Ahead of the day one action at Leopardstown for the Christmas festival the ground has been given as yielding, yielding to soft in places on the hurdle track and the chase course is yielding, good to yielding in places.

There was 1mm of rain yesterday, whilst selective watering was carried out in the back straight on the chase track on Christmas Eve.

Generally dry is the call with regard to the weather forecast and odds-on favourite Facile Vega will face three rivals in the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase at 2.20.

Meanwhile following 5mm of rain since declarations, the going at Down Royal is now described as soft, yielding to soft in places. Mainly dry conditions are expected today, with the chance of passing showers.

Much attention will focus on the Metcollect Oil Recycling Hunters Chase at 2.33. David Christie fields four of the ten participants for this three miler. Apparent stable select Ferns Lock will be ridden by Barry O'Neill.

At Limerick it remains soft to heavy. The forecast remains unsettled with heavy showers this evening and tomorrow evening (20mm approx).