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Sport

19th Jan 2017

Banish the January blues with two days of epic horseracing at Leopardstown

JOE

Brought to you by Leopardstown Racecourse.

Most of us have already failed our New Year’s resolutions but that doesn’t mean that January has to be a write-off!

A day out at the races is a great way to start your New Year and it’s hard to beat the thrill of watching the January Jumps. With two iconic races coming up in Leopardstown this month, you really owe it to yourself to get down there and see what all the fuss is about.

The Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle takes place on Sunday, 22 January, and the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle is on Sunday, 29 January.

Still need convincing? Well, check out the miraculous recovery by Killultagh Vic and Ruby Walsh in last year’s Coral.ie Novice Steeplechase.

The race went viral after Killultagh Vic stumbled on the final fence but pulled off a recovery for the ages. Walsh would regain the lead from two horses on the run-in and register the most unlikely of wins.

The Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle remains an illustrious fixture on the Irish racing calendar. Melbourne Cup runner-up Heartbreak City is one of the big names taking part in the Handicap Hurdle. The Here for the Craic Partnership, who own the gelding, will be targeting glory in this year’s race.

Anyone who saw the reaction of joint owner Aidan “Red” Sheils to Heartbreak City’s performance in the Melbourne Cup will be looking out for the Here for the Craic Partnership after the race!

Race fans only have to wait a week for another big day out, with the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle taking place on Sunday, 29 January. Past glories at the Champion Hurdle include the legendary Hurricane Fly winning it on five separate occasions.

Faugheen, Annie Power and Petit Mouchoir will be among the ten entries on the day in what promises to be an intriguing contest.

It’s a great occasion for racing enthusiasts or for anyone who just fancies soaking up the atmosphere and seeing what a day at the races is really like. The January Jumps always guarantee plenty of excitement.

Even if you’re not exactly a racing expert, help is at hand! The “Winning Line” is in the Marquee each day from 12pm and features a panel of experts who can offer you tips on the card. So you could even make a few quid with a well-placed bet on the day.

A ticket for the day is just €20, with students and OAPs getting in for €15. Top Level tickets are available for €40. Tickets are available now on the Leopardstown website.

If you want to make a real day of it, you can upgrade your ticket for just €50 and dine out in the comfort of the 1888 Restaurant package with a three-course meal, panoramic views of the track, a racecard and TOTE betting facilities. Child tickets for the 1888 Restaurant package, including the races, are just €35.

A day at the races can be a great date, a family day out or a chance to hang out with a group of the lads. With plenty of excitement, some fantastic racecards and the chance to make a winning bet, what’s stopping you?

January blues will be a distant memory when Leopardstown hosts more thrilling action with two Sundays of iconic jumps racing – the Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle on Sunday, 22 January, and the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday, 29 January.

Brought to you by Leopardstown Racecourse.