Racing fans are in for a treat as the highly anticipated Dublin Racing Festival unfolds at Leopardstown this weekend, with a series of high-stakes Grade 1 clashes that promise exhilarating competition.
The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle, where two of Willie Mullins’ standout stars, Lossiemouth and two-time defending champion State Man, are set for an electrifying duel. Mullins’ dominance in the five-runner field extends further with Winter Fog and Daddy Long Legs also representing his yard, while Gordon Elliott sends out Fils D’oudairies in a bid to challenge the top contenders.
Meanwhile, the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase has drawn seven runners, with Ballyburn and Impaire Et Passe spearheading the Mullins charge. His powerful hand in the race also includes Champ Kiely, while Gordon Elliott will look for a breakthrough with his representatives, Better Days Ahead and Croke Park. Adding further intrigue, Joseph O’Brien saddles Prairie Dancer, and Vincent Halley fields Arctic Skua.
The 10-runner Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle sees an even greater representation from the Mullins stable. He sends six runners into battle, with Kaid D’authie, Kopek Des Bordes, Redemption Day, Sea Of Sands, Karafon, and Karniquet all bidding for top honors. Elliott is not without strong contenders himself, fielding Bleu De Vassy and Whinney Hill, while Jim Bolger’s Eastern Legend and Warren Greatrex’s Good And Clever are poised to make an impact.
One of the most awaited returns of the festival comes in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, where El Fabiolo, absent since finishing second to Jonbon at Sandown last April, is set to make his comeback for Willie Mullins. He will be joined by stablemates Gaelic Warrior and Gentleman Du Mee, the latter a previous winner of this event. Joseph O’Brien’s Solness and Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale—who finished first and third, respectively, in December’s Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase—will seek to shake up the competition. Henry de Bromhead enters both Captain Guinness and Quilixios, with Vincent Halley’s Senecia completing the eight-runner field.
In the Grade 2 Coolmore NH Sires Luxembourg Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race, Willie Mullins’ Future Prospect is expected to lead the charge, but strong opposition comes from Tom Cooper’s Amen Kate and Declan Queally’s Carrigmoornaspruce.
The festival kicks off with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy & Maureen Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle, featuring a field of 20. Top-weight Queens Gamble, trained by Harry Derham, will face stiff competition from Gordon Elliott’s Qualimita, Joseph O’Brien’s Cottesloe Sunshine, and Colm Murphy’s Savante.
The O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase boasts a competitive 17-runner field, with Gavin Cromwell’s Backtonormal, Noel Meade’s Tote Galway Plate winner Pinkerton, and Willie Mullins’ James Du Berlais among the leading contenders. The Timeless Sash Windows Handicap Hurdle, with an extensive 22-runner declaration, features top names like Brave Troop (Charles Byrnes), James’s Gate (Martin Brassil), Enniskerry (Barry Connell), and McLaurey (Emmet Mullins), all eyeing a coveted victory.
With some of the sport’s biggest names and most exciting prospects in action, the Dublin Racing Festival promises to deliver two days of top-class racing that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
