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 13th year, this special event is run over two days at two of Ireland’s leading racecourses, Leopardstown on the 12th of September and The Curragh on the 13th of September 2026.

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.

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.