Ireland’s best horses were out in force as punters look for Cheltenham Festival clues a month before The Greatest Show on Turf at Prestbury Park.
And it’s no surprise legendary trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed success on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival as he looks to attack the Festival in March. The Irishman landed a hat-trick – including the big one, the Irish Gold Cup on odds-on shot Galopin Des Champs 1/2.
Many of the leading Cheltenham contenders are ramping up their preparations at Leopardstown this weekend – not to mention more than £1.5million in prize money that is up for grabs. Punters flocked to the course and here are the results and placings in FULL from a thrilling first day across the Irish Sea.
1.15 The Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
1. Final Demand 11/8 (fav)
2. Wingmen 8/1
3. Mozzies Sister 12/1
1.50 The Gannon’s City Recovery and Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
1. Hello Neighbour 85/40
2. Galileo Dame 16/1
3. Lady Vega Allen 4/1
2.25 The Race and Stay at Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
1. Perceval Legallois 15/2
2. Gaoth Chuil 10/1
3. Flicker Of Hope 8/1
2.55 The Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1)
1. Majborough 8/11 (fav)
2. Touch Me Not 12/1
3. Firefox 15/2
3.30 The Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)
1. Galopin Des Champs 1/2
2. Grangeclare West 66/1
3. Fact To File 10/3
4.05 The Ryanair Handicap Steeplechase (Listed)
1. An Peann Dearg 8/1
2. My Mate Mozzie 11/2
3. Grange Walk
4.35 The Paddy Power Play Card INH Flat Race (C&G) (Grade 2)
1. Colcannon 9/2
2. Sortudo 13/2
3. He Can’t Dance 3/1