Leopardstown to close down later this year Rumours circulating around Naas on Wednesday evening indicate that Leopardstown racetrack may close for twelve months later this year to facilitate work on the new M50 southside motorway extension.When exactly the course will shut down is undecided at present with some members of the bookmaking fraternity suggesting there will be no Christmas meeting later this year.When asked for an update, Clerk Of The Course Joe Collins remarked, 'It is a moveable feast at present and is currently in the hands of the planning authorities. We're hoping to get to the Hennessy Gold Cup next February but it could be earlier depending on the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown council. There is no doubt that the course will close for some time.'IHA member and leading rails bookmaker Joe Donnelly said, 'We'll try and juggle things around but this matter is in the hands of the National Roads Authority. The course will be closed for a period anyway.'
