Leopardstown Racecourse welcomed FREENOW by Lyft as Official Transport Partner for yesterday’s Student Race Day, adding a new commercial dimension to one of the most popular fixtures in the Irish racing calendar.
The partnership was announced ahead of the sold-out event, which once again drew thousands of students to Leopardstown for a day that has become a flagship crossover between sport, entertainment and youth-focused live experience.
Under the agreement, FREENOW by Lyft provided integrated transport solutions for racegoers travelling to and from the venue, with the partnership centred on convenience, accessibility and responsible travel.
The deal reflects the continued commercial appeal of Student Race Day as a platform for brands seeking to engage with a large and highly targeted youth audience in a live-event environment.
Leopardstown CEO Mark Clayton said the addition of FREENOW strengthens the racecourse’s ability to enhance the overall attendee experience.
“We are delighted to welcome FREENOW by Lyft on board as our Official Transport Partner for Student Race Day.”
“It’s a hugely important event for us, attracting a large student audience each year, and ensuring safe, reliable transport options is a key part of delivering a positive experience.”
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager of FREENOW by Lyft Ireland, said the partnership aligned closely with the company’s focus on mobility and event-based engagement.
“Student Race Day is a unique event in the student social season, and we are excited to be the Official Transport Partner for this year’s sold-out event.”
“FREENOW is dedicated to moving people freely and safely, and we are delighted to enhance the race day experience for thousands of students through this partnership.”
The collaboration also included digital and promotional activations in the lead-up to the event, including a social media ticket giveaway, with both organisations exploring further on-site and digital engagement opportunities around the partnership.
Student Race Day has grown into one of Leopardstown’s marquee annual events, blending elite racing with entertainment and social activation, and continues to demonstrate the increasing value of racecourse properties as platforms for experiential brand partnerships.
The complete sell-out of the 2026 edition underlines the event’s continued popularity and reinforces Leopardstown’s success in broadening racing’s appeal to younger demographics through innovative event packaging and targeted partnerships.
Image Credit: Leopardstown Racecourse and Inpho.ie

ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
Upcoming Events
















