Since Budweiser ended its sponsoring contract with the Irish Derby in June, the organizers of the Classic have been searching for a new supporter. Now, the search is over since Dubai Duty Free stepped forward and signed a five-year contract to sponsor the race, which will hold its 143rd edition this year.

“The Irish Derby is a major race meeting attracting widespread media coverage across Europe and beyond and is therefore in line with our global strategy of promoting Dubai and Dubai Duty Free,” Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said. McLoughlin also stressed the fact that the importance of Ireland as a tourist destination has increased in Dubai and this event will help increase interest even more.

On the other hand, Curragh Racecourse Chairman John McStay commented that the Irish Derby is a flagship race for the industry and for many years has been among the most important three-year-old races in the world. “We are determined to keep the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby to the forefront of major international races and for that reason we welcome our new sponsorship partner,” McStay added.

The organizers of the Irish Derby together with Dubai Duty Free expect this partnership to take the glamour, fashion and entertainment of the race to a whole new level. The prize money for the Classic this year could reach the €1.5 million.