Leopardstown raring to go with vintage Christmas Festival in prospect
The track is reported to be in great condition, with the going described as yielding, soft in places for the meeting from December 26-29, while the weather forecast is generally favourable and no extremes expected.
“It’s all shaping up very nicely,” said racing and operations manager, Nessa Joyce.
“Today was supposed to be the one with most potential for rain. There is supposed to be some coming across the country, but we don’t see it as significant.
“If we get any rain we can take anything that is thrown our way.
“The tracks are all laid-out beautifully and the grass cover is great.
“The next three days are set to be dry, but colder. It’s going to be a basic cold snap, nothing too dramatic, maybe minus one. It’s still something we’re keeping an eye on.
“A frost maybe on Christmas night, but the temperature on St Stephen’s Day will eliminate any issue with frost.
“I couldn’t be happier with what I’m hearing.
“On that night there might be some raining coming in, but that’s some way off. We’re keeping an eye on it but will see when we get closer to it.
“It’s going to be an amazing four days. Bobs Worth is coming back for the Lexus and so is Sam Winner. At Fishers Cross is coming over (for the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle) and Nick Gifford is sending over Christopher Wren for the Paddy Power Chase and Alan King is bringing Uxizandre (for the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase).
“We couldn’t ask for a better line-up over the four days.”
