Decked out for the Derby

THE SOCIAL NETWORK:The Aidan O'Brien-trained horse Camelot is a favourite with the bookies in today's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse, but at Tuesday evening's launch in Residence, the tipster Thom Malone of Paddy Power said the opposing favourite, the Dermot Weld-trained Speaking Of Which, might be worth backing each-way. Malone, from Hollywood in Co Wicklow, knows a thing or two about horses and used to ride out as an amateur jockey.

Today is the first time in its 147-year history that the Derby has been held on a Saturday evening.

Stylist and presenter, Marietta Doran, told me she was looking forward to attending today’s Derby with her daughter Mia. She is looking forward to judging the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown Racecourse on September 8th.

Gordon D’Arcy will arrive at today’s Derby with the Heineken Cup. The UAE ambassador, Khalid Lootah, will go to the Derby from his residence on Burlington Road, which was formerly known as Jonny Ronan’s pink palace. The fashion designer Paul Costelloe will also be in attendance to judge the Most Stylish Lady competition.

After this evening’s final race, at 8pm, Ronan Keating will perform a concert on a giant stage in front of the grandstand.