All roads lead to Leopardstown as punters reignite post-Christmas horse racing tradition

15,000 people attended the opening day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. It was the first in-person event since 2019. The south-side track has been given a €20m make-over. The festival runs all week. There was a lot of activity at the track. People want to buy in to live experiences again. They want live sport. Rachel Carry came with her friend Ciara Smith. She might bet on Sil Ver Klass. Her uncle has a horse running today. He's running in the second last. Weather conditions were good. Business brisk. Underage drinking was restricted. Children had to produce ID before getting a wristband to purchase alcohol at track, which allowed them to drink alcohol.