About Irish Champions Festival 

About irish Champions Festival 

Irish Champions Festival is the showcase of the Irish Flat season. 

It is one of the leading international flat racing festivals, now in its 12th year, this special event is run over two days at two of Ireland’s leading racecourses, Leopardstown on the 13th of September and The Curragh on the 14th of September 2025.

World Class Racing: Featuring prize money of over €5 million, this year’s renewal boasts a strong programme, including six Group 1 races and the final Classic of the Irish Flat season. Irish Champions Festival will again attract many of the world’s best racehorses, owners, trainers, and jockeys. 

Day 1 - Leopardstown

Day 1 of Irish Champions Festival kicks off at Leopardstown, featuring world class racing, live music, premium sports experiences and unmissable entertainment.

The racing action is headlined by the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, one of the most prestigious races in the world. Alongside it, five thrilling Group races promise to showcase the very best Irish and international flat horses—expect world-class performances on the track from start to finish.

The Jockey Cam, VR Experience: Step into the shoes of a jockey and feel the adrenaline as you race towards the finish line! With the VR Jockey Cam, you’ll get a jockey’s-eye view of the action and compete with friends in an immersive virtual reality experience.

Live Music to Keep the Party Going: Last year, the post-race atmosphere soared with a singalong by Mimi Lane, a sensational set from Complete Madness Tribute, and DJs keeping the crowd dancing all day. This year’s music line-up is set to be just as spectacular—stay tuned for the announcement!

Raceday Expert Panel: Before the first race, join our Raceday Expert Tipster Panel as they preview the day’s action. Hear insider tips, discover how to pick a winner, and get ahead with expert guidance. Panel details coming soon!

See the Trophy Before It’s Won: Don’t miss the chance to get up close to the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes Trophy. Snap a photo with this iconic prize before it’s presented to the winner!

Day One promises world-class racing, unforgettable entertainment, and an atmosphere like no other. Join us at Leopardstown to kick off the festival in style!

Day 2 - The Curragh

Day Two of the Irish Champions Festival Moves to the Historic Curragh Racecourse

The highlight of the day is the Comer Group Irish St. Leger, the fifth and final Irish Classic of the year. It headlines a stellar race card featuring four Group 1 races and nearly €2.5 million in prize money—making this one of the richest and most exciting race days on the Irish calendar.

But the excitement doesn’t stop at the rails… We have some great Off-Track Entertainment!

The Jockey Cam — Feel the Thrill! - Missed the VR Jockey Cam at Leopardstown? Now’s your chance to ride again! On Sunday 14th September at the Curragh, jump into the action with a virtual flat-racing experience. Compete with friends and see who finishes first!

Conversations with Robbie Irwin - Join Robbie Irwin in the Champions Hall for live chats with leading jockeys and trainers. Enjoy expert race previews and insider stories from racing’s biggest names—Sunday 14th September.

Rosé and Runway - The Classic Catwalk wraps up the season in style with Rosé and Runway, sponsored by Whispering Angel. Sip rosé, enjoy the fashion, and relax in the Whispering Angel Garden Bar. Prizes and glamour guaranteed—stay tuned!

Carnival at the Curragh! - It’s our biggest-ever FREE kids’ entertainment! With trains, carousels, games, treasure hunts, and face painting, there’s fun for all ages. And remember—under-18s go FREE with a paying adult. Perfect for a Proper Family Day Out on Day 2 of the Festival.

Farewell Kyprios - We’re thrilled to welcome Kyprios back to the Curragh on Sunday 14th September for the Irish Champions Festival. Bred at Moyglare Stud and foaled on 18 May 2018, the Aidan O’Brien-trained star has 17 wins from 21 starts. His standout victories include Irish St. Leger wins at the Curragh in 2022 and 2024 with Ryan Moore in the saddle—cementing his legacy as a once-in-a-generation stayer.