Student day at Leopardstown this evening Last year’s Student Raceday at Leopardstown attracted 7000 students and today, similar crowds are expected to attend the second running of the event from colleges all over Dublin. Student day is part of Leopardstown Racecourse’s deliberate strategy to introduce new racegoers (principally from the 20-35 age group) to the sport. The Strategic Marketing Report issued by Horse Racing Ireland identified an audience gap in younger audiences and this is one of a number of strategies which the racecourse is pursuing to engage the youth sector. CEO Leopardstown of Pat Keogh said; ”Horse racing is a sport in which Ireland excel on a world stage and it’s important to pass on this passion for the sport to the next generation of racegoers.” There are seven races on the card - the first race is off at 4.15pm and the final race at 7.15pm and gates to Leopardstown will open at 2pm today. Leopardstown is easily accessible by the M50, Luas Green Line and Busaras - and Leopardstown will be operating shuttle buses to and from the Luas stop at Sandyford and also from the 46A bus route at Whitescross All the usual trimmings associated with a day at the races will be included in the Student Raceday which includes a Best Dressed Competition, sponsored by Dundrum Town Centre with €500 euro in prizes to be won, folk pop band Raglans will perform live and there will be Rodeo Bull Competition with a specially commissioned trophy. The race programme will include a University Colours Race with each of the participating Dublin third level institutions having a horse and jockey represent them in a competitive race. The Ross Nugent Foundation, which raises funds to provide oncology equipment for Beaumount Hospital will return this year to sponsor a race on the day in order to continue to raise awareness.
