Leopardstown Christmas Festival: All you need to know
The festive showpiece returns for another four-day extravaganza
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Home By The Lee is looking to retain the Jack de Bromhead Memorial Chase
The festive season heralds the return of a popular and major landmark in the Irish Racing calendar in the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
Four days of top-class racing, including some historic renewals, await spectators who will also be kept entertained by a range of seasonal entertainment.
Here is all you need to know…
When does racing start?
The Festival commences at 12pm on Tuesday with the TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle.
There are seven races each day, with as many Grade 1s scattered across an action-packed week.
The racing starts at a slightly later time of 12.05pm from Wednesday onwards, around two hours after gates open, with the finale set for 3.35pm.
What are the big races?
The sole Grade 1 on the opening day is the Racing Post Novice Chase as Willie Mullins bids to make it four in a row over the 11-fence spectacular.
On Wednesday the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase arrives first in a top-flight double header, with Cheltenham hero A Plus Tard having scored his first Grade 1 victory in this race four years ago.
The Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle comes next, with Appreciate It, Mighty Potter and Facile Vega the latest entries to a star-studded honours roll.
There’s a whopping €200,000 on offer, with Martin Brassil’s Kerry National winner Desertmore House and Eoin Griffin-trained Jody Ted looking to shake up the winning trainers list.
The Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle is among the features on Thursday’s card, with Apple’s Jade a three-time winner of one of the longer races of the meeting and Home By The Lee looking to defend his crown.
Jack Kennedy could then draw level with Paul Carberry as the most successful jockey in the Savills Chase, as he bids for his fourth race triumph.
The Cullentra entries look particularly strong for this one, with reigning champion Conflated and the in-form Coko Beach also in the mix.
The final day Grade 1 fare begins with the Neville Hotels Novice Chase. Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have exchanged winners in each of the last four years here with subsequent Cheltenham winner Gaillard Du Mesnil running out an impressive winner 12 months ago.
The Matheson Hurdle brings the curtain down on the week’s feature races, with Mullins targeting a record-extending 11th race success.
What else will be on?
A host of live music and entertainment is on offer with DJ Lance West, Body Funk, Pogueology and the Conor McKeon Band making the Festival a hot-spot for post-Christmas get-togethers.
Racegoers can brush up on the inside track of the day's racing with the Paddy Power 'From The Horse's Mouth' preview.
As the anticipation builds, Paddy Power's expert panel will provide you with invaluable insights, expert analysis, and tips to enhance your race day.
Elsewhere, Hurricane's Bar will be bursting with spirited sounds of a traditional Irish band and offers a lively experience during and after racing.
Where can I buy tickets?
General admission tickets are available from €35 each day, while a Christmas Cracker bundle – which includes a race card (€4), Street Food Voucher to the value of €13.50, a Drink voucher for a Bulmers/Budweiser product and a €5 Tote betting voucher – can be purchased for €60.
Click here for more information.