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Camelot triumphs at DDF Irish Derby

Camelot, trained by Aidan O’Brien with jockey Joseph O’Brien on board won the fifth Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Camelot, owned by Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor and John Magnier, stormed in, despite the heavy ground conditions.

The was a big hit again as Colm McLoughlin, DDF’s executive vice chairman and his team and other officials presented the winning connections with the perpetual derby trophy and congratulated Aidan, his son Joseph and the owners on their great win.

Aidan has now won all five DDF Irish Derby’s and celebrates his 10^th Irish Derby Win. The dignitaries at the DDF Irish Derby Pavilion included, minister Lucinda Creighton; Khalid Lootah, UAE Ambassador to Ireland; Anne Doyle of RTE; and rugby stars Gordan Darcy, Peter Stringer and Bernard Jackman, a media release added.

The airport retailer sponsored 6 of the eight races on the card including the flagship race, The DDF Irish Derby. The other senior DDF executives included George Horan, president; Salah Tahlak, senior vice president-Corporate Communications; and Sinead El Sibai vice president-marketing.

They hosted over 320 people in their private pavilion, situated just beside the winning post.

McLoughlin said: “We are delighted to be back here at the Curragh, the sponsorship of the Irish Derby is very important for us and is very much in line with our global strategy of high profile sports sponsorships.”

Caoilinn Taylor McGlade from Rathfarnham in Dublin was announced as the 2012 DDF Most Stylish Lady in association with Boodles at the DDF Irish Derby.

Caoilinn was chosen from almost 200 entrants by judges Breeda McLoughlin, wife of McLoughlin; Irish and international fashion designer Paul Costelloe; Melanie Morris, editor, Image Magazine; and James Amos from Boodles.

Wearing a dress from LK Bennett, hat from Irish milliner Edel Ramberg, shoes from Fitzpatricks and accessories from Paris, Caoilinn exuded the style and poise necessary to claim the top prize of a luxury holiday to Dubai for two people with flights and accommodation in the 5-star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and €1,000 to spend at the DDF.