Dubai Duty Free IRISH DERBY

Heart pounding action, the sound of hooves thundering past, the colourful silks and mesmerising horses. You can experience it all at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival!  From the very special Corinthian Challenge Race in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys fund on Friday night to the spectacle of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday, this is a weekend of epic racing.

Scroll right for the thrilling racing schedule for each of the three days!

A fantastic summer race evening announcing the start of the exhilarating Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival!

The evening features the Corinthian Challenge race, a very special event in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund. Watch amateur riders race with passion and purpose, supporting a cause close to the hearts of the Irish racing community.

1633 Keadeen Hotel Maiden 1705 Diageo Luxury Spirits Maiden 1735 Silken Thomas and Lock 13 Handicap 1810 Schweppes Trophy Handicap 1845  Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Derby 1925 McGuinness Maintenance Services Maiden 2000 O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Stayers Trophy 2030 Corinthian Challenge in aid of Injured Jockeys Fund

Including feature races The Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1), Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2) and the legendary Ladies Derby.

1345 Barronstown Stud Maiden 1415 Airlie Stud Stakes G2 1445 Neville Homes Summer Fillies Handicap 1520 Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes G3 1555 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes G1 1630 The Reserve Ladies Derby 1705 Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes Benz Handicap 1735 Jo Browne Luxury Skincare Maiden

Featuring the absolute pinnacle of the Irish Flat Racing Calendar – the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Nothing matches the thrill, the history and the spectacle associated with this epic race! A must visit day for the racing purist!

1310 Gain Equine Nutrition Maiden 1340 Dubai Duty Free Rockingham Premier Hdcp 1410 Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Dash 1445 Dubai Duty Free Ragusa Handicap 1420 Dubai Duty Free International Stakes G3 1555 Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes 1635 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1 Classic) 1710 Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort Maddenstown Handicap 1745 Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Premier Handicap

Style icon Vogue Williams is bringing the glamour to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday, 28th June, where she will lead the judging panel for the highly anticipated Best Dressed Competition. The Dublin-born presenter, podcaster and entrepreneur will be on the lookout for standout style, personality and fun as racegoers compete for a luxury Dubai prize package on one of Ireland’s most fashionable sporting days. “I’ll be looking for energy, fun and a touch of personality. I love having an excuse to get dressed up, and fashion and style are passions of mine that I really enjoy.” Get your glam on and join us on Irish Derby Day!

The stunning Una Healy joins The K Club on Derby Saturday to judge The K Club’s Most Stylish Racegoer competition! Una will be seeking out those who’ve wholeheartedly embraced this year’s dreamy theme of 1950’s race-day style. Think timeless tailoring, soft pastels and effortless sophistication.

The chosen winner will receive the coveted title of The K Club’s Most Stylish Racegoer 2026 and receive a fabulous, luxury three-night break for two people in one of The K Club’s beautifully refurbished suites. The experience includes a host of signature estate activities including time in the blissful K Spa, wine cellar experience and much more!

Join us at the Curragh on Derby Saturday, 27th June, for this wonderful celebration of 1950’s style!

Top class performances across the three days with unforgettable evenings of singing and dancing in Champions Hall on both Friday and Sunday following the thrilling action on the track.

As the sun sets on Friday night racing, enjoy live music with The Whistlin Donkeys in Champions Hall!  Known for their unique blend of traditional Irish music and Celtic rock influences, The Whistlin Donkeys will get the Irish Derby weekend off to a thunderous start with their energetic live performance!

The Tumbling Paddies will bring what is an amazing weekend of racing and entertainment to a close on Sunday evening! Their energy-packed live shows, combined with standout original songs like Pretty Girl, Night on the Town, and their chart-topping hit The Way I Am (No.1 for 10 weeks), have earned them a loyal following worldwide. From Ireland to Dubai, Germany, Spain, and beyond, The Tumbling Paddies continue to captivate audiences with one of the most exciting live experiences around.  This is your chance to see them at the Curragh!

Let’s hope the sun shines down on the beautiful Curragh racecourse.  The flowers will be in full bloom and whilst there is lots of exciting action on the track, there’s also lovely things to see and do off the track! Stroll around, revel in the exciting atmosphere, enjoy our roving performers, relax over a cocktail or a coffee and enjoy days of summer socialising.

Long time supporters of the Curragh Racecourse, Dubai Duty Free (DDF), founded in 1983, has grown into one of the biggest travel retail operators in the world.  Located at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai Duty Free has grown to become one of the largest and most successful duty-free shopping operations in the world. DDF offers a wide range of products, including luxury goods, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, watches, jewelry, confectionery, and tobacco, all at tax-free prices, making it an attractive shopping destination for international travelers.