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A selection of the world’s best horses will descend on Leopardstown and the Curragh over the weekend of September 13-14 for the next instalment of the Irish Champions Festival.

With elite level racing across both days and plenty of entertainment off the track, it promises to be a fantastic weekend.

Here is what to look out for…

When does racing start?

Gates open at 12.15pm at Leopardstown on Saturday, with the first race going to post at 2.15pm.

The Group 1s on the card are the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (4.25pm) and The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.30pm), with the final race at 6.40pm.

At the Curragh the following day, gates open at 12pm with the opener off at 1.30pm.

Four back-to-back Group 1s take place between 2.40pm and 4.25pm, with action concluding at 5.35pm.

What are the feature races?

The jewels in the Festival Weekend crown are The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes and the Comer Group International Irish St Leger.

Saturday’s feature has global appeal, having been ranked the eighth best race run in the world in 2024 in the World’s Top 100 Races, joint sixth in 2023 and previously as high as second in 2020.

This year’s stellar cast is led by Japanese globe trotter Shin Emperor and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Field Of Gold.

Other notable overseas entries include the Owen Burrows’ Anmaat and the Ed Walker-trained Almaqam, while on the home front, Aidan O’Brien’s star-studded entries currently include The Lion In Winter, Coral-Eclipse winner Delacroix and Tattersalls Gold Cup hero Los Angeles.

Leading the way in Sunday’s St Leger are Aidan O'Brien’s pair Illinois and Jan Brueghel and Willie Mullins’ smart dual-purpose performer Absurde.

Also included are, Prix Royal-Oak winner Double Major, trained by Christophe Ferland, and William Haggas’ Dubai Honour, which won a Group 1 at Rosehill, in Sydney, in early April.

Joseph O'Brien’s dual Group 1 scorer Al Riffa, the Karl Burke-trained Al Qareem, Gerry Keane’s Crystal Black and the Charlie Appleby-trained Arabian Crown could also make their mark.

What else is happening?

There are various initiatives across the weekend to provide thrills off the track as well as on it.

The Jockey Cam, VR Experience allows you to step into the shoes of a jockey and feel the adrenaline as you race towards the finish line.

With the VR Jockey Cam, you’ll get a jockey’s-eye view of the action and compete with friends in an immersive virtual reality experience.

Last year, the post-race atmosphere soared with a singalong by Mimi Lane, a sensational set from Complete Madness Tribute, and various DJs.This year’s music line-up is set to be just as spectacular.

Before the first race, join our Raceday Expert Tipster Panel as they preview the day’s action. Hear insider tips, discover how to pick a winner, and get ahead with expert guidance.

And don’t miss the chance to get up close to the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes Trophy. You can snap a photo with this iconic prize before it’s presented to the winner.

The VR Jockey Cam will also be in operation at the Curragh on Sunday, while you can also join Robbie Irwin in the Champions Hall for live chats with leading jockeys and trainers.

The Classic Catwalk wraps up the season in style with Rosé and Runway, sponsored by Whispering Angel. Sip rosé, enjoy the fashion, and relax in the Whispering Angel Garden Bar with prizes and glamour guaranteed.

The legendary Kyprios will also be paraded at the Curragh. The Aidan O’Brien-trained star has 17 wins from 21 starts. His standout victories include Irish St. Leger wins at the Curragh in 2022 and 2024 with Ryan Moore in the saddle - cementing his legacy as a once-in-a-generation stayer.

It is a day for family fun, too, with trains, carousels, games, treasure hunts, and face painting. Under-18s go free with a paying adult.

How do I buy tickets?

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.