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sport · Saturday 12 September 2026 · 1:30pm 
Irish Champion Stakes Day at Leopardstown
At Leopardstown Racecourse · Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18
At Leopardstown Racecourse · Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18
The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is one of the great days in the flat racing calendar - not just in Ireland, but anywhere in the world. Run over ten furlongs at Leopardstown on the Southside of Dublin, this Group 1 contest brings the best middle-distance horses in training to the same track, often deciding pecking orders ahead of the Breeders’ Cup. Since 2014 it has anchored Irish Champions Weekend, and if you have any interest in horses at all, this is the day to be at the races.
The day at Leopardstown is a nine-race card, and five of those races carry Group status. The Irish Champion Stakes is the centrepiece, but the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes - ranked among the leading fillies and mares’ races in the world - runs on the same afternoon. Expect big crowds, a genuine buzz in the stands, and the kind of racing where you might be watching a future Horse of the Year at full stretch.
The race itself has a history going back to 1976. It has been won by some of the finest racehorses of the modern era - Magical won it in consecutive seasons - and since joining the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series in 2009, the winner earns an automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Turf. The winner on Saturday frequently has a long autumn still ahead of them.
Leopardstown is a proper racecourse, not a point-to-point in a field. There are bars, restaurants, and hospitality suites under the grandstand; the Leopardstown Pavilion looks out over the winning straight on two levels. Children’s facilities are provided on race days. The atmosphere on a major meeting is relaxed but lively, and the views across to the Wicklow Mountains are worth the trip on their own.
Leopardstown Racecourse sits on the Leopardstown Road in Foxrock, about six miles south of Dublin city centre. The easiest public transport option is the LUAS Green Line to Sandyford - the journey from the city takes around 20 minutes - and a complimentary shuttle bus runs from Sandyford LUAS to the racecourse on race days. Shuttle services also run from Blackrock DART station and from Heuston station for major meetings.
By car, the M50 is the fastest route; take junction 15 and follow signs for the racecourse. Car parking on site is free, but the Leopardstown Road gets very busy on a big day, so allow extra time and consider the LUAS if you want a stress-free afternoon.
Foxrock is one of Dublin’s quieter southside suburbs, with good cafes and restaurants on the village strip to round off the day. There is more to see in Foxrock and across Co. Dublin.
Heading to Leopardstown Racecourse in Foxrock? Dublin has plenty more to see. Read the Foxrock area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.