Ruby Walsh Launches Leopardstown Christmas Festival Six-time Champion National Hunt Jockey, Ruby Walsh was at Leopardstown yesterday to launch the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. Twenty-nine-year-old Walsh made a winning return to the track on Sunday when he rode Scotsirish to victory in Cork, 29 days after having his spleen removed when injured in a fall in Cheltenham. Ruby Walsh said: "For most people there are nine days until Christmas but for me and the racing fraternity there are 10 days before our Christmas starts. There's always a great atmosphere at Leopardstown with big crowds and first-class racing." The 4-day Christmas Festival at Leopardstown runs from 26th to 29th of December with crowds of over 60,000 expected and prize money of almost E1.4m Earlier this month Leopardstown announced that it had abolished the reserved enclosure, instead creating a single enclosure for all racegoers with tickets priced at just E20 when purchased on-line in advance at www.leopardstown.com. Ciaran Conroy, Commercial Manager at Leopardstown, reported: "We are thrilled with the positive response to both the single enclosure and the E20 on-line advance ticket price. Sales are well ahead of this time last year. In the current economic climate we want to offer value to our customers and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Leopardstown over the four days." The early line-up of possible runners is already enough to wet the appetite of the Leopardstown General Manager Tom Burke who commented: "The Leopardstown Christmas Festival attracts many of the great National Hunt horses from home and abroad, all poised to go head to head in the feature attractions, including the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase, the Paddy Power Chase, the Lexus Chase and the December Festival Hurdle. We are delighted with the quality of entries so far and we are looking forward to a great Festival meeting of highly competitive racing." Further Info Lexus Winter Style Day - 28th December Ladies, don't miss your chance to be at one of the most glamorous sports around. Lexus Day is also Winter Style Day, your chance to wear all those lovely Christmas gifts and be in a chance to win a wonderful 5 star weekend in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. St Stephen's Day Package at the Pavilion at Leopardstown The Pavilion package includes: Admission, mulled wine reception, corporate buffet lunch, half bottle of wine and afternoon tea, racing tipster, Tote betting facilities and CCTV coverage. Tables of ten are priced at E160 per person. To reserve a table in the Pavilion, call 01 289 0500. Leopardstown Winter Warmer For just E80 per person including admission enjoy the thrill of the action in the comfort of the third level of the grandstand. This package includes a table for the day, hot buffet, teas and coffees all day, racecard, Tote betting facilities, CCTV coverage, and tipster. RECESSION BUSTER CHRISTMAS PRESENT Stuck for a Christmas Gift idea? A ticket to Leopardstown races is a real treat for the family and friends. Leopardstown are offering great online discounts and ticket prices this year - 1 enclosure, E25 when booked by telephone/purchased on the day, but only E20 if booked online at www.leopardstown.com
