Officials at Leopardstown to inspect

Officials at Leopardstown have called an inspection ahead of racing at the track.

The first day of the track's Christmas Festival was lost when an inspection revealed the track to be waterlogged and Saturday's card, which features the Ericsson Chase and woodiesdiy.com Hurdle, is also under threat.

"We have an inspection at 7.00am," racecourse manager Tom Burke explained. "It will need to improve a fair bit.

"It's dry at the moment and has been for the last three or four hours and there's a bit of a breeze so hopefully we'll get sufficient drying conditions that we'll be able to race."

Saturday's field for the Ericsson is headed by First Gold from the Francois Doumen yard, winner of the King George VI Chase in 2000 but without a win since his success in the Martell Cup in April last year.

He will face tough opposition though and must give 5lbs to rising Irish star Beef Or Salmon from the Michael Hourigan stable.

A rejuvenated Sackville will be looking to build on his success in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock, while Rince Ri will attempt to go one better than his fine second in the John Durkan Chase last time out.

Foxchapel King, Colonel Braxton and Harbour Pilot complete the line-up for the three-mile contest.

And the 'woodies' is scheduled to feature a mouth-watering clash between Limestone Lad and Bannow Bay.