Frequently Asked Questions
We are so looking forward to welcoming you back on track and hope you have a wonderful experience on both days. As well as a full programme of top-class racing, both Leopardstown and The Curragh will have a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options.
Yes however we recommend pre-purchasing in advance to avail of the best price tickets. Hospitality packages must be pre-purchased.
Leopardstown
There will be a variety of outdoor hospitality options for you to enjoy at Day 1 at Champions Festival. On entering the racecourse you will be greeted by The Champions Food Village Marquee where a rolling buffet will be served throughout the day and welcome to all. The Champions Patio, located opposite the parade ring will be serving delicious BBQ options for you to enjoy. The Racing Hall, will have a walk through area, serving quick and tasty convenient food. Throughout the racecourse there will be plenty of opportunities, to purchase teas, coffees and a range of beverages from our contemporary mobile units. All alcohol beverages must be consumed while sitting at a table.
The Curragh
Food and Beverage facilities and amenities will be available around the racecourse. A limited amount of indoor bar/lounge seating will be open to the public on a first come basis.
Day 1 - Leopardstown
Gates will open at approximately 11am and the first of eight races will go to post at 1.30pm*.
*Times subject to change.
Day 2 - The Curragh
Gates open at 11am and first race kicks off at 1.15pm*
*Times subject to change.
Leopardstown is conveniently located in South County Dublin and is easily accessible with excellent transport links from Dublin city centre.
BY CAR
Via the M50 - Southbound: Located just six miles south of Dublin City Centre, Leopardstown is very accessible by car, easily accessed from the M50 - exit 14.
From City Centre: Take the N11 (Stillorgan dual carriageway) heading towards the Southeast, past Stillorgan (right). At traffic lights turn right onto Leopardstown Road R113 signposted Leopardstown.
BY RAIL
LUAS from City Centre: The LUAS offers a regular service from St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford that takes about 30 minutes. The racecourse will provide a complimentary shuttle bus service from Sandyford Luas Stop on the day.
The Curragh is in County Kildare, Eircode: R56 RR67 and easily accessible by car, bus or rail:
BY CAR
Via the M50 - From Dublin take Exit 9 off the M50 onto the N7 southbound. Take Exit 12 off the M7. When you arrive, you’ll find plenty of free car parking which will be signposted on approach roads. We encourage those requiring accessible parking to contact the racecourse in advance on 045-441205.
PARKING
Parking is free at The Curragh. Public car parking is available in the Orange and Green car parks.
Accessible car parking spaces are also available in the Blue Car Park . We encourage those requiring accessible parking to contact the racecourse in advance on 045-441205.
BY BUS
Expressway bus service from Dublin to The Curragh Racecourse
Expressway have introduced a new direct bus return service from Dublin to The Curragh on race days – Busaras, Temple Bar (Wellington Quay), Heuston Station, Red Cow (Luas). To reserve your place see expressway.ie. Return €25, under 16s €18, Single €15
BY RAIL
Expressway bus service from Dublin to The Curragh Racecourse
Expressway have introduced a new direct bus return service from Dublin to The Curragh on race days – Busaras, Temple Bar (Wellington Quay), Heuston Station, Red Cow (Luas). To reserve your place see expressway.ie. Return €25, under 16s €18, Single €15
Tickets for Champions Festival 2023 will be available soon! Please check back later
Day 1 Leopardstown
1.30pm The Ballylinch Stud EBF Ingabelle Stakes (Listed) of €100,000 2yo Fillies Only, c7f
2.05pm The Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Sovereign Path' Handicap of €150,000 Ext H’cap for 3yo+
2.40pm The KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (Group 2) Guaranteed value of €150,000 2yo only
3.10pm The Paddy Power Stakes (Group 3) Guaranteed value of €100,000 3yo+
3.45pm The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) Guaranteed value of €1,000,000 3yo+
4.20pm The Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes (Group 2) Guaranteed value of €200,000 3yo+
4.55pm The Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes(Group 1) Guaranteed value of €400,000 3yo+
5.30pm The Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Petingo' Handicap of €150,000 Ext H’cap 3yo+
Day 2 The Curragh
1. 15pm Irish Stallion Farms Bold Lad EBF Premier Handicap
1. 50pm Moyglare Jewels Blandford Stakes G2
2. 25pm Flying Five G1
3. 00pm Moy glare Stud Stakes G1
3. 35pm Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes G1
4. 10pm Comer Group International Irish St Leger G1
4. 45pm Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Stakes
5. 20pm Irish Stallion Farms Northfields EBF Premier Handicap
Yes all children under the age of 18 enter for free, however they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is over 18. All teenagers aged 13 – 17 must present a valid photo I.D. identification on arrival.
Yes. Free car parking available at both Leopardstown and The Curragh. Raceday staff will assist you on arrival.
Yes, if you are attending Leopardstown on September 10th, please see here https://www.leopardstown.com/Accessibility/
And for the Curragh on September 11th, please see the details here: https://www.curragh.ie/accessibility
Style is at the heart of racing at Champions Festival and we recommend smart casual attire for all race meetings and ask you to dress comfortably and wear something that is weather appropriate.
This horse racing event presents an opportunity to get dressed up and look your best. You will also see plenty of horse racing fans in practical, smart casual clothing, so you have plenty of choice.