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Below you will find the best tips for Leopardstown for today’s racing. Simply scroll down to make the most of your Leopardstown racing day. Enjoy the racing and good luck.
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Best Bet Rationale
Final Demand stands out as the most convincing contender in this Grade 1 novice chase, arriving with a nearly flawless record that sets a high standard for this field of five. Having suffered only a single defeat in his career, he has transitioned to the larger obstacles with total authority. His record over fences is currently unblemished, having secured two easy victories from two starts. His most recent performance was particularly striking, as he claimed a Grade 1 novice chase at Limerick by a comfortable eight-length margin. That victory came on heavy ground, which is significant given the soft to heavy conditions expected at Leopardstown. The horse is already a proven operator at this venue, having previously won a Grade 1 novice hurdle at this course during last year's festival. His versatility and class are underscored by his ability to perform at the highest level across different disciplines. On the figures, he carries the highest Official Rating (158) and the highest Racing Post Rating (165) in the line-up, which makes him the clear form choice. While Western Fold brings plenty of experience with four wins this season and a respectable third in Grade 1 company at Down Royal, he has five lengths to find based on recent comparisons. Similarly, Kaid d'Authie and Jimmy Du Seuil have shown ability, but both have already finished significantly behind the selection in previous encounters. Jimmy Du Seuil, in particular, was beaten 43 lengths by Final Demand at Limerick after a jumping error. In a race of this nature, jumping is the primary concern. A novice chase (a race for horses that have not won a chase before the current season) requires precision, and Final Demand’s faultless display in this sphere thus far suggests he is the most reliable jumper of the group. With Paul Townend in the saddle, who boasts a high strike rate at this track, the combination looks the strongest on the evidence available. 18+ Only. Please gamble responsibly.
William Hill
1:10 Leopardstown: Final Demand (1:10 Leo) & Lossiemouth (3:20 Leo) Both To Win
BetMGM
Daily Horse Racing Boosts: Sunday = 10% Profit Boost
Bet365
Completely Random to win — 14:50 Lingfield (AW)
Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change; Stake Limits Might Apply; T&C’s Apply; #Ad Gamble Responsibly 18+ Only
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Leopardstown Racecourse: Ireland’s Premier Dual-Purpose Venue
Situated at the foot of the Dublin Mountains and just six miles south of Dublin city centre, Leopardstown Racecourse stands as one of the most iconic venues in Irish racing. With a rich history dating back to 1888 and a modern reputation for hosting some of the sport’s most prestigious contests, it remains the heartbeat of both Flat and National Hunt racing in Ireland.
The track’s year-round calendar showcases the very best in equine athleticism, with 23 fixtures offering both Grade 1 jumping action and top-level Group racing on the Flat. Leopardstown is not only a sporting landmark but also a major entertainment venue, playing host to concerts and festivals as part of its wider appeal.
Course Layout & Track Characteristics
Flat Racing
- Direction: Left-handed
- Circuit Length: 1m 6f (around 2,800 metres)
- Finishing Straight: Uphill, long, and testing
- Configuration: Wide, galloping oval with sweeping bends
Leopardstown is considered a galloping and fair track, well suited to long-striding types that can maintain a rhythm and stay on strongly. The uphill finish adds a tactical layer, especially in strongly run races, where those with stamina reserves can claw back ground late.
While the bends are relatively gentle, positioning remains crucial — particularly on quicker ground where horses that can race prominently and travel well are often at an advantage. The track lends itself to clean, competitive racing with minimal draw bias over most distances.
National Hunt Racing
- Direction: Left-handed
- Chase Fences per Circuit: 8
- Topography: Undulating with a steady climb to the line
- Nature: Big, galloping track with emphasis on rhythm and stamina
The jumps course at Leopardstown is widely regarded as one of the best-balanced and most fair tracks in Ireland. The fences are stiff but fair, the layout allows for proper jumping tests, and the climb to the finish means that stamina and a touch of class are vital components in all divisions.
Horses that can hold a prominent position and jump economically tend to do well, particularly in large fields. Leopardstown also rewards course experience, and many top horses return to this track multiple times each season.
Major Festivals & Key Races
Leopardstown’s stature is underpinned by a schedule packed with elite contests:
Irish Champions Weekend (Flat)
- Held: September
- Feature Race: Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)
One of the highest-rated races in the world, regularly attracting European champions. Previous winners include Sea The Stars, Giant’s Causeway, and Snow Fairy.
Christmas Festival (National Hunt)
- Held: 26–29 December
- Features: Seven Grade 1 races, including the Savills Chase, Future Champions Novice Hurdle, and Lexus Chase (now rebranded).
This four-day spectacle is a centrepiece of the Irish winter jumps calendar, drawing top horses from Ireland and Britain.
Dublin Racing Festival (National Hunt)
- Held: February
- Grade 1 Highlights: Irish Champion Hurdle, Irish Gold Cup, and Arkle Novice Chase
Now established as a crucial pre-Cheltenham trial meeting, it showcases elite-level form in almost every division.
Other Notable Races
- Matron Stakes (Group 1) – Run on Champions Weekend; top-level fillies’ contest
- Hennessy Gold Cup (now Irish Gold Cup) – A stepping stone to Cheltenham’s blue riband
- Foxrock Handicap Chase – A significant betting race in the lead-up to major spring targets
Tactical Betting Guide
- Flat Racing Tips:
Leopardstown favours strong travellers with a turn of foot, especially over 7f–1m races where pace and positioning are key. In staying contests, particularly when the ground is soft, stamina and class come to the fore. Note how horses handle the final turn — those able to quicken off the bend often get first run and prove difficult to catch. - National Hunt Tips:
Watch for proven stayers with previous form at the track, particularly in testing conditions. Over fences, solid jumpers with the ability to race handily tend to hold sway. With the run-in being slightly uphill, it’s not uncommon for classy horses to outstay rivals late on — especially in novice company. - Trainers to Watch:
- Willie Mullins dominates both the Christmas and Dublin Racing Festivals, often sending strong teams with multiple winners.
- Gordon Elliott typically targets the Grade 1 novice events with his emerging stars.
- Aidan O’Brien and Dermot Weld are key figures in the summer Group races, especially the Irish Champion Stakes and Matron Stakes.
A Venue of Prestige and Progress
From its 19th-century origins to its role today as a cornerstone of the global racing calendar, Leopardstown Racecourse has seamlessly blended heritage with modernity. Its dual-purpose design and commitment to excellence have helped it produce some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.
Its role as a stepping stone to greatness — be it for Champion Hurdle contenders in January or Classic hopefuls in September — ensures that Leopardstown remains not just a fixture of Irish racing, but a stage on which future champions are made.
