Leopardstown Racecourse, Horse racing venue in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Ireland
Leopardstown Racecourse is a horse racing venue in the suburbs of Foxrock, about 5 kilometers south of Dublin city center. It hosts two types of races year-round: flat racing and national hunt racing with jumps, with approximately 22 race meetings annually.
The racecourse was founded in 1888 by Captain George Quin, who modeled it on England's Sandown Park. In 1967, the Horse Racing Board of Ireland took over management, establishing it as one of the country's most important racing venues.
The name comes from an Irish family that once lived in the area. Today, the place serves as a gathering for racing fans and spectators who share excitement and passion for the sport together during race days.
The racecourse is easy to reach with free parking on-site or public transport such as buses and the Luas Green Line tram. On race days, free shuttle buses run from Sandyford Luas station directly to the venue.
During World War II, British pilot Hugh Verity landed his aircraft on the racecourse after flying secret missions over France. This unusual episode shows how the venue served purposes far beyond horse racing during a critical moment in history.
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