LEOPARDSTOWN was buzzing on Thursday when I visited Pat Keogh ahead of the upcoming Christmas Racing Festival. Inside and outside the offices there was a palpable air of expectation ahead of four of the best days of National Hunt racing in the year.

The Christmas Festival is a unique blend of some exceptional racing, combined with a traditional celebration of the holiday season for both city and country people. With this mix of attendees Pat is keen to stress that racegoers will find a number of nice surprises when they attend the Foxrock track.