Leopardstown’s ground staff pulled off an extraordinary rescue mission to save the Dublin Racing Festival after Storm Chandra transformed the course into what resembled a swimming pool.
Torrential downpours left fences along the back straight completely underwater, with the venue declared unfit for racing on Tuesday.
However, through tireless efforts involving water pumps and the local drainage system, the standing water had almost entirely disappeared by 6.30pm that evening.
The racecourse posted footage on social media showing the dramatic transformation.
They said: “Huge credit to our track team who worked tirelessly today. Thanks to their work, water pumps and local drainage, the water has nearly all cleared.”
Chief executive Mark Clayton, who took charge at the Foxrock venue after an 11-year stint at Southwell, expressed unwavering confidence that the weekend’s action would go ahead despite the deluge.
He said: “The storm is pretty much blowing through now and we’re confident given the forecast we will be racing both days, which is amazing given the volume of rain.
“I’m not sure many tracks in Britain or Ireland would be able to take that.”
Leopardstown’s ground staff pulled off an extraordinary rescue mission to save the Dublin Racing Festival
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Clayton revealed the course had been battered by 160mm of rainfall over a 12-day period, with an unexpected 60mm falling on Monday alone.
He added: “Of course we have to remain cautious, but we have no contingencies planned as given the forecast at the moment, it gives us complete optimism we will be racing both Saturday and Sunday.”
The Dublin Racing Festival represents Ireland’s premier National Hunt fixture ahead of Cheltenham in March, with eight Grade One contests spread across Saturday and Sunday.
Willie Mullins will unleash his stable stars, including Galopin Des Champs, who seeks an unprecedented fourth Irish Gold Cup triumph.
An update from Leopardstown this evening.
Huge credit to our track team who worked tirelessly today. Thanks to their work, water pumps and local drainage, the water has nearly all cleared.
We look forward to an exciting weekend of racing.@ihrb_ie @HRIRacing pic.twitter.com/DZEI6xO3k5
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) January 27, 2026
Lossiemouth is primed for Sunday’s Irish Champion Hurdle, while last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle victor Kopek Des Bordes makes his comeback from injury in the Irish Arkle.
Gordon Elliott, Gavin Cromwell and Henry de Bromhead will all be chasing major honours across the 15-race programme.
Clayton described the rematches in the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Dublin Chase and Arkle as “mouthwatering”.
Ticket sales have surged towards capacity, with Clayton anticipating crowds could reach 35,000 across the two days.
The racecourse posted footage on social media showing the dramatic transformation.
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GETTY
Saturday is approaching a sellout, with Sunday expected to benefit from Monday’s bank holiday in Ireland drawing additional racegoers.
A small but select British contingent will add international flavour to proceedings, with Rebecca Curtis sending Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup contender Haiti Couleurs across the Irish Sea.
Fergal O’Brien’s Siog Geal is also set to make the journey, part of what was initially a record seven British entries for the festival.
Clayton said he remained hopeful both trainers would send their runners despite the weather challenges.