"Heaviest rain has now passed" - Dublin Racing Festival not under threat despite biblical weather
Despite heavy rainfall caused by Storm Chandra, organizers at Leopardstown are confident that the Dublin Racing Festival will proceed as planned. The storm brought 58mm of rain in one day and 165mm over 12 days, resulting in waterlogged conditions. However, the worst appears to be over, with only light showers forecasted. The track, known for its drainage efficiency, could recover in time for the weekend's eight Grade One races. Anticipation is especially high for Galopin Des Champs' bid to equal a record four Irish Gold Cup victories.
- Leopardstown still on track for Dublin Racing Festival despite Storm Chandra
- Heavy rain left parts of the track waterlogged, but organisers are optimistic
- Expected dry weather should improve conditions for the weekend races
Organisers at Leopardstown remain confident that the Dublin Racing Festival will go ahead as planned, despite Storm Chandra’s best efforts.
For many, the Dublin Racing Festival is the highlight of the National Hunt season. This two-day meeting has grown rapidly in popularity since its inception in 2018, and excitement has been building ahead of this weekend’s renewal.
That anticipation has been dampened somewhat by the torrential rain Storm Chandra has brought to Ireland in recent weeks. Several meetings have already been abandoned or rescheduled, including Tuesday’s fixture at Limerick.
Racing fans have naturally been concerned that Leopardstown could be the latest track to fall foul of the weather. Indeed, videos circulating on social media over the past 24 hours show not puddles, but lakes of standing water dotted around the Dublin circuit.
These updates prompted Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to issue a statement earlier today. While officials acknowledged that, in its present condition, Leopardstown is currently unraceable, they remain confident that the worst of the weather has now passed.
“Following 58mm of rain in the last 24 hours (165mm in the last 12 days), parts of the track at Leopardstown are now waterlogged,” the statement read.
“Heaviest rain has now passed according to forecast. Breezy with possibility of light showers today and tomorrow.”
“Mainly dry early Thursday with rain developing Thursday night, then turning mainly dry thereafter into the weekend.”
That update will sound like music to the ears of National Hunt racing fans. Eight Grade One races are scheduled to take place across this thrilling two-day meeting, including Galopin Des Champs’ attempt to equal Florida Pearl’s record of four Irish Gold Cup victories.
As the weekend approaches, we’ll get a much firmer idea of the ground conditions at Leopardstown. The going is likely to remain heavy, but Leopardstown is one of the fastest-draining tracks in Ireland, so conditions may not prove quite as testing as many expect.
You’ll find free tips for every race on both days of the 2026 Dublin Racing Festival here on our website later in the week.
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