DON'T MISS! Free Supplement on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby in Leinster Leader

Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Irish Flat racing, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse in Kildare on June 26, 27 and 28 promises three spectacular days where elite sporting competition meets contemporary Irish culture, bringing together world-class racing, high fashion, live entertainment, exceptional hospitality and family-friendly experiences.

Set against the backdrop of one of the world's most historic racecourses, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival has evolved into one of Ireland's premier summer events, attracting racing enthusiasts, fashion followers, families and international visitors alike.

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The 2026 festival arrives during a landmark year for The Curragh following the launch of a Flat racing season that included Ireland's first-ever Good Friday race meeting and a renewed focus on enhancing visitor experiences through family entertainment, style initiatives and premium hospitality offerings.

"The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is the pinnacle of our season – a celebration of excellence, heritage and the unique spirit of Irish racing," said Brian Kavanagh, CEO, The Curragh Racecourse.

"This year's three-day festival offers more value, more entertainment and more reasons than ever for visitors from both Ireland and abroad to experience The Curragh Racecourse at its very best."

Friday: Racing for a Cause and Festival Celebrations

The festival opens on Friday evening with a vibrant race programme headlined by the Corinthian Challenge Race, a unique event supporting the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund. The race sees amateur riders compete with passion and purpose while raising awareness and support for a cause close to the heart of the Irish racing community.

Following an exciting evening of racing, celebrations continue with a live performance from popular folk-rock favourites The Whistlin' Donkeys, ensuring a lively start to Derby weekend.

Saturday: Style Meets Sporting Excellence

Saturday's programme features one of the highlights of the European racing calendar, the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, attracting some of the finest fillies and mares from across Europe.

The day has become synonymous with fashion and social occasion, drawing stylish racegoers from around the country. This year, singer and television personality Una Healy has been announced as The K Club's Style Ambassador for Derby Saturday and will oversee The K Club's Most Stylish Racegoer competition, where participants will compete for a luxurious weekend stay at the renowned five-star resort.

Alongside the Pretty Polly Stakes, racing enthusiasts can look forward to the Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2), the Anglesey Stakes (Group 3) and the ever-popular Ladies Derby.

Sunday: The Irish Derby Takes Centre Stage

The festival reaches its crescendo on Sunday with the running of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, Ireland's most prestigious Flat race and one of the defining contests of the international racing season.

With a legacy spanning more than 160 years, the Irish Derby continues to occupy a special place in world racing, having crowned generations of champions while attracting leading owners, trainers and jockeys from across the globe.

For racing purists, few sporting occasions can match the history, atmosphere and excitement generated by the Derby. The Group 1 Classic remains one of the most coveted prizes in the sport and a true showcase of Thoroughbred excellence.

Off the track, style remains firmly in the spotlight as broadcaster and fashion icon Vogue Williams judges the highly anticipated Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed Person Competition on behalf of the festival's title sponsor.

Following the final race, celebrations will continue with a headline performance from The Tumbling Paddies, providing a memorable conclusion to one of Ireland's biggest sporting weekends.

Hospitality, Fashion and Family Fun

Beyond the racing, visitors can enjoy an extensive range of hospitality and dining experiences throughout the weekend, showcasing the very best of Irish food and produce.

Families are also warmly welcomed, with a range of entertainment options available across the festival. Children under 18 can attend free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult, with the exception of Derby Sunday when a €15 admission charge applies for those aged 15 to 18.

The Curragh's commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and visitor experience ensures that the festival continues to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests.

Exceptional Value for Festival-Goers

This year's ticket offerings include a new three-day Festival Ticket priced at just €70, allowing visitors to experience the full Derby weekend.

Popular All-In Raceday Saver packages start from €37 and include admission, a racecard, a €10 food voucher and a €5 Tote betting voucher.

Group rates are also available from €20 per person for parties of eight or more.

Festival organisers are encouraging racegoers to secure tickets online in advance, with prices increasing to gate rates from midnight on Wednesday, June 24.

To make travel easier, complimentary shuttle bus services will operate throughout the weekend from Newbridge, Kildare and Naas town centres and train stations.

For tickets and full festival details, visit curragh.ie.

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The Celebration Extends Across Kildare

The excitement stretches beyond the racecourse as the wider Kildare Derby Festival takes place from June 23 to June 28, transforming Kildare Town into a hub of music, culture and entertainment.

Festival highlights include the Connolly's RED MILLS Pooch Parade, an intimate cathedral performance by acclaimed violinist Vladimir Jablokov, Saturday’s Final Furlong Sessions featuring live Irish music acts including Paddy Casey, Brian Kennedy, Ham Sandwich and many more at locations throughout the town!

Together, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival and the Kildare Derby Festival create one of Ireland's most vibrant summer celebrations, combining sporting excellence, fashion, music, hospitality and community spirit in a unique showcase of everything that makes County Kildare a premier destination. For full event details throughout Kildare Derby Festival, please visit www.kildarederbyfestival.ie.

Daily Race Programme

Friday 26th June

1633 Keadeen Hotel Maiden 1705 Diageo Luxury Spirits Maiden 1735 Silken Thomas and Lock 13 Handicap 1810 Schweppes Trophy Handicap 1845 Fitzpatrick's Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Derby 1925 McGuinness Maintenance Services Maiden 2000 O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey Stayers Trophy 2030 Corinthian Challenge in aid of Injured Jockeys Fund

Saturday 27th June

1345 Barronstown Stud Maiden 1415 Airlie Stud Stakes G2 1445 Neville Homes Summer Fillies Handicap 1520 Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes G3 1555 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes G1 1630 The Reserve Ladies Derby 1705 Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes Benz Handicap 1735 Jo Browne Luxury Skincare Maiden

Sunday 28th June – Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day

1310 Gain Equine Nutrition Maiden 1340 Dubai Duty Free Rockingham Premier Hdcp 1410 Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Dash 1445 Dubai Duty Free Ragusa Handicap 1420 Dubai Duty Free International Stakes G3 1555 Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes 1635 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1 Classic) 1710 Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort Maddenstown Handicap 1745 Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Premier Handicap

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How to Enjoy the Weekend

Whether you are attending for the racing, fashion, music or social atmosphere, there are countless ways to elevate your Derby Festival experience.

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Champagne Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a touch of luxury in the Champagne Bar with Champagne Afternoon Tea, available to order daily throughout the festival weekend.

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Spritz & Social at The Queen’s Room Marquee

Saturday’s newest social hotspot, Spritz & Social offers a relaxed yet stylish hospitality experience complete with lounge DJ, reserved seating, light-bite buffet lunch, complimentary drinks and you could share €1200 of K Club vouchers for best dressed table, lady and gent!

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Derby Day Hospitality

For Derby Day on Sunday, guests can indulge in a premium four-course dining experience at the Queens Room Marquee. Combining gourmet cuisine with breathtaking views across the racecourse, it promises one of the most memorable hospitality experiences in Irish sport.

Check out curragh.ie for availability and pricing.