This week’s Association of Irish Racecourses column is dedicated to the Christmas festivals at Leopardstown and Limerick. Racing at Leopardstown and Limerick takes place from Tuesday the 26th to Friday the 29th inclusive and it's Boxing Day at Down Royal.

Leopardstown Christmas Festival

Kicking off the festival is the TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle on the 7-race Grade 1 card with the first race going to post at 12 noon. There will be a host of entertainment to enjoy on the day, including DJ Lance West, Body Funk, Pogueology and the Conor McKeon Band.

On the second day, The Paddy Power Chase Day is set to be a crowd pleaser with last year attendance seeing over 17,000 racegoers there to cheer on winners in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Chase and Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Hurdle.

The third day of the Festival features The Grade 1 Savills Chase and The Grade One Christmas Hurdle. The Savills Chase has been won by some high-quality chasers such as Conflated, A Plus Tard, Delta Work and Kemboy.

Day four of The Christmas Festival draws to a close on the 29th of December. The final day of the festival also plays host to Family Day, with a range of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy from face painters, games and bouncy castles! Also please note that children U12 go FREE. There will also be top class racing which will feature two Grade 1s including the Matheson Hurdle and the Neville Hotels Novice Chase. For further info and to book your tickets, packages and membership visit www.leopardstown.com.

Limerick Christmas Festival

Preparations are in full swing for the four-day Mr Binman Christmas Festival at Limerick Racecourse. Racegoers are promised four days of top-class jumps racing with the Dorans Pride Grade 2 Novice Hurdle on St Stephen’s Day. Day two features the Dawn Run Grade 2 Novice Steeplechase Mares EBF. Wednesday December 28th focuses on the Faugheen Grade 1 Novice Steeplechase & Listed Handicap Steeplechase, while the QuinnBet Listed Handicap Hurdle is the grand finale on Friday, December 29th.

There are a wide range of packages available for the whole family to enjoy, if you’re planning a family reunion, meeting old friends or celebrating an occasion, then look no further than the track's Greenmount Suite. The Panoramic Restaurant is the ideal venue to enjoy the racing action from the comfort of your reserved table while enjoying a full bar and betting facilities directly to your table. The Greenmount Suite offers stunning views overlooking the track from the private balcony. The Package includes mulled wine on arrival, admission, racecard, reserved seating for the day and a delicious three course served lunch all for €89pp. For further information and bookings visit www.limerickraces.ie.

Down Royal Racecourse

Boxing Day at Down Royal Racecourse on December 26th is their final fixture of the year, with Metcollect Limited taking on title sponsorship for the fourth 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 children under 14 go free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. With their hospitality packages now sold out, general admission tickets are still available online, visit downroyal.com to book yours today.

The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to take this opportunity to wish all our valued racegoers, The Irish Field readers, racecourse boards, staff and their families a safe and Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

RACING in Ireland will take place in the next seven days at:

Tues 26th Dec

Down Royal

Leopardstown

Limerick

Weds 27th Dec

Leopardstown

Limerick

Thurs 28th Dec

Leopardstown

Limerick

Fri 29th Dec

Leopadstown

Limerick