Derby weekend crowds up on last year for 160th running of famous classic

The 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival concluded on Sunday evening, marking 160 years of the iconic Curragh race with a three-day celebration that surpassed expectations.

Figures showed over 23,000 people attended the Kildare event over the three days, marking an increase of 9% on 2024 figures with an overall increase of 7% throughout the 3-day racing festival.

Ruth Norton, Marketing & Communications Manager at the Curragh Racecourse commented, “This year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, marking the 160th running, was a huge event in both the Irish and global racing calendar and delivered outstanding racing on the track, stunning style off the track and a superb atmosphere throughout the weekend.  It all culminated in a post -racing party in the Champions Hall with thousands of race goers remaining to hear The Whistlin’ Donkeys finish the festival. This Derby wasn’t just a milestone; it was a moment in Irish history. To see generations of families, international visitors, and lifelong fans sharing in the celebrations was something truly special. Here’s to the next 160 years.”

ALSO READ: Call for yellow box at Kildare cemetery. 

Renowned trainer Aidan O'Brien saddled his 17th winner in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh yesterday. Epsom Derby hero Lambourn completed the double with an impressive victory in the 160th running of Ireland’s most prestigious racing classic. He's the sixth O'Brien-trained horse to achieve the double.

In addition to the racing action, racegoers enjoyed live music, gourmet food pop-ups, family entertainment zones, and the hotly anticipated style competitions, which drew fashionistas from across Ireland and abroad. Local businesses and hospitality venues also reported a significant boost in revenue, and the event has been hailed as an economic and cultural driver for County Kildare and beyond.

The fashion stakes were high at the Curragh with Style MC Marietta Doran commenting, “The Curragh featured one of the best fashion line-ups I have ever seen with beautiful colours and prints on display. It was a stylish weekend with everyone putting their most glamorous foot forward. The energy in the style marquee was electric throughout the weekend and in keeping with the 160th celebrations of the Irish Derby.”

Angela Belle McSweeney from Sydney Australia was chosen as the winner of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Best Dressed on Sunday.  Angela was declared the Best Dressed on the day by judges Clodagh McKenna, Alpana Cidambi and Bairbre Power and won a trip to Dubai, courtesy of Dubai Duty Free. She wore Dior Shoes, hat by Cynthia Jones Bryson Millinery, dress from Bronx and Banco, designed by Natalie De Banco and her bag was by Cult Gai. It was Angela's first visit to The Irish Derby, something that was always on her bucket list.  She decided last minute to travel by herself to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and is delighted with her decision. Angela is from Irish ancestry, and was blown away by the Irish racing style, saying that her suitcase would be full of Irish designers going home to Australia. Lead Style Judge Clodagh McKenna was thrilled to be home in Ireland with husband the Honourable Harry Herbert, to judge the styling.  She was very impressed with the style on showcase at The Curragh.  

Lisa Walsh from Meath was the winner of The K Club's Most Stylish Racegoer on Saturday.  Lisa was selected by comedian Kayleigh Trappe who was lead fashion judge. Lisa won a luxurious three-night stay at The K Club.  

The next classic meeting at The Curragh Racecourse is the Juddmonte Irish Oaks Weekend which takes place on the 19th and 20th July and features the Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Awards.  

For more details and for tickets, please visit www.curragh.ie.