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Trading Leather wins Irish Derby

Dubai Duty Free backed eight-race card a grand success at the Curragh Racecourse

Published: Mon 1 Jul 2013, 2:01 PM

Updated: Wed 2 Aug 2023, 6:59 AM

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The sixth Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby which was staged at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare, Ireland was a triumphant success, a Press release stated.

DDF sponsored six of the eight races on the card including the flagship race, The DDF Irish Derby which was won by the Jim Bolger trained, Trading Leather with Jim’s son-in-law, Kevin Manning on board.


The horse which is owned by Jim’s wife, Jackie ran a steady race much to the delight of Jim. “I’ve been a long time waiting for this day. The last time I won the Irish Derby was 21 years ago with ‘St. Jovite’, I can’t be more pleased for everyone who worked so hard to make this happen, all of our team really deserve this. It’s a wonderful day.”

Jackie Bolger was also clearly delighted with the result which truly was a family affair. “Jim always said he would train an Irish derby winner in my colours, so for me this is really a special day.”

Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman of DDF and President Michael D. Higgins presented the winning connections with the erpetual derby trophy in front of a packed grandstand.

Earlier on in the day McLoughlin and his team at DDF hosted almost 400 guests in their VIP private pavilion, situated just beside the winning post.

DDF also showcased an LED ‘globe’ within the suite which has never been seen outside of Asia before. The globe ran video footage and images from Dubai and other Dubai Duty Free sponsored sporting events which include tennis, golf and horse racing at Newbury and Ascot.

“This is our sixth year sponsoring the Irish Derby. Every year it gets bigger and better. The sponsorship of the Irish Derby is very important for us and is in line with our global strategy of high profile sports sponsorships,” said McLoughlin.

Famous faces in the DDF Irish Derby Pavilion included, tennis ace, Ana Ivanovic who is a brand ambassador for DDF. Coronation Street’s, Michelle Keegan, RTÉ presenter Gay Byrne, film director, Jim Sheridan, UK talk show host, Jeremy Kyle, model Claudine Keane and singer Brian Kennedy. Other well known faces included rugby pundit Tom McGurk, footballing legend Ronnie Whelan who was there with his wife, Elaine and retired champion jockey, Lester Piggott.

Deborah Barrett from Cork was announced as the Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish Lady.

She was chosen from almost 200 entrants by judges Breeda McLoughlin, wife of Colm McLoughlin, Coronation Street’s Michelle Keegan, Melanie Morris, editor of Image Magazine, James Amos from Boodles and Ally Garvey, the 2013 ‘Face of The Curragh Racecourse’. Deborah won 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 in Dubai Duty Free.

Luxury Jeweler, Boodles also presented her with a stunning piece of jewelry. 23,407 attended the Curragh on derby day, 900 up on last year’s attendance figure.

The full festival included several ancillary events which ran on and off the track including a Golf Classic which was held on Thursday the 27th of June at the Palmer Ryder Cup course at The K Club and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball, also held at The K Club on Friday which was in aid of Irish Autism Action.



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