'Elliott is having a proper go this season' - Key connections to follow at the Dublin Racing Festival The racing at the Dublin Racing Festival is top-class and there is loads of prize money on offer, which makes it thoroughly competitive and winners can be hard to come by. The Grade 1s have been the exception in recent seasons, mostly down to one trainer. We're going to pick out some of the important owners, trainers and jockeys who rarely come away without some big winners. Owners JP McManus is Ireland's biggest owner and it's rare to see a big race without his green and gold silks being represented. He has horses with all of Ireland's best trainers, including Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott and he's always an owner to follow. Rich Ricci is another leading owner to follow and his Irish-trained horses are exclusively sent to Willie Mullins. Gaelic Warrior has every chance in the Irish Gold Cup on Day 1, whilst French import Selma De Vary is intriguing in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle. Gigginstown have plenty of smart horses who are set to line up at Leopardstown and the Elliott-trained Charismatic Kid runs in the concluding bumper on Day 1. Other interesting runners include impressive maiden winner Ballyfad on Sunday. Trainers Mullins is the most obvious name for the list, as he's the dominant figure on both sides of the Irish Sea. It's no surprise that he has the favourite in six of the eight Grade 1s. Narciso Has, Lossiemouth and Final Demand are his standout chances across the weekend. It's true that Mullins has been the main man at the DRF, but Elliott is having a proper go this season. He's currently leading the way in the trainers' table and some big winners could cement that position. Romeo Coolio looks hard to beat in the Irish Arkle. Henry de Bromhead hasn't had the best of seasons so far, but there are few better trainers around and it's always dangerous to rule him out. The same can be said for Gavin Cromwell and he will be hoping for a return to form for Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin. Jockeys Mullins' main man, Paul Townend, will be getting his pick of his boss's best chances across the weekend. He will be delighted to be back aboard the likes of Final Demand and Galopin Des Champs and they will be difficult to beat. Watch out for Jack Kennedy, as he's in pole position in the fight for the jockeys' championship. Elliott's stable jockey has been riding very well all season, and it would be a big surprise if he doesn't make it into the winners' enclosure more than once. Darragh O'Keeffe is contending with Kennedy in the fight for the jockeys' title and a winner or two this weekend would be well received. He will be on board de Bromhead's best chances across the two-day meeting and might pick up some spares. 'Exclusive offer for irishracing.com customers - Bet 10 Get 80'
