Local pupil wins art competition at Kildare Derby Festival
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Friday Racing Programme featured the winning artwork.
Local primary school student Sophie Mulcahy from Kildangan National School in Co Kildare won The Curragh's Schools Art Competition to mark the 160th Irish Derby.
She is pictured with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Friday Racing Programme, which featured her winning artwork.
Sophie's picture was selected from hundreds of entries from schools across Kildare.
The 2025 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival concluded in spectacular fashion 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 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.”