Officials remain optimistic that Leopardstown Racecourse will host the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend despite severe flooding caused by Storm Chandra. Over six inches (165mm) of rain has fallen in the last 12 days, leaving parts of the track waterlogged.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board confirmed that 58mm of rain fell in the last 24 hours, but the heaviest rain has now passed. Forecasts predict breezy conditions with light showers, mainly dry on Thursday before rain returns Thursday night, then dry into the weekend.
Star horses including dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs are due to compete in the Grade One Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on Saturday. Trainer Willie Mullins, who has won 54 races at the festival, hopes the track will be raceable to finalise his Cheltenham squad.
Leopardstown's new chief executive Mark Clayton expressed confidence in the groundstaff: “I joked with the team that I had not seen any rain, but in the last 12 days it has been torrential. We have no contingencies planned as given the forecast, it gives us complete optimism we will be racing.”
