The countdown is on in earnest for the four day National Hunt Festival at Leopardstown commencing on Monday 26th December.

The Festival is of huge importance to Leopardstown with its attendance accounting for 35% of the year’s attendance (63,219 in 2004); 32% of on course Bookmaker betting; 34% of Tote betting and 30% of total Racing Income. The Festival accounts for 16.5% of Leopardstown’s annual total prizemoney. 

Preparations have been in place for some months now and on all fronts – sponsors, prizemoney, prebookings and the race entries things are shaping up very well.

Sponsorship
Leopardstown is once again pleased to announce that all races for the Festival are fully sponsored for the second year running. The Durkan Group continue their sponsorship of the First day of the Festival and the prizefund for the day is now at €253,000.

Paddy Power Bookmakers continue their long association with Leopardstown and sponsor all races on Day 2 – sponsoring the Paddy Power Chase for the 10th consecutive year. The Paddy Power Chase has been increased in value and is now worth €190,000 in prizemoney. Total prizefund for the day is now €387,500.

All 7 sponsors remain in place from last year on Day 3 of the Festival with the feature race being the Lexus Chase of €150,000. This marks the second year of Lexus’ sponsorship at Leopardstown. The prizefund for the day stands at €354,000.

We are delighted to formally announce today that Bewleys Hotels have taken over the Title Sponsorship of the fourth day of the Festival. Bewleys Hotels has sponsored the Festival Hurdle for the last two years and have now agreed to sponsor the entire card on the last day. The total prizefund for the day is now €217,000 with the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle increased in value by €10,000 to €90,000.

Total prizemoney for the Festival now stands at €1.211 million up €59,000 on 2004.

Leading Trainer & Jockey Awards
Mr. Frank Clarke in association with Waterford Crystal will sponsor the Leading Trainer and Jockey Awards over the Super Seven Meetings – Christmas Festival, Pierse, AIG and Hennessy Meetings.

Sales
Advanced ticket sales for the Christmas Festival are once again strong. Corporate facilities are sold out for the 4 days and the Silver Service Restaurant is also booked out. However there is still limited availability for the 26th and 27th for the Carvery Package. Fado Restaurant now situated in the old ICON building will be open this Christmas for the first time offering a variety of menu choices available on a walk in basis.

Travel and Traffic
Once again we strongly advise all those coming racing over the 4 days to leave ample time to get to the racecourse. The gates will open each morning at 10.15am and traffic is expected to be heavy each day. Regular updates will be given to AA Roadwatch and patrons can tune in for updated information. Those traveling by car can now access the racecourse from the M50 at Junction 15 from which there is a dedicated access road to the racecourse. The Luas Line from St Stephens Green to Sandyford now takes patrons within a 15 minute walk of the racecourse. Buses will depart Busarus for the racecourse at 11.00am and 11.20am each day, returning after racing.

Leopardstown Morning Line
All facilities at the racecourse will open from 10.15am with breakfast available from this time. The now annual Leopardstown Morning Line, sponsored by Paddy Power Bookmakers, will give updates and tips to racing’s early birds.

Powerscourt Promotion
There are just a short number of days left for annual members and seatholders to buys their 2006 membership and be eligible for inclusion in our superb Powerscourt Promotion. All Leopardstown Members who have purchased their 2006 membership before 20th December will be included in a draw for a year’s nomination to Powerscourt Golf Club.

Television Coverage
All 4 days of the Festival will be covered live on RTE Television for the first time ever.

Tote Jackpots
The Tote has guaranteed the Jackpot each day at €30,000.

For more information please contact:
Matt O Dwyer, General Manager or Tom Burke, Racing Manager on 01 289 0500