Day 1 - Leopardstown
Saturday 12th September, The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes Day
Plan Your Day
Day 1 | Leopardstown
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World Class Racing
Day 1 features five Group Races including the world class Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. Come and see the best Irish and international flat horses in action.
Champions Of Style Awards
Fashion takes centre stage on Day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival as the Champions of Style Award returns for 2026, building on the success of last year’s style competition.
Throughout the day, racegoers can visit the dedicated Fashion Zone in the Legacy Lounge, which will be home to this year’s style partners and a range of fashion-focused activity.
Ireland’s premier menswear retailer, Louis Copeland & Sons, and family-owned hotel group, Ardán Collective, join forces to sponsor the ‘Champions of Style’ Award.
The Aperol Terrace
The Aperol Terrace, a stylish new addition to Leopardstown, is a premium, open area overlooking all the racing action in the parade ring. Focusing heavily on its spritz portfolio, including the classic Aperol Spritz, the terrace will serve as one of the social hot spots on day one of Irish Champions Festival.
See the Irish Champion Stakes Trophy Up Close
Create a treasured memory with a photo opportunity with the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes trophy, before it is awarded to the winner!
BentleyBoys Live after racing
Live entertainment continues after the final race on Day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival, with The Bentley Boys performing live after racing.
Known for their high-energy performances and ability to keep a crowd on their feet, The Bentley Boys bring an extensive mix of music spanning classic rock, funk, soul, swing, ’80s favourites and current hits.
With a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading live event bands, they’ll keep the celebrations going after the racing and bring Day 1 at Leopardstown to a lively close.
Trad Duo | Hurricanes Bar
Blending popular hits with traditional favourites, they’ll bring plenty of energy to the day and get the crowd singing and dancing, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Punters Passport
Pick up your Punters’ Passport from staff on entry and collect stamps as you visit activations around the racecourse. Complete your passport to receive an exclusive ICF Pin and be entered into a prize raffle for the chance to win a special Leopardstown prize.
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Irish Champions Magazine Booth
Step into the spotlight with our ICF Magazine Photo Booth and become the cover star of the Irish Champions Festival. It’s the perfect photo opportunity to snap, share and take home a unique souvenir from day 1 of the Irish Champions Festival 2026.
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Live Guest Illustrations
Visit the Fashion Zone in the Legacy Lounge, where live illustrators will be capturing racegoers in their race-day finest. Take your turn in the artist’s chair and leave with a personalised fashion illustration, a unique keepsake of Irish Champions Festival.
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Tipster Panel
Get ready to mark your cards! Learn how to pick the winning horse from our expert panel before racing. Panel will be announced soon.
