Irish Champions Festival
Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th September 2026
Step into one of Ireland’s premier racing spectacles and soak up the electric atmosphere of the Irish Champions Festival. Held across two world-class racecourses - Leopardstown and The Curragh - this unmissable weekend is a true celebration of elite flat racing, Irish culture, and sporting excellence.
More than just a race meeting, the Irish Champions Festival offers a unique blend of top-tier competition, vibrant social scenes, and the warm hospitality Ireland is famed for. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend away, this is your chance to experience it all in style.
We offer carefully selected hotels, official tickets, exclusive hospitality packages, and bespoke experiences to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish. Get in touch today and start planning your ultimate Irish Champions Festival experience.
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
Ruby Walsh
RacingBreaks.com Ambassador
Irish Champions Festival Experiences
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown ✰✰✰✰
from £399 per person
Located just 5 mins from Leopardstown Racecourse, the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is the perfect base for your Irish Champions Festival weekend. Enjoy the hotel's lively on-site bar, a choice of three dining options and excellent transport links to Dublin airport. Dublin City Centre is also within easy reach for those looking to experience all the city has to offer post-racing!
What's included:
✔ Return airport coach transfers
✔ Two (or more) nights accommodation
✔ Breakfast each morning
✔ Free drink at the hotel
✔ Ruby Walsh Drinks Evening (incl. in 3 night package only)
✔ Private tour of the Irish National Stud & Gardens
✔ Return racecourse transfers
✔ Weekend ticket to the Irish Champions Festival
✔ Daily Racing Post
✔ On-site Racing Breaks staff
Just Launched - Book Now with just a 10% deposit!
Irish Champions Festival Hospitality
There are a variety of dining options available at both Leopardstown and The Curragh during Irish Champions Festival weekend, with restaurant packages to suit individual requirements.
Unsure which option is right for you? Speak to our experts on 0800 193 6646.
Irish Champions Pavilion | Leopardstown (Saturday)
from £120 per person
Enjoy superb hospitality in this unique location with floor to ceiling glass windows looking out towards the finishing straight. With a grazing menu and entertainment this is always a popular option with racegoers during the Irish Champions Festival.
What's included
- Admission ticket & pavilion swing badge
- Reserved table for the day
- Festival food grazing menu with BBQ options
- Race programme
- Champions Pavilion entertainment
- Resident all day MC/tipster
- Tote betting service
- After racing entertainment
St Leger Panoramic Restaurant | The Curragh (Sunday)
from £250 per person
Embark on a culinary journey with a 3-course a la carte menu at the panoramic St Leger Restaurant at the Curragh. Combine world-class horse racing with the indulgence of gourmet dining, all set against the backdrop of one of the most breathtaking views in Ireland.
What's included
- Admission ticket
- Reserved table for the day
- 3 course a la carte menu
- Tea/coffee
- Tote betting facilities at your table
- Race card
- Free parking (first come first served basis)
About The Irish Champions Fesgival
Irish Champions Festival Racedays
WThe Irish Champions Festival is two days of high quality flat racing with no less than six Group 1 races across the weekend! Saturday features the Irish Champion Stakes, whilst Sunday's feature race is the Irish St Leger.
Irish Champions Stakes Day
Saturday 12th September 2026
Irish Champions Festival kicks off with a prestigious eight-race card at Leopardstown on Saturday featuring five Group races. The two feature races on the day are the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes and the Coolmore ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes.
The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, the second-best race in the Longines World Thoroughbred Rankings in 2020, and the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, ranked as the world’s best fillies and mares’ race for the past number of years, are the highlights on the opening afternoon at Leopardstown.
Irish St Leger Day
Sunday 13th September 2026
The Curragh Racecourse is home to all five Irish Classic races and is the venue for the second day of Irish Champions Festival.
Day two at the Curragh includes four Group 1 races, highlighted by the Comer Group International Irish St Leger, the final Irish Classic of the season, and the Flying Five Stakes, together with The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes, two of the best juvenile races of the year which are likely to determine the champion two-year-olds in Europe once again.
Irish Champions Festival Dress Code
There is no official dress code at either Leopardstown or The Curragh for the Irish Champions Festival.
Style is at the heart of racing so smart casual attire is recommended, however it is suggested to dress comfortably and wear something that is weather appropriate for September time! The event presents an opportunity to get dressed up and many racegoers choose to do so!
Irish Champions Festival Schedule / Timings
Irish Champions Stakes Day
Saturday 12th September 2026 (Leopardstown)
10:30 Gates Open
13:10 First Race
17:45 Last Race
Irish St Leger Day
Sunday 13th September 2026 (The Curragh)
11:30 Gates Open
13:50 First Race
17:55 Last Race
