Day 1: Leopardstown

Day 1 of Irish Champions Festival gets underway at Leopardstown with a spectacular day of 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. Five further Group races complete a stellar card, bringing together some of the finest Irish and international Flat horses for a day of high-class racing and unforgettable performances.

And the excitement continues off the track, with something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. Discover the latest looks in the Style Zone, relax at The Aperol Terrace, soak up the sounds of traditional Irish music in Hurricanes Bar, or visit the magazine booth and watch talented guest illustrators bring their work to life.

Then, once the racing is over, the celebrations continue as The Bentley Boys take to the stage, bringing the perfect soundtrack to an unforgettable day at Leopardstown.

Irish Champions Festival kicks off with a prestigious nine-race card featuring five Group races including the Ireland’s premier middle-distance race and one of the most prestigious contests in the global Flat racing calendar, the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes has crowned some of the sport’s greatest champions

The Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, ranked as the world’s best fillies and mares’ race for the past number of years, regularly attracts the very best female performers from Ireland, Britain and beyond.

One of Europe’s most exciting juvenile contests, the Golden Fleece Stakes showcases the next generation of middle-distance stars and has produced winners such as Australia, Auguste Rodin and Green Impact. The 2025 running was won by Benvenuto Cellini. The race has since been upgraded to Group 1 status from 2026.

For last year's results at Leopardstown, click here.

2026 Running Order 

11.40pm Gates Open

 
1.40pm Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes (Listed)

2.15pm The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sovereign Path Premier Handicap

2.50pm The Golden Fleece Stakes (Group 1) - New for 2026
 

3:20pm The Kilternan Stakes (Group 3)

3.55pm The Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes (Group 1)

 4.25pm The TonyBet Solonaway Stakes (Group 2)

 5.00pm The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)

5:35pm The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Petingo Premier Handicap

6.10pm The HKJC WorldPool Autumn Fillies Premier Handicap

 General Admission

- Adult - (over 18's) €35.00

- Senior/Student - €25.00

- Child - 14 and under (Free!)

Premium Experiences 

- The Real Deal

- 1888 Restaurant - SOLD OUT 

- Pavilion Mezzanine

- Champions Pavilion

- Lower Pavilion

-Mezzanine Pavilion 

Please contact [email protected] or call  on 01-2890500 for any queries.