The eagerly awaited Dublin Racing Festival is set to make a spectacular return to Leopardstown on the 3rd and 4th of February 2024. This two-day event promises not only thrilling horse racing action but also an unforgettable social experience that goes beyond the track. As the largest National Hunt festival in Ireland, the Dublin Racing Festival has become a staple for racing enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.
Record Crowds and Unparalleled Atmosphere
In 2023, a record-breaking crowd of 34,591 people gathered at Leopardstown to witness the best of Irish racing. The Dublin Racing Festival is known for bringing together champions who compete fiercely on the track, while off the track, the event is infused with music, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere that adds to the overall appeal.
Logistics and Ticket Information
To ensure everyone can make the most of the February Bank Holiday weekend, free shuttle buses will be available from various locations including Naas, Red Cow Luas, Sandyford Luas Stop, Blackrock Dart, and Heuston Station. Notably, Hospitality and Premium Level Access tickets are already sold out, but racing enthusiasts can still grab the fantastic Dubliner Bundle Package for only €70.
Advanced tickets can be purchased online for €40, with gate prices at €45. The value-packed Dubliner Bundle Package includes admission to both days of the festival, making it an irresistible offer for racing fans.
Saturday, 3rd February 2024 – Day One
Day One kicks off with the gates opening at 11.20 am. The racing action starts at 1.20 pm and concludes at 7.00 pm. The day’s feature race is the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, a Grade 1 event that has historically served as a pivotal trial for the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup. Past winners, including Jodami, Imperial Call, Sizing John, and Galopin Des Champs, have etched their names in racing history by triumphing in both events in the same year.
Other notable races on Day One include The Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1), The McCann FitzGerald Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1), and The Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1).
Sunday, 4th February 2024 – Day Two
Day Two promises another action-packed schedule, with gates opening at 10.40 am and the first race starting at 12.40 pm. The day’s feature race is The Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1), a prestigious event won by legendary hurdlers such as Honeysuckle, State Man, and Apple’s Jade.
Additional highlights of Day Two include The Ladbrokes Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1), The Tattersalls Ireland 50th Derby Sale Novice Hurdle (Grade 1), and The Ladbrokes Dublin Steeplechase (Grade 1). The festival concludes at 7.00 pm on both days.
As anticipation builds for the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, racing enthusiasts are gearing up for a weekend that promises excitement, competition, and a celebration of the best in Irish racing.
