UAE/UK. The Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials weekend begins today (20 April) at Newbury Racecourse. A series of races sponsored by the leading travel retailer will add further profile for the business and for Dubai as a destination.
A big highlight will be Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Stakes, a seven furlong contest (formally registered as the Fred Darling Stakes) and one of three Group 3 events on a high-class racing card.
More than half of the 20 confirmations for the race hold entries in the first fillies’ Classic of the season, the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas.
Among the intended runners is His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s filly Tajaanus. Potential rivals are the unbeaten fillies Teppal and Worship.
As well as the action on track, spectators will have the chance to sample Dubai hospitality at the event, with complimentary dates and traditional Arabic coffee in the Dubai Duty Free Marquee adjacent to the parade ring. Visitors can also win free entry into the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise and Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draws.
Dubai Duty Free senior officials led by Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President-Corporate Services Salah Tahlak and Senior Vice President-Marketing Sinead El Sibai will attend to present the trophies to the connections of the winners of each of the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored races.
The Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Weekend begins a major programme of summer horse racing events supported by the world’s leading travel retailer at a single location. These carry prize money with a combined value of more than €2.5 million and continue with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh in June.