Weather concerns for Leopardstown

Officials at Leopardstown will monitor weather conditions heading into the second day of the Christmas meeting with high winds and heavy rain forecast.

The Foxrock venue is due to hold one of its showpiece cards of the year, featuring the Lexus Chase and the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle.

Racing took place on Thursday on ground officially described as soft.

A statement from the Turf Club read: “Given the forecast for high winds and heavy rain overnight and into tomorrow, the situation will be monitored at Leopardstown ahead of the fixture on Friday, December 27.

“A further weather update will be issued by 7.30am on Friday morning.”

Heading the cast for the Lexus is due to be Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, who is set to clash again with runner-up Sir Des Champs.

Star of the show in the Christmas Hurdle is expected to be the unbeaten mare Annie Power as she bids to stretch her unbeaten record to nine.