Make Leopardstown Part Of Your Christmas

Enjoy the very best of National Hunt racing over four spectacular days at Leopardstown this Christmas season. 28 competitive races that showcase the best horses, jockeys and trainers as they all compete for €1.3 million in prizemoney and seven coveted Grade 1 titles.

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival has been running since 1888 and attracts racing fans from all corners of Ireland while many more fly in from abroad to experience the unique atmosphere of a day at the races. They choose the first class facilities at Leopardstown racecourse as their venue to catch up with both family and friends over the holiday period.

Iconic names such as Arkle, Istabraq, Moscow Flyer and Hurricane Fly all raced at Leopardstown in years gone by and this year the latest crop of equine stars will do battle over the four exciting days of competition.

In addition to the pulsating drama that plays out on the track there is something for everyone at Leopardstown. Enjoy the bespoke Festival Marquee (which is open to everyone with an admission ticket). Inside you will find seating, a full bar, Winning Line Tipster Panel and after racing each day, there are live concerts from The Springsteens (26th), The Connor McKeon Band (27th 28th) and Brian Kennedy (29th). Lexus Chase Day (28th December) is official Ladies Day and features the Cliff at Lyons Style Stakes with a total prize fund of €10,000 to be won by stylish ladies and €5000 in prizes for the Winning Lady.

Day 1: Racing Post Day, Monday, 26th December 2016

When it’s time to escape the house, the only alternative is a spot of fresh air on St. Stephens Day at Leopardstown’s Christmas festival. Gather with friends from near and far and kickstart the party with top class racing on Racing Post Day with live music after racing in the Marquee from The Springsteens. An general admission ticket gets you into racing and also into the beautiful bespoke Festival Marquee (located by the parade ring) with seating, tipster panel, full bar, Food garden, Tote betting and TV screens. The Day features two Grade 1 races including the Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle and the Racing Post Novice Steeplechase.

Day 2: Paddy Power Chase Day, Tuesday, 27th December

Mingle and meet with Ireland’s most knowledgeable punters on a day that showcases the spectacular Paddy Power Steeplechase, the most valuable race of the festival. It is a day, when jumps racing really shows its true grit as you watch with baited breath as they battle the last fence towards the finish line. After racing, the Connor Mckeon Band put on a show to get the festive party into full swing in the Festival Marquee.

Don Poli and Bryan Cooper winning 2015 Lexus Chase
©Healy Racing PhotosDay 3: Lexus Chase Day, Wednesday 28th December

The Grade 1 Lexus Chase is one of the most prestigious races in the calendar and draws in racing enthusiasts from all over Ireland and Britain. Zoe Conway, the virtuoso violinist will perform a musical tribute to the Lexus Chase itself as we anticipate the jewel in the crown of Irish racing. This day is also the most glamorous day of the Christmas Festival as official Ladies’ Day. It is a celebration of inspired Winter Fashions and there’s not a sparkly Christmas dress in sight. Judges will actively seek out worthy contenders for the title the Cliff at Lyons Style Stakes winning lady. The prizes are nothing short of amazing. Sponsored by Cliff at Lyons, Cliff Townhouse and Cliffhouse Hotel, the Cliff at Lyons winner will receive €5,000 to spend at luxury stays at their properties. After racing, enjoy the sleek tones of Connor McKeon and Band.

Nichols Canyon and Ruby Walsh 2015 Ryanair Hurdle
©Healy Racing PhotosDay 4: Ryanair Hurdle Day, (Family Day) Thursday 29th DecemberThe final day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival is official family day. The day also features two Grade 1 races that all the family can enjoy. Watch Ireland’s top jockeys and horses go head to head in what truly is a racing finale in the Ryanair Hurdle and the Neville Hotels Novice Steeplechase. There’s lots to do on Ryanair Hurdle Day for all the family with a beautiful bespoke Marquee for the kids to enjoy with free activities including: softzone play area, bouncies, face painting and balloon modelling and Top Oil’s Mr Ted will meet and greet you around the enclosure! After racing, we have a special treat in store for all the kids with the Top Oil Mascot Race for charity — where some furry friendly characters will race out on the track in aid of their chosen charity. Then finally, the festival will close to the sweet notes of one of Irelands’ most cherished vocal talents — Mr Brian Kennedy.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Gates Open: 10.00am First Race: 12.15pm approx

11.00am Each Morning: The Leopardstown Winning Line (free tipster panel) is free to all patrons and will broadcast live in the Marquee at the racecourse before racing each morning at 11:00am.

The panel will discuss all the runners and riders on the day and consists of top broadcast and racing personalities including Denis Kirwan (TV3), Kevin O’Ryan (At the Races), Paddy Power (Paddy Power), David Jennings (The Racing Post). If you are a novice or a punter, this panel is a must-see for those to mark your cards for the day and sure the banter is only great fun!

MAKING YOUR MERRY WAY THERE:

Whatever the weather, there are lots of hassle-free ways to travel to Leopardstown.

BY CAR

Leopardstown is very accessible by car, easily accessed from the M50 - Exit 15. Parking is free so

early arrival is advised on race days to ensure you get a spot. For more information on your driving route, including comprehensive directions, visit leopardstown.com

By LUAS

The LUAS offers a regular service from St. Stephen’s Green to Sandyford that takes about 20 minutes. The racecourse is only a short walk from the Sandyford station and leopardstown also provide a complimentary shuttle bus service on race days.

BY DART

There is a limited Complimentary shuttle bus operating from Blackrock DART station to Leopardstown on the mornings of 27th, 28th and 29th December. Priority will be given to patrons who have purchased a Race and Rail ticket on Leopardstown.com. although if there is room — the bus will accommodate your group. You can choose your shuttle bus time from Blackrock DART station from the following times: 10;00am, 10.45am and 11.30am