Horse Racing Tips
Dublin Racing Festival Day 1 Tips & Predictions (2026)
Day One of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown features four Grade 1’s with the Irish Gold Cup, the feature among the many competitive contests.
Throughout its history, the Irish Gold Cup has served as a leading trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Four horses have won both events in the same year – Jodami (1993), Imperial Call (1996), Sizing John (2017) and Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024 & 2025).
1.15pm – 2m6f Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (5yo+)
The Gordon Elliott-trained KAZANSKY won the Grade 2 Defender Novice Hurdle over 2m7f at Limerick on Boxing Day nicely, and he looks well equipped to handle the going on Saturday.
For me, the booking of Jack Kennedy is a significant one, and I’m an each-way player in the sports betting all day long.
1.50pm – 2m Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo)
MANGE TOUT (NAP) made it three wins from three last time out when accounting for Narciso Has at Fairyhouse, and I see no reason why the filly can’t do so again here.
At odds of around 3/1 in our horse racing betting, I’m happy to take on the 8/11 favourite with a Gordon Elliott runner on the up.
2.25pm – 3m Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (4yo+ 0-150)
This is the most wide open race on the card and my speculative each-way pick is the Thomas Cooper-trained D ART D ART. The 131-rated hurdler hasn’t been seen on a racecourse since last May, but I’m not put off by that at all.
I was particularly impressed by his effort in last year’s Pertemps Final at the Festival, and that level of form should stand up here.
2.55pm – 2m1f Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+)
The awe-inspiring victory by Gordon Elliott’s youngster in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse, followed by a battling win in the Racing Post Novice Chase on Boxing Day, should see ROMEO COOLIO lands the spoils once more this weekend.
His two rivals will need to improve significantly to even get close to him.
3.30pm – 3m½f Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+)
I AM MAXIMUS showed us that that there was still life in the old boy yet when running a stormer to finish second to Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase here over Christmas.
The 2024 Grand National winner and 2025 runner-up, had looked laboured on his seasonal return in the John Durkan, but was back to his old self a month ago.
Still a top quality chaser, I feel that JP’s charge can run a big each-way race in this contest.
4.05pm – 2m1f Barberstown Castle Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (5yo+ 0-150)
AN PEANN DEARG has yet to show us anything so far this season, but he was in form around this time last season, so perhaps he takes a little while to warm up each term.
Twice a winner over course and distance here last season, Paul Nolan’s yard has been flying of late, so the each-way vibes look good on this occasion.
4.40pm – 2m I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) (4-6yo)
CHARISMATIC KID was quickly snapped up by Gigginstown Stud after landing his maiden bumper by a comfortable 6½ lengths at Navan, and connections clearly see a big future with him.
Harry Swan brings these Elliott horses home for fun in bumpers, so all the omens are looking well.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
