Irish Champions Weekend takes place over two days in September, split between Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday and the Curragh on Sunday. With over €4 million in prize money and multiple Group 1 races, it is the richest weekend in Irish flat racing.
Saturday at Leopardstown
The Leopardstown card on Saturday features the Irish Champion Stakes, a Group 1 race over 1 mile 2 furlongs that is considered one of the most prestigious middledistance races in Europe. It regularly attracts international competition from Britain, France and beyond. The Matron Stakes, a Group 1 for fillies and mares over a mile, also takes place on Saturday.
Sunday at the Curragh
The Curragh hosts the National Stakes (Group 1, 7 furlongs, two-year-olds) and the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trial races also feature, with horses targeting Longchamp in October using the weekend as their prep run.
Betting Markets for Irish Champions Weekend
- Group 1 race winner: The primary market for each Group 1 event
- Forecast/reverse forecast: Predict first and second in a race
- Top trainer/jockey: Weekend-long markets on the leading trainer and jockey
- Arc trial: Some horses are aimed at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe; ante-post Arc markets move after Irish Champions Weekend
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish Champions Weekend: Races & Stakes
| Race | Grade | Distance | Typical Runners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Champion Stakes | Gr.1 | 1m2f | 8–12 (Leopardstown) |
| Matron Stakes | Gr.1 | 1m | 6–10 fillies (Leopardstown) |
| National Stakes | Gr.1 | 7f | 6–10 2YOs (Curragh) |
| Vincent O'Brien Co. Tipperary Stakes | Gr.1 | 7f | 6–10 (Curragh) |
| Moyglare Stud Stakes | Gr.1 | 7f | 6–10 2YO fillies (Curragh) |
Champions Weekend Betting Tips
- Irish Champion Stakes is Europe's most valuable autumn mile-and-a-quarter race – attracts Arc trials
- Top trainers Aidan O'Brien and Willie Mullins dominate the card; check their entries
- Both days span two courses (Leopardstown Sat, Curragh Sun) – confirm venue before bet
- Ante-post Irish Champion Stakes market opens after Juddmonte International at York
Champions Weekend Ireland: Race Schedule and Key Betting Markets
| Race | Track | Group | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Champion Stakes | Leopardstown | Gr 1 | 1m2f |
| Matron Stakes | Leopardstown | Gr 1 | 1m |
| National Stakes | Curragh | Gr 1 | 7f |
| Vincent O'Brien Stakes | Curragh | Gr 1 | 6f |
| Moyglare Stud Stakes | Curragh | Gr 1 | 7f |
Champions Weekend Betting Tips for Irish Punters
Champions Weekend (early September) is Ireland's premier flat-racing weekend, run across Leopardstown on Saturday and the Curragh on Sunday. Five Group 1 races in two days make it the biggest betting weekend of the Irish flat season. Many runners use Champions Weekend as a stepping stone to British Champions Day at Ascot in October, or the Breeders' Cup in November.
- Ante-post value: Irish Champion Stakes markets open in spring — early prices are often generous before the confirmed runners list narrows fields
- Going: early September in Ireland is frequently soft; horses that handle ease in the ground are favoured
- O'Brien factor: Aidan O'Brien fields multiple runners in several races; pay attention to which one is listed as the stable's main hope in market moves
Irish Champions Weekend takes place in September, split between Leopardstown (Saturday) and the Curragh (Sunday). The exact date varies; check hri.ie for the confirmed schedule.
The Irish Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat race run over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Leopardstown. It is one of Europe's most prestigious middledistance races and attracts international competition.
Yes. Irish Champions Weekend is broadcast live on RTE in Ireland and ITV Racing in the UK. Streaming is also available through GRAI-licensed bookmakers for account holders.
Yes. Performance at Irish Champions Weekend significantly influences Arc ante-post prices. Horses that impress here typically shorten in Arc markets, while disappointing runs see prices ease.