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Dublin Airport has been turned into an enclave of Dubai in anticipation of Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
When The Moodie Report arrived in Dublin on Friday, we, like all passengers, were met by a sea of red. Dubai Duty Free signs were all around the arrivals hall, from the baggage area to the doors leading to the meeting area.
Make no mistake, Dubai Duty Free’s association with one of the world’s biggest horse races is a major sponsorship. And it’s determined to get full value from it – not only at Dublin Airport but with intense global publicity from the big race itself on Sunday.
Things up warming up nicely with a Dubai Duty Free-sponsored pre-Derby golf tournament at The Kildare Hotel, Spa, & Country Club – better known as The K Club, host to The Ryder Cup in 2006 – on Friday, and the Derby Ball held last night.
The big race takes place in a few hours. Disappointingly the favourite, Sea the Stars, has been withdrawn due to the soft ground but there’s still a class field in place. The Moodie Report’s Tipster competition, offering a couple of great prizes from Dubai Duty Free, has drawn plenty of interest. We like Mourayan (from the same stable as Sea the Stars), trained by John Oxx. Followers of the Chinese zodiac will note that 2009 is the Year of the Ox…
But watch out also for Gan Amhras, which means ‘without doubt’ in Gaelic. Doubt is something that Dubai Duty Free has never had in its 25-year success story, but then again the retailer has also had its share of Fame & Glory, the name of the most hotly fancied runner today.