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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
The Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Hurdle presents a fascinating puzzle on Soft ground at Doncaster, yet one contender presents a particularly robust profile amidst a field of mixed fortunes. Guard Duty, representing the Emma Lavelle stable, arrives with a compelling blend of recent consistency, proven ability under these conditions, and a yard operating at peak efficiency. Emma Lavelle is no stranger to success in this specific contest, having trained the winner of this race last year. That historical precedent is bolstered significantly by the stable’s current wellbeing; the yard has been operating at a remarkable 33% strike rate over the last 14 days. This surge in form suggests the team is firing on all cylinders at exactly the right moment. Furthermore, the partnership with jockey Ben Jones adds another layer of confidence. Jones is riding the crest of a wave, boasting a 31% strike rate in the past fortnight, a statistic that underlines the confidence flowing through the camp. Guard Duty himself has been nothing if not consistent this term. While he has yet to score this season, he has placed on both of his starts, demonstrating that he retains his ability and competitive edge. His record on Soft ground is encouraging, with a 50% strike rate, suggesting the underfoot conditions at Doncaster should pose no issues. In a race where several rivals have questions to answer regarding current form or fitness, his reliability is a key asset. Looking at the opposition, the dangers are present but come with caveats. Glynn Brae is a serious threat on paper, having won half of his eight starts over hurdles. However, he needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort last time out. Similarly, Fingal's Hill was in the form of his life between March and June, stringing together impressive results, but he returns here from a significant absence, and he may just need this outing to sharpen his fitness. At the other end of the age spectrum, the 11-year-old Dargiannini won on his reappearance at Uttoxeter but completely capitulated to be pulled up at Newbury subsequently, making him a risky proposition. Ginger Mail has struggled to find his top gear this season, and while his mark is becoming dangerous, he lacks the immediate spark shown by the selection. Smokeringinthedark put in a solid shift when runner-up at Musselburgh on New Year's Day and is lightly raced enough to improve, but he faces a formidable opponent in the Lavelle runner. Ultimately, Guard Duty combines the strongest current connections form with a solid, consistent profile on the track. With the stable looking to defend their crown in this race and the jockey in flying form, he looks the most convincing answer to this handicap. 18+ Only. Please gamble responsibly.William Hill
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BetMGM
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Bet365
ine Casting to win — 1.20 Wetherby
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Horse Racing Tips
Doncaster Horse Racing Tips: Friday, 23rd January 2026
Southwell Horse Racing Tips: Friday, 23rd January 2026
Dundalk Horse Racing Tips: Friday, 23rd January 2026
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.


