Dubai Duty Free (DDF) will renew its sponsorship of the Irish Derby festival at The Curragh Racecourse for a further three years until 2015 with an option for a further two years thereafter, a media release said. The year 2015 will also see ?the 150th running of the prestigious race. DDF, which in 2011 recorded a turnover of $1.46 billion, first commenced its sponsorship of the flagship race in 2008 and since then has helped to grow and develop the three day festival into what is now one of Europe’s most exciting social and sporting occasions. The company’s innovation and support of the festival has ensured that the Irish racing experience has gone from strength to strength and now the complete festival incorporates a range of social and sporting activities both on and off the track. Apart from the Irish Derby, DDF will also support five other races on derby day. The company has been keen for race goers to ‘embrace more than the race’ and the three day festival now includes The DDF Irish Derby Golf Classic (K Club, 28th June), The DDF Irish Derby Ball (K Club, 29th June) and the DDF Irish Derby itself which, this year will run on a Sat (30th, June). The ball has raised over €150,000 for good causes to date and this year will be in aid of Irish Autism Action, with Dubai Duty Free itself being a significant contributor. The company will also support The Good Food Ireland Village this year, a fantastic initiative which was introduced in 2010 where the best of Irish food compliment the best of Irish racing. This village features a variety of Irish food producers and well known chefs from some of the best hotels and restaurants in the country. Fashion is also a big part of the weekend and the company will again support The Most Stylish Lady Competition on Derby Day with the airport retailer offering a fantastic prize of a trip of a life time to their own five star, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. The prize also includes flights and €1,000 to spend in DDF and a €5,000 voucher from luxury jeweller, Boodles. Confirming the extension of its sponsorship, Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free said: “The promotion of sport has long been part of DDF’s marketing strategy of raising the profile of our brand and of Dubai itself and we are pleased with the level of exposure that we continue to generate in both the print and broadcast media for the DDF Irish Derby. “We are delighted to extend our sponsorship for a further three years, with an option for an additional two, and look forward to working with The Curragh to grow this event even further.”