The 2024 Leopardstown Christmas Festival was hailed as a major success with attendance up overall on three of the four days, and in an overall figure, despite the challenges of fog on the first two days.

There were race wins for 15 trainers and 19 jockeys over the four days, none greeted as warmly as the victory of Galopin Des Champs on Day Three in the Savills Chase. He will be returning to the track for the Dublin Racing Festival next month before hopefully heading to Cheltenham and a bid for a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

BrighterDaysAhead’s win in the Neville’s Hotel Hurdle sealed 100 Grade 1 winners for trainer Gordon Elliot w, earlier on the final day also celebrated his 2,000th winner across all races.

On a final note, Spinal Injuries Ireland received a €400,000 donation from Flutter Entertainment following a year of fundraising activity by staff.

As it’s Charity of the Year, the Paddy Power-owner also donated all profits from the 2.20pm race named in it’s honour on December 27th.

“We are delighted with how this year’s Christmas Festival went,” said Leopardstown CEO Tim Husbands.

“It is a great result to see race wins spread across a number of trainer and jockeys. It proves there is an opportunity for all.”

“We are especially pleased to have brought our race days to more people this year, with an increased attendance overall despite the challenging fog conditions on the first two days.”

“The four days have seen some incredible racing, with numerous memorable moments and a super atmosphere. Huge thanks must go to the Leopardstown team, our sponsors, owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff, and horses, and of course to our racegoers.”

“They are all central to the success of the festival and we wouldn’t be able to run without them. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Leopardstown again for Dublin Racing Festival 2025.”

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The overall attendance of 62,748 is not only up on 2023 but is almost ten per cent ahead of where it was five years ago in 2019.  The atmosphere and the quality of the racing have secured its place on the Christmas calendar for racegoers of all ages.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The Dublin Racing Festival promises stars a plenty in only four weeks time for two days of top quality sport that will be fully advance ticketed for the first time this year.

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