What challenges do you face when preparing for an event of this scale, and how do you overcome them?

Customer experience is paramount. We take learnings from each raceday, with feedback from customers, staff, contractors and beyond, to see how we can make the race day experience enjoyable and comfortable. We send out customer experience surveys after racedays, and take this feedback into account when considering improvements.

We make decisions based on this and on projected attendance – key priorities for improvement are traffic into the racecourse, and food and beverage.

With that in mind, we have increased communication around alternative routes via Junction 15 on the M50, provide free shuttle buses from Naas/Red Cow, Sandyford Luas and Heuston Station.

For food and beverage, we have introduced Skippio, a bar queue-skipping app, to speed up access, and extended our food offering with a ‘food yard’ of high-end street food vans, giving customers greater variety.

Are there any new features being introduced this year?

For our racegoers this year, we have a couple of new experiences on site that we are extremely excited about.

Keep an eye on our social channels in the lead up for competitions to win a ‘Trip to the Start’ to watch all the action from the starting gates.

We have a new post-race analysis feature taking place in the parade ring after each race and broadcasting within the racecourse, and racegoers will be able to take their picture with the Irish Champion Stakes trophy.

How many hospitality places are there on the day and are there any still remaining?

Our 1888 Restaurant and private suites are completely sold out, as is our new Real Deal package. Places are filling up fast for the remaining places in the popular Leopardstown Pavilion.

Are you involved in attracting overseas runners and how does that work?

At Leopardstown, we work closely with both connections and international agents to raise awareness and make the process as easy as possible. Building and maintaining these relationships is a year-round process involving overseas visits and regular visibility from the team at international race meetings. We back this up with regular communications inclusive of a bespoke brochure which is issued shortly before the initial entry stage each May.

Is it a family-friendly raceday or is geared more towards the serious racegoer and racing professionals?

There’s something at Irish Champions Festival for everybody. We think it’s a perfect place to socialise with friends and family and enjoy top-class racing.

In terms of being family friendly we have some super family food options, a playground, a soft play area, and of course junior racegoers have the chance to meet jockeys outside the weigh room. Under 12s go free at the racecourse.

Does Irish Champions Festival have a significant economic impact on the local community?

The combined effect of both international visitors and a strong local audience makes the Irish Champions Festival a strong economic driver for the community, particularly through tourism and hospitality.

This event draws international visitors, notably from the UK, France, and Japan, who travel specifically to experience the weekend.

Raceday customer experience surveys also indicate that many attendees choose to stay overnight, which further enhances the economic impact by increasing demand for accommodation and other services in the area.

Local attendees often treat the event as a social occasion so restaurants, pubs, and other entertainment venues benefit.

Are there any standout races or horses who you anticipate will be highlights of your raceday?

The Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is undoubtably the highlight. The race was the joint sixth best race in the world in 2023, and this year’s running looks to be as competitive as ever. At time of writing the 33 high class entries include 2023 winner Auguste Rodin, Los Angeles, William Haggas’ Economics, and Japanese runner Shin Emperor.

The Group 1 Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes has attracted multiple group winners: Irish 1000 Guineas winner Fallen Angel, Coronation Stakes winner Porta Fortuna, Opera Singer and Ylang Ylang.

Why should readers of The Irish Field go racing at Leopardstown on Saturday, September 14th?

Day one of the Festival is an experience that combines top-tier horse racing with vibrant entertainment. For racing fans, we have a nine-race card featuring five group races, and unique experiences such as a photo opportunity with the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes trophy, and exclusive opportunities to win a trip to the start of a race.

See off the night with a sing-along with Mimi Lane after racing, Complete Madness tribute band, and a D.J. until close.

‘It all comes down to this!’

Web: Leopardstown.com