Cape Blanco captures Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
Published: 28/06/10
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Dermot Davitt
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The connections of the Aidan O'Brien-trained Cape Blanco celebrate the horse's victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday, along with the Dubai Duty Free team and Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen (third from right)
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IRELAND. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby took place at The Curragh racecourse in Ireland on Sunday, the third year that the world’s biggest duty free retailer at a single location has sponsored the event.
The main event was won by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Cape Blanco, in front of more than 20,000 spectators at the County Kildare venue. The Dubai Duty Free brand also benefited from huge exposure around the world for one of the flat racing calendar’s biggest days. The company will sponsor the race until 2012 under its current five-year deal.
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Cape Blanco arrives for the presentation as winning jockey Johnny Murtagh enjoys the moment
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As well as the Derby, the retailer also sponsored the Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises European Breeders Fund Maiden, the Dubai Duty Free Sapphire Stakes, the Dubai Duty Free Double Millionaire Handicap and the Dubai Tennis Championships European Breeders Fund Handicap.
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Sponsorship of the event gives Dubai Duty Free terrific worldwide media exposure
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At a special ceremony in the parade ring yesterday, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin was also honoured for his, and the company’s services to Irish racing. McLoughlin was made an Honorary Member of the Irish Turf Club, the regulatory body that manages the industry. McLoughlin said he was honoured to receive the accolade, which he accepted on behalf of his entire team.
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Colm McLoughlin, with wife Breeda, accepts Honorary Membership of the Turf Club from Senior Steward John McStay
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Speaking as the event began with lunch at the Dubai Duty Free Pavilion at The Curragh, Deputy Managing Director George Horan said the retailer was well on track to exceed its US$1.1 billion in annual sales set in 2009. He said that year-to-date sales were +18% ahead of the same period in 2009, as the company drives towards another record year.
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The Dubai Duty Free team, headed by Colm McLoughlin, presents jockey Frankie Dettori with his prize for winning the Double Millionaire Handicap with the Mark Johnston-trained Sea Lord
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Dubai Duty Free's promotional activities extended right across the racecourse; at a special Arabic-themed booth, visitors to the races were invited to sign up for entry to the retailer's Finest Surprise and Millennium Millionaire draws
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