The much-anticipated return of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby 2022 was met with much fanfare earlier today at its official launch in the Curragh Racecourse. Only 1,000 people were allowed to attend the 2021 Derby, but this year’s iteration will see the return of the more conventional, and much more sociable, atmosphere commonly associated with the race weekend. A wide array of guests attended the launch, including Kildangan Stud Managing Director Joe Osbourne, CEO of Barberstown Amanda Torrens, and Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Suzanne Eade.Also in attendance were Kildare Mayor Naoise Ó Cearúil and Deputy Minister Martin Heydon TD. Ms Eade said, “It’s amazing that we have something with the Curragh that we are really proud of, particularly with the international interest on the racetrack… it is only fitting that, to accompany the finest turf in the world, we now have the facilities to go with it. “People can come, have a great day and enjoy some of the best flat racing there is in an incredible venue.” GUEST OF HONOUR However, the guest of honour for the launch was Derby winner from 1989, Steve Cauthen, who scooped victory on board Old Vic. In addition to launching the Kildare Derby festival and the race weekend today, Mr Cauthen’s horse from that famous win is being commemorated in the Kildare Derby Festival Hall of Fame. “The Curragh is one of the best courses in Europe and it is a very fair track, the best horse typically wins around here. I had a great feeling that I was going to win the Derby the night before because I knew how good Old Vic was,” Mr Cauthen recalled. Even prior to Hall of Fame induction, Mr Cauthen and Old Vic were going to be part of the Curragh forever as the pristine all-weather gallops on the tracks are known as The Old Vic gallops. The gallops were created following a donation from Old Vic’s owner Sheikh Mohammed. SPEAKERS Mr Cauthen wasn’t the only Derby winning jockey present as Johnny Murtagh, a three-time Derby winner spoke
PHOTO GALLERY: Kildare Derby festival and Irish Derby launch day at the Curragh
