IS it September already?
Seems like it has only been a few weeks since the midsummer classics were capturing our attention but now the ‘autumn internationals’ are upon us, and it all starts with Irish Champions Festival next weekend.
This year Leopardstown gains an additional Group 1 race for next Saturday’s card, making it three top-flight races on the day, leading into Sunday’s Curragh fixture which has four. You can understand why the French moved their Arc trials to avoid a clash with this weekend.
There will be more than €5 million in prize money to be won across the 17 races across the weekend. It’s also one of the social highlights of the sporting year, with its combination of fashion, hospitality, music and family entertainment.
All of Saturday’s races and the four Group 1 races on Sunday are part of World Pool, allowing international bettors to bet into the same pools as racegoers at Leopardstown and the Curragh.
Leopardstown style
At Leopardstown Ardán Collective and Louis Copeland & Sons are sponsoring the best dressed competition. Stylebob founder and image consultant Aoife Dunican will judge the event. For the ladies, the first prize is a luxury London experience for two at The Exhibitionist Hotel in Kensington, including flights, spending money, breakfast and cocktails.
Further luxury breaks are on offer at Bellinter House Hotel & Spa, while the most stylish man will receive a Louis Copeland & Sons made-to-measure suit valued at €1,000.
Winners will also enjoy professional studio photography, courtesy of Lafayette Photography. The Silks Garden, positioned beside the parade ring, will provide the social heartbeat of the day. It will host the pre-racing preview panel, Champion Style and live music, as well as offering a selection of food and drinks.
Adding another dimension for 2026 is the Aperol Terrace, a stylish open-air lounge overlooking the parade ring.
Curragh glamour
On Sunday style comes to the fore at the Curragh through Grace & Glory, supported by The Grace, Westport Estate.
Inspired by the spirit of Grace O’Malley, the event celebrates confidence, authenticity and individuality in Irish style. Mayo-based content creator, designer and bestselling cookbook author Sarah Butler will be ably assisted by renowned stylist and television presenter Marietta Doran to select the finalists and overall winner.
The winner receives a two-night stay in the Grace Kelly Suite, champagne dinner, spa treatments and a chauffeur-driven tour of Clew Bay and Achill Island. Runners-up will also receive luxury stays at the estate. On raceday the Tattersalls Champagne Bar offers an elegant destination overlooking the parade ring, with its outdoor terrace providing an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the racing and atmosphere.
BOTH racecourses will host a race preview panel discussion before racing.
At Leopardstown racegoers are invited to pick up a Punters’ Passport from staff on entry and collect stamps as you visit activations around the racecourse. Complete your passport to receive an exclusive ICF Pin and be entered into a prize raffle for the chance to win a special Leopardstown prize.
One of the special attractions is the Irish Champions Magazine Booth in the Legacy Lounge. Here you can become the cover star of Irish Champions Festival, generating an image you can keep and share as a souvenir of the day.
Also in the Legacy Lounge’s Fashion Zone, there will be illustrators capturing racegoers in their race-day finest. Take your turn in the artist’s chair and leave with a unique illustration and keepsake.
O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey, the official whiskey partner of HRI Racecourses, presents the ‘Reel Irish Dancers’, who will showcase their talents throughout the day at Leopardstown.
Racegoer in The Pavillion will be treated to live music throughout the afternoon from Bow Musique, one of Ireland’s leading string ensembles.
Meanehile, Trad Duo will play from 3pm to 5pm in Hurricanes Bar, blending popular hits with traditional favourites.
Finally The Bentley Boys will perform after racing at Leopardstown. Known for their high-energy performances and ability to keep a crowd on their feet, The Bentley Boys play a mix of classic rock, funk, soul, swing, ’80s favourites and current hits.
Curragh craic
The Curragh will also be alive with music from Ceili Cottage, The Rolling Tones and violinist Nicole Lonergan, while Champion Conversations with Robbie Irwin will bring leading racing personalities closer to racegoers in Champions Hall.
Families are particularly well catered for, with the Moyglare Kids Zone offering a range of entertainment for younger racegoers including face painting, racecard activities and spin the wheel.
Kids and adults alike can take their turn on the Race Simulator and the Racecourse Train.
The Curragh’s official equine ambassador, Korbous, will also make a special appearance, offering visitors the chance to meet a racehorse and learn more about life on and off the track.
Adding a unique equine dimension is the Parade of Champions, in association with Treo Eile and sponsored by Moyglare Stud, celebrating the second careers of former stars including Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Native River, Hurricane Ivor, Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston and Ice Cold In Alex.
Get your tickets!
GENERAL admission tickets start from €35 per day, with special group rates available for groups of eight or more.
Weekend tickets offering access to both racecourses provide an excellent way to experience the full festival.Leopardstown has expanded its Festival shuttle services, with routes covering Naas, Red Cow, Heuston Station, Sandyford Luas, Blackrock DART and the Talbot Hotel in Stillorgan.
Some services must be pre-booked, while free Luas shuttle buses operate throughout the day from Sandyford to the racecourse. The Curragh will operate complimentary raceday buses from Kildare, Newbridge and Naas town centres, with onward buses from Kildare and Newbridge train stations timed to connect with mainline services.
Web: irishchampionsfestival.ie