FOR the true racing aficionado, the road to Cheltenham begins across the Irish Sea. The Dublin Racing Festival isn’t just a fixture; it is a pilgrimage. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Paul Townend celebrates on Galopin Des Champs after winning The Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing FestivalCredit: Sportsfile The Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse is one of the highlights of the yearCredit: Sportsfile Set against the stunning backdrop of Leopardstown Racecourse, this early February showpiece has rapidly established itself as the premier jumps meeting of the season, second only to the Festival itself.

RACING fans are in for a bumper year in 2026 – and we can help you make the very most of it. We’ve teamed up with the travel heavyweights at Racing Breaks to smash the price of your 2026 sporting calendar. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Racegoers cheer on their horses at the Cheltenham festivalCredit: The Times Jumping The Chair at the Grand NationalCredit: Sunday Times We know the cost of living is biting hard but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the world’s best live action.