Airport retailer Dubai Duty Free has extended its title sponsorship of horseracing’s Irish Derby.
The renewal is for an initial two years, covering the 2016 and 2017 editions of the Irish Derby, with an option to extend thereafter for a further three years up until 2020.
Total prize money for the race will increase to €1.5m ($1.7m) in 2016. If the extension is taken up, there will be a total prize fund of €7.5m over the term of the deal.
The enhanced sponsorship deal was announced before the 150th edition of the Irish Derby, which took place on Saturday at Curragh Racecourse.
Paul Hensey, the general manager at Curragh Racecourse, said: “The Curragh has enjoyed a very positive association with Dubai Duty Free since 2003, when the company first sponsored the Anglsea Stakes before taking over the title sponsorship of the Irish Derby in 2008. We are delighted to have secured the sponsorship of our flagship race and that our partnership with Dubai Duty Free will continue.”