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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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The Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase is one of the premier contests of the Christmas period, and the data suggests that Romeo Coolio is poised to deliver a commanding performance. On strictly numerical terms, he sets a daunting standard for his rivals to aim at. His Racing Post Rating (RPR) of 166 is the highest in the field, placing him significantly clear of his nearest market rivals, July Flower (155) and Salvator Mundi (153). In a level-weights Grade 1 contest, an advantage of 11lb+ on ratings is a formidable edge that points to a distinct class superiority.
His recent form figures of "132-11" illustrate a horse who has found his rhythm and is improving with every start, peaking at exactly the right time for this assignment. This upward curve is reinforced by a flawless course record; he is one-from-one at Leopardstown, proving that the unique demands of this track are well within his compass. Furthermore, his going record of 50% (one win from two starts) suggests adaptability that will serve him well on the yielding surface.
Perhaps the most compelling argument, however, lies in the contrasting fortunes of the connections involved. Romeo Coolio’s jockey, Jack Kennedy, is operating at an exceptional 36% strike rate over the last 14 days (8 wins from 22 rides), while trainer Gordon Elliott is firing at a robust 23% (9 wins from 39 runners) in the same period. In stark contrast, the main market danger, Salvator Mundi, hails from the W P Mullins yard, which has recorded a surprisingly modest 9% strike rate (3 wins from 33 runners) over the last fortnight. When you combine the highest rating, the best recent form, a proven track record, and a trainer-jockey combination in peak condition, Romeo Coolio presents a complete profile that is difficult to oppose.
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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.
