Longines Champions Weekend will run this Saturday, 10 September at Leopardstown and Sunday 11 September at the Curragh Racecourse.
Irish Champions Weekend is a chance to catch some of the best horses in Europe in a number of Group 1 races, and it’s also become one of Irish racing’s most popular family fun days out.
As well as top-drawer racing there’s a whole lot of action for children. The free kids’ entertainment across both days of racing will keep your little ones fascinated with the likes of the Festina Lente Shetland ponies, bouncy castles, junior jockey club, Wooly’s mobile petting farm, magician, puppet show and a fun-fair carousel.
The music is top-notch this year too, with rising star Lyra announced as the headline act on Saturday at Leopardstown and on Sunday the Curragh will be headlined by 17-year-old YouTube sensation, songstress Allie Sherlock, who is well known for her cover versions of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Adele and Beyonce.
A parade of champions will take place during the afternoon in association with Treo Eile with a star-studded line up of equine legends including dual Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll and two-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Al Boum Photo.
Also in attendance will be multiple Grade One winner Douvan, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup Rite of Passage and Exultant, one of the greatest champions in the history of Hong Kong racing, having won 11 times for a total earning of over €83 million in prize money.
The Curragh Racecourse Thoroughbred Trails will also return for the first time since 2019. A rare chance to see behind the scenes of racing, there are three trails currently on sale, the Curragh Legends, Curragh Racing Heritage and Behind the Scenes at Kildangan Stud.