THIS week’s Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) column is dedicated to the Christmas Festivals at Leopardstown and Limerick, and the St Stephen’s/Boxing Day meeting at Down Royal.

Racing at Leopardstown and Limerick takes place from Monday 26th to Thursday 29th inclusive. Kicking off the Leopardstown Festival on Monday, the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase is the feature on a seven-race card, with the first going to post at 12 noon.

There is a host of entertainment to enjoy on the day, including The Paddy Power Winning Line Tipster Panel, and live music after racing from the Daft Punk Tribute band.

The Paddy Power Chase Day is set to be a crowd pleaser on Tuesday, with over €1.4 million in prize money across a seven-race card. The card features the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase which has been won by superstars such as Chacun Pour Soi, Douvan, Sizing Europe and Moscow Flyer, the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle and the Grade B Paddy Power Chase, the most valuable handicap chase over the Christmas period.

Day three is The Savills Day, and the highlight is the three-mile Grade 1 Savills Chase. The feature race is a key indicator of the best staying chasers in Ireland, and is the target for all the leading yards. The style competition gets under way with The Benetti Menswear Style Awards. There will be prizes worth some €7,000 up for grabs across both male and female categories.

Early arrival is advised as registration will take place in the marquee from the time gates open.

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival draws to a close on December 29th with the Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle.

This race is associated with some of the greatest two-mile hurdlers of our time; Istabraq (four-time winner) Hurricane Fly (four-time time winner), and most recently another four-time winner in Sharjah.

Springbreak will light up the stage, getting the crowd dancing in the marquee after racing to close out the week. Thursday is also family day, with a range of fun activities for the whole family, young and older, to enjoy. It is worth stressing that children under-12 go free. For further information and to book your tickets, packages and membership visit leopardstown.com

Down south

As featured in last week’s column, Christmas at Limerick attracts racegoers from all over Ireland, with top-class racing and plenty of off-track entertainment to enjoy over the four days.

Feature races include the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase on Monday 26th, the Grade 2 Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle on Tuesday 27th, the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap on Wednesday 28th, and the Grade 2 Sporting Limerick Hurdle on Thursday 29th. For more information and ticket purchasing visit limerickraces.ie

Down Royal

Boxing or St Stephen’s Day at Down Royal Racecourse on December 26th is their final fixture of the year, with Metcollect Limited taking on title sponsorship for the third year running. This particular meeting is a hugely popular tradition for people who are looking for a fun day out, with great racing following the Christmas Day festivities.

Don’t forget that children under 14 go free when they are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Last minute

Don’t panic if you are reading this on December 24th and still haven’t bought that Christmas gift.

It’s not too late to shop online for the racing fan in your life – the Association of Irish Racecourses have you covered, with tickets, hospitality packages and vouchers for annual membership and merchandise all available on individual racecourse websites.

AIR wishes all racegoers, The Irish Field readers, racecourse boards, staff and their families, a safe and happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year.