MILLIONS of Asian race fans will tune in to this weekend’s Irish Derby Festival which will be broadcast across the continent.
All eyes are on the Curragh and the Irish Derby which will go out live on Japan’s Green Channel and the Tote World Pool which carries the action across Asia.
Racecourse chief Brian Kavanagh said “We can’t wait for this weekend’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival where from Friday until Sunday some of the fastest horses in the world will be racing.
“We’re expecting a very big crowd this weekend out here in Co Kildare.
“We’ve had a great year so far with a large increase in families and racegoers and this weekend we have a lot of entertainment lined up for children and adults alike with lots of music, bands, food and fashion as well as world class racing which will viewed by millions of people all around the world.”
The venue will welcome over 1,500 hospitality clients from at least 50 companies coming from 12 individual countries – served by 28 chefs and 435 hospitality staff.
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The catering demands will be huge and preparation has already started with oysters on the menu for the first time ever.
Some 1.5 tonnes of potatoes and fresh vegetables have already been ordered and it is expected that 8,850 pints of Guinness, beers and lagers will be drank along with 4,400 bottles of beer, 850 bottles of Moet champagne, 1280 bottles of wine, 150 bottles of vodka, and 78 bottles of gin.
It’s not all booze, with 8800 soft drinks, at least 2,500 cups of tea and coffee along with 1,500 desserts, 1,850 burgers and hundreds of picnic baskets set to fly off the shelves over the course of the three-day festival.
Aine Mangan CEO of Into Kildare added: “The Kildare Derby Festival has been going strong since 1978. It was established in a bid to further connect the local community with the Curragh Racecourse and the derby in a tangible way and to help and support businesses, tourism and hospitality providers in Kildare Town.
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“The festival team has worked really hard to put together a great programme of entertainment and events which will run right through to this Sunday.
“The aim of the Kildare Derby Festival is for locals and visitors to the town to embrace more than just the race. All of the activations will serve to encourage visitors to eat, play and stay in Kildare Town.”
Aine went on to say: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival brings over €25 million worth of business to the local economy. Every hotel, restaurant and pub will be busy this weekend and Kildare town itself will have a host of great things for people to see and do away from the track itself.
“Into Kildare, together with the hard-working Kildare Derby Festival committee are really looking forward to meeting visitors and guests and welcoming them to Kildare Town.”
Star of TV’s Clarkson Farm Lisa Hogan and singing sensation Lyra are judging most stylish competitions this Saturday and Sunday and the famous sporting venue in Co Kildare.