Curragh launch three-day Derby weekend The three-day Derby weekend meeting at the Curragh from Friday June 26 to Sunday June 28, featuring the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, was launched at an exclusive event at the K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare with a host of trainers, jockeys and representatives of the world of racing in attendance. Sea The Stars will be the star attraction on Sunday when a 40 euro admission ticket will provide full access throughout the racecourse, and the John Oxx-trained colt will attempt to become the first horse to complete the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby treble since the great Nijinsky in 1970. A blend of fashion, entertainment and hospitality combine to make Derby Day one of the greatest race days of the year and a 5,000 euro shopping spree, courtesy of Kildare Village, awaits the lady who is judged to be the most stylish on Derby day. The panel of fashion judges include representatives of the fashion sponsor, Kildare Village, the editor of IMAGE magazine, Melanie Morris and Amber le Bon, the celebrity model and daughter of Simon and Yasmin le Bon. Fifteen of Ireland's top restaurants and chefs will offer a selection of signature dishes for people to sample for just 8 euro each in a purpose build enclosure next to the parade ring. Leading chefs will include Neven Maguire, Kevin Dundon, Oliver Dunne, Ross Lewis and Richard Corrigan who will be cooking up a storm in the Miele demo kitchen with well known foodie, Paolo Tullio acting as MC. A variety of dining and hospitality packages are available over all three days. These range from packages in the IMAGE Derby Pavillion on Derby Day to a 20 euro Punters Package and the Kildare Village Derby Friday Big Bash Ticket with entertainment throughout the evening from Stephen Keogh of Kildare FM and former Big Brother housemate Ray Shah. The Kildare Village Derby Friday kicks off the weekend of racing starting at 6pm with seven races featuring the Ballygallon Stud Stakes. A packed programme of entertainment includes live music from the Furey Brothers & Davy Arthur after racing at 9pm. The Audi-sponsored Pretty Polly Stakes is the highlight on Saturday with Again, Sariska, Look Here and Lush Lashes among the entries for this Group 1 event. A 2,000 euro shopping spree at Kildare Village is up for grabs for the Most Stylish Hat Competition, with a host of celebrity fashion judges including Newstalk presenter Claire Byrne, Orla Murtagh, Melanie Morris and Maria McGovern of Kildare Village. A number of ancillary events taking place at the K Club include The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball on Saturday 27th June, which will benefit the Kildare Community and Education Partnership. The evening will be hosted by TV3's Collette Fitzpatrick and will feature a pre drinks reception, followed by a lavish dinner and dancing till late to the Camembert Quartet of Tubidy Tonight fame. Tickets for the Derby Ball are priced at 100 euro per person. The second Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Golf Classic takes place on Friday 26th June. This four ball competition costs 200 euro per person and will include brunch on arrival, golf on the Palmer course which played host to the Ryder Cup in 2006, a BBQ that evening and a selection of gifts and prizes, courtesy of main sponsors, Dubai Duty Free. Official media partner Newstalk will broadcast live from the races over the weekend, while other partners include Woodies DIY, Netjets, The Irish Times, Image Magazine, At The Races, Barronstown Stud, Silken Thomas, N Conlan & Sons, William Fry and Jondol. There is a 20% discount off the cost of all admission tickets at www.curragh.ieoff the cost of all admission tickets at www.curragh.ie
