The 2025 Leopardstown Christmas Festival confirmed the event’s status as one of the most significant fixtures in the Irish racing and sporting calendar.
Attendance across the four-day Festival rose by 7 per cent on 2024 to 67,202, a strong indicator of sustained public engagement at a time when live sport continues to compete for attention and discretionary spend.
On the track, success was widely shared, with 11 trainers and 17 jockeys registering winners, reinforcing the depth and competitiveness of the Irish National Hunt scene.
No individual left Leopardstown with more silverware than trainer Gordon Elliott, who recorded 13 victories over the Festival. His long-time stable jockey, Jack Kennedy, matched that dominance in the saddle, finishing as top jockey with eight winners.
The final day’s feature, the Grade 1 December Hurdle, saw Willie Mullins’ star mare Lossiemouth secure her ninth Grade 1 success, holding off a late challenge from Brighterdaysahead in a race that showcased elite-level quality and drama in front of a packed grandstand.
This followed other Grade One wins for Affordable Fury over Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase, for Teahupoo in the Christmas Hurdle, Solness and Skylight Hustle in the Paddy Power sponsored Grade One Chase and Hurdle on Day two, and Romeo Coolio in the Racing Post Hurdle on St Stephen’s Day.
Beyond the racing, Leopardstown marked the final day of Lorcan Wyer as Clerk of the Course, with a presentation following the December Hurdle recognising his contribution before he transitions to a continuing role with the IHRB.
, said the Festival had delivered on both atmosphere and experience.
“This year’s Christmas Festival has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses.
“We’ve witnessed incredible racing and a super atmosphere throughout. It is great to see race wins spread across a number of trainers and jockeys as well.”
“Growth in attendances across the four days is remarkable. Customer experience is equally important and we hope that the enhancements we made across the site allowed racegoers to enjoy their day more.”
“Huge thanks must go to the Leopardstown team, our sponsors, owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff, and horses, and of course to our racegoers. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Leopardstown again for the Dublin Racing Festival 2026 over the February Bank Holiday weekend.”
Sport for Business Perspective
Attendance growth, strong sponsor integration and a premium live experience reinforce Leopardstown’s role as a cornerstone asset within Irish sport. As focus now turns to the Dublin Racing Festival in February 2026, the Christmas Festival provides a compelling case study in how tradition, investment in fan experience and competitive excellence can continue to drive relevance and revenue in a crowded sporting marketplace. It was also great to spend time with incoming CEO Mark Clayton who will be in charge for that great weekend at the end of this month.
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