The Dublin Racing Festival is galloping into the spotlight at Leopardstown on the weekend of February 1st and 2nd, 2025. This iconic event, renowned as a jewel in the National Hunt season, draws enthusiasts eager for thrilling competitions and hints towards the Cheltenham Festival.
For those unable to attend in person, the airwaves are ready to deliver all the excitement straight into your living rooms. In the United Kingdom, ITV1 will showcase five riveting races, while RTÉ will broadcast a comprehensive coverage of 11 races across the two-day festival for viewers in Ireland.
UK TV Coverage on ITV1
ITV1 is scheduled to provide live coverage of key races, ensuring fans witness the electrifying action firsthand. On Saturday, the highlight is set to be the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at 15:30. Sunday’s lineup includes the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at 13:40, followed by the exhilarating Dublin Chase at 14:10. The day will also feature the O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase at 14:45 and culminate with the prestigious Irish Champion Hurdle at 15:20.
Comprehensive Coverage on RTÉ
Irish viewers can enjoy comprehensive coverage on RTÉ, starting at 13:00 on Saturday and continuing until 16:00. Sunday coverage shifts to RTÉ2 from 13:00 to 16:05. With 11 races covered live, viewers are assured a thorough immersion in the festival’s electric atmosphere.
Detailed Race Schedule
Saturday, February 1st
The action kicks off with the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at 13:20. Following closely is the Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle at 13:50. As the day unfolds, be sure to catch the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle at 14:25 and the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase at 14:55. The day’s climax is the 15:30 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, followed by the Ryanair Handicap Chase at 16:05 and wrapping up with the Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race at 16:35.
Sunday, February 2nd
Sunday begins with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy And Maureen Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle at 12:40. The Ladbrokes Novice Chase at 13:10 sets a competitive tone for the day. Viewers will then be treated to the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle, Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, and O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase at 13:40, 14:10, and 14:45 respectively. The Irish Champion Hurdle at 15:20 is another key feature, leading to the Timeless Sash Windows Handicap Hurdle at 15:50 and the festival’s close with the Coolmore N.H. Sires Luxembourg Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race at 16:25.
The Dublin Racing Festival promises a weekend filled with adrenaline-pumping races, showcasing some of the finest equestrian talent. Whether you’re gathered around the TV or lucky enough to be at Leopardstown, the festival is set to be a memorable highlight of the racing calendar.
