryan Moore storm home to victory on Los Angeles, cementing trainer Aidan O'Brien's position as one of the greats with a record-extending 16th triumph.

pics: all the style from derby day at the dubai duty free festival at the curragh

Colm and Breeda McLoughlin. Pic: Kieran Harnett

Elsewhere the recently appointed Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, Ramesh Cidambi, along with his wife Alpana toasted the occasion with an exclusive lunch for 130 guests.

Those in attendance included retired Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin and his wife Breeda, along with Senior Vice President of Marketing Sinead El Sibai and her husband Jihad.

Alpana and Ramesh Cidambi. Pic: Kieran Harnett

Speaking after Moore's win Ramesh said: 'I would like to offer my congratulations to the winning connections and also to compliment The Curragh Racecourse on another hugely successful festival.

Jihad and Sinead El Sibai. Pic: Kieran Harnett

Capping off an incredible day of style and racing, Sunday also saw Liz Maher from Bagenalstown in Carlow crowned Best Dressed.

Liz wowed the judges including Lisa Hogan, Alpana Cidambi, Breeda McLoughlin, and Bairbre Power in an elegant white suit which she said is a go-to in her wardrobe and has had several outings at the races.

Liz Maher from Bagenalstown Carlow won the Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish competition. Pic: Lorraine O’Sullivan

Her suit is by designer Julie Caulfield from Wexford and features a timeless wrap design to the jacket as well as kimono sleeves in a bouclé fabric.

The matching skirt is in a classic pencil skirt style and Liz's coordinating headpiece is by Caithriona King Millinery. Pearl jewellery completed her look.

Liz Maher from Bagenalstown Carlow won the Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish competition at the Irish Derby judged by Lisa Hogan. Pic: Lorraine O’Sullivan

Liz previously won the competition in 2000 but is thrilled to be getting another chance to visit Dubai. Her prize includes flights to the city as well as a five-night stay at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and €1000 spending money.