Leopardstown Racecourse will step firmly into the global racing spotlight on Sunday, February 1, as it hosts another compelling edition of the Dublin Racing Festival. From 12:40pm to 4:27pm, the iconic Irish venue will stage an eight-race programme packed with elite competition, deep fields and championship significance. At the heart of the afternoon will be the Timeless Sash Windows Irish Champion Hurdle, the feature race of the day, carrying prize money of €200,000 and set to bring together some of the finest two-mile hurdlers in training.
The festival will open at 12:40pm with Race 1, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy And Maureen Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle (Listed). Open to horses aged four and above, the 2 miles 2 furlongs contest will feature a large and competitive field of 19 runners, all vying for a valuable prize purse of €100,000, setting an immediate tone of quality and intensity.
At 1:10pm, attention will turn to Race 2, the Ladbrokes Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1). Restricted to horses aged five and above, this 2 miles 5 furlongs 107 yards contest will see 5 runners clash for €150,000, where jumping accuracy and composure under pressure will be crucial.
The pace will remain relentless at 1:40pm with Race 3, the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (Grade 1). Run over 2 miles, the race is open to five-year-olds and upwards and will feature 12 runners competing for €150,000, a key test for emerging talent on the hurdling scene.
At 2:10pm, Race 4, the Ladbrokes Dublin Steeplechase (Grade 1), will bring together 6 runners over 2 miles 1 furlong. Open to horses aged five and above, this championship-level contest also carries €150,000 in prize money and is expected to deliver a tactical and fiercely contested affair.
Stamina will take centre stage at 2:45pm with Race 5, the O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Steeplechase (Grade 3). With a demanding distance of 2 miles 5 furlongs 107 yards, a maximum field of 23 runners, and prize money of €150,000, this race promises unpredictability and sustained pressure from start to finish.
The defining moment of the day will arrive at 3:20pm with Race 6, the Timeless Sash Windows Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1). Run over 2 miles, open to horses aged four and above, and worth €200,000, the race will feature 6 elite contenders.
Lossiemouth, trained by W. P. Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, will lead a strong Mullins challenge that also includes Anzadam with Harry Cobden, El Fabiolo partnered by J. J. Slevin, and Poniros, ridden by Danny Mullins.
The opposition will be spearheaded by Brighterdaysahead, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, alongside stablemate Casheldale Lad, partnered by Jordan Gainford. With proven class and championship aspirations on display, the Irish Champion Hurdle is set to be the cornerstone of the festival.
Following the feature, Race 7 at 3:52pm, the Padel At Leopardstown Golf Launching Spring 2026 Handicap Hurdle (Listed), will see 20 runners compete over 2 miles for prize money of €150,000, ensuring the intensity remains high deep into the afternoon.
The festival will conclude at 4:27pm with Race 8, the Coolmore N.H. Sires Los Angeles Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2). Open to mares aged four to six years, the 2-mile contest will feature 10 runners and carry prize money of €100,000, providing a fitting finale to a day defined by quality and ambition.
With championship races, significant prize money and depth across the card, Leopardstown Racecards 1 February promise a festival that will shape the National Hunt season ahead. From the opening handicap to the final flat race, the Dublin Racing Festival is set to deliver elite competition, decisive performances and moments that will resonate well beyond the winter months.
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