LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE
Racing has taken place at Leopardstwon since 1888 on a course built by Captain George Quin. By 1889 the course was hosting the 3 mile Leopardstown Chase, with the first winner being the Lord Dudley owned Kilworth. The race did not take place between 1907 and 1918, nor between 1924 to 39. However, it has held during the Second World War except in 1945.
	In 1967 Fred Clarke, and other owners of the course, were concerned that they could not keep it financially viable and were able to sell the course to the Racing Board to put it on a more stable footing and secure its future.
The course also hosts the Irish Champion Hurdle in January, a Grade 1 race for 4 year olds and upwards over 8 hurdles and 2 miles. It was run for the first time in 1950 when Hatton's Grace was successful. Daring Run won it twice in 1981 and 1982, while Istabraq won it 4 consecutive times from 1998 to 2001. The most recent 2009 winner was the Ruby Walsh ridden Brave Inca.
	To show its versatility the course also holds flat racing of the highest calibre. The Irish Champions Stakes, a Grade 1 event, is run in September over 1 mile 2 furlongs. Originally entitled the Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes when run for the first time, where it was won by Malacate. By 1984 it was renamed the Phoenix Champion Stakes and the Robert Sangster owned Sadlers Wells proved triumphant. The latest 2008 winner of the Irish Champion Stakes was the Derby winner New Approach.
If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net