The independent guide
Irish horse racing, from the Curragh to Christmas at Leopardstown
Every festival and racecourse on the island, the day's racing news, jobs in racing, and retired racehorses looking for a second career.
Racing today
Full racecardsSaturday, 10 October
Festivals coming up
All festivals
Leopardstown Christmas
Four days of top-class jumps racing at Leopardstown from 26 to 29 December, with seven Grade 1 races and a big post-Christmas crowd from Dublin and beyond.

Dublin Racing Festival
Two days of top-class jump racing at Leopardstown in south Dublin, usually on the first weekend of February, with eight Grade 1 races and over €2 million in prize money.

Fairyhouse Easter Festival
A three-day National Hunt festival at Fairyhouse in Co. Meath over the Easter weekend, building to the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday.
Latest racing news
More news- Future Champions Festival: news, tips and more, horse racing liveThe Guardian · 2 h ago
- Final Orders has Gavin Cromwell dreaming of novel Cheltenham and Pardubicka doubleIrish Independent · 9 h ago
- Wayne Bailey: Sea Lantern can leave Cesarewitch rivals in the shadeIrish Independent · 9 h ago
- Double moves Andrew Balding clear of Aidan O’Brien in Flat trainers’ raceThe Guardian · 21 h ago
- Bowen wins Welsh racing award for sixth timeBBC Sport · yesterday
- Desert Castle to face strong O'Brien hand in DewhurstRTÉ Sport · 2 days ago
- Mullins hoping to repeat trick with Cock and BullRTÉ Sport · 2 days ago
- Osborne credits Newmarket move after St Leger winBBC Sport · 3 days ago
Over the jumps
From the first flag to the last fence
Racecourse guides with getting there, where to stand and what it costs, for every track on the island.
Find a racecourseRetired racehorses for sale
See all horsesRetiring a horse from racing? Find it a good next home.
List a horseGuides
All guides
First day at the races
Everything a first-time racegoer needs to know, from what to wear and when to arrive to how the day actually works once you are through the gates.

Irish racing calendar
Irish racing runs all year. Here is how the year usually shapes up, festival by festival, so you can plan a trip around the meetings that suit you.

Ownership and syndicates
You do not need to be wealthy to own part of a racehorse in Ireland. Here is how the different ownership types work, how to register, and what to think about before you sign up.

Working in racing
Irish racing employs thousands of people, and many yards are crying out for good staff. Here is what the jobs involve, where to train, and how to get your foot in the door.

Buying a retired racehorse
Former racehorses can go on to be brilliant eventers, show jumpers, hunters and hacks. Here is what to expect, how to buy responsibly, and where to find help in Ireland.

National Hunt vs Flat
Irish racing has two codes: Flat racing, with no obstacles, and National Hunt, or jump racing. Here is how they differ and why Ireland is famous for both.
Every Irish racecourse
Racecourse guidesFrom the Flat at the Curragh to jumps at Punchestown, find out what's on, how to get there and what to expect on the day.
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