So the shopping is done, gifts exchanged, maybe you visited the 12 days of Christmas at the docklands, now it’s time to get your adrenalin pumping as Leopardstown opens its doors to some of the most exciting horse racing around. Handicap hurdling in Cheltenham, Ireland hosted by Boyle Sports features over two miles of spectacular horse racing feats. If you are not in the city for Christmas consider booking one of the many fine
hotels in Dublin and chance your luck on the races.
As the winner of the 2011 race, Willie Mullins rode Final Approach and came out an impressive winner of MCR Hurdle racing. This team furthered the excitement by scoring in the Vincent O’brien County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Ireland offers some of the most competitive horse racing in the world. There are plenty of places to stay near the track, which opens ample opportunity to make an unforgettable holiday package. You can enjoy the race track entertainment as well as dine in the Parade Ring, located on the second floor of the Grandstand. Jodami’s Bar is open for all day gatherings and is perfect for any size group. Have a look around the various
Dublin hotels and see if there is a package to suit you.
Built in 1888 by Captain George Quin, Leopardstown was bought by the Racing Board in 1967 to preserve the future of racing. Leopardstown is home to the biggest races of the year. Flat racing and jump racing both can be enjoyed throughout the year. The festivities begin with a Christmas festival and run into the summer with Bulmers evening celebrations. All events include many forms of entertainment to please the race-goer, including live music in the evenings.
The Super 7 begins in the four days of Christmas and will continue into January with the Pierse Hurdle Day and the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle Day. The gatherings end with the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in February, which is the crème de la crème of horse racing in Ireland. The past winners of the Irish Champion Stakes have been Daylami in 1999, Fantastic Light in 2001 and the High Chaparral in 2003 on the one mile, six furlong course. Here is a taste of the excitement you can expect at Leopardstown.
Leopardstown is located in Foxrock, Dublin 18, which lies six kilometers south of the Dublin city center. The track is of premiere rating and is known as a National Hunt and Flat track. Leopardstown itself hosts an interesting name in Gaelic, meaning “Bale anLobhair”, which translates to “the town of the Lepers”.
For something different this year, join Ireland in the fun ending celebrations of the season, sharing some race horse excitement and thrills at the Leopardstown Race Course.
