Top class racing and glamour expected at The Curragh Racecourse tomorrow for the hosting of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Tomorrow will see the hosting of the 152nd Irish Derby. Saturday brings the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day, the highlight of the racing and style calendar with world class racing, and of course, what would Derby Day be without the Most Stylish Lady Competition!

Celebrity Judge Chanelle McCoy

Hosted by Dubai Duty Free in association with the K Club, Derby Style Ambassador Chanelle McCoy, wife of leading jockey, Tony McCoy and the judging panel will have their work cut out as fashionistas and racing celebrities flock to the Kildare venue.

This year’s winner will win a luxury trip to Dubai with an overnight before and after in the 5 Star K Club. So all to dress for! Last year’s winner, was a mother of a ten week old baby boy Tristan, whose svelt mum Eva Hayes Morrissey from Castleroy, Co. Limerick wowed the judging panel to claim the lucrative prize.

Wearing a sophisticated cream dress with ruffle detail, Carvella shoes, a vintage style floral and net hat by Irish milliner Carol Kennelly and a simple clutch bag by Glitzi Bitz, the Limerick woman incredibly bought the dress when she was 8 months pregrant and stunned celebrity judge Rachel Stevens when she told her she had literally tried the dress on for the first time that morning!

VIPs tomorrow at the Curragh Racecourse won’t have to worry about hair and make-up as Neeba of Whitewater Shopping Centre have been appointed by Dubai Duty Free to run the Pamper Zone on Derby Day. Stylists from the Newbridge-based hair and beauty salon will invite well-heeled attendees into their plush private salon in the VIP pavilion area which is expected to cater for 400 guests, with well known figures from the racing fraternity, national media and celebrities from the world of music to attend.

Below: Owners Barbara Lumsden and Niamh Gaynor with staff Margeret Kuleta, Kaylah Gaynor, Shauna O'Reilly, Martina O'Hara and Emma James

“Neeba are delighted to be involved at such a major event in the Irish sporting calendar. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby festival means a lot to us as it’s on our doorstep and brings a lot of custom to the area. Our team will be on hand for any hair or makeup emergencies on the day” said co-owner of Neeba Hair and Beauty Salon, Niamh Gaynor.

“We of course are hoping for some sunshine for the punters as mild weather is better suited to staying glamourous! If any of the attendees to the Pavilion feel they need a touch up on the day, we will be there with the hairspray and lip gloss!” said co-owner of Neeba Hair and Beauty Salon, Niamh Gaynor added Niamh.

Saturday, July 1 at the Curragh Racecourse for a feast of fashion and top class racing; gates open at 11.30pm, with the first of 8 races at 2pm with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby off at 5.20pm.