Record crowd expected for Hennessy Gold Cup

Celebrities will mingle with punters at today’s Hennessy Gold Cup event in south Co Dublin.

The national hunt fixture at Leopardstown Racecourse is seen as a good form indicator ahead of next month’s Cheltenham festival.

Previous winners of the three-mile Gold Cup include Danoli, Doran’s Pride, Florida Pearl and Beef or Salmon.

Leopardstown Racecourse general manager Tom Burke said he was expecting a record attendance for the 18th annual running of the race.

Celebrities including Jasmine Guinness, Marianne Faithful and undercover TV reporter Donal McIntyre will be among the VIP guests.

Dozens of competitors are expected to vie for the Best Dressed Lady contest which has a top prize of €5,000.

Members of the Hennessy family dynasty travelled from France for the event.