Leopardstown looking forward to boost in attendance from rugby fans

The traditional pre-Cheltenham workouts at Leopardstown's final National Hunt card of the season have declined in significance in recent years and it is English rugby fans rather than post-race gallops that could be the focus at the track on Saturday.

The fixture has been moved forward a day to avoid clashing with Sunday's Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium and officials at Leopardstown anticipate a bump in attendance from rugby fans.

"We've had great interest from English rugby fans coming over for the match and making a weekend of it," said the track's chief executive Pat Keogh.

In the past, many top Cheltenham prospects availed of the opportunity for a racecourse gallop after racing had finished but that practise has dwindled, although some workouts are still expected this Saturday.

Last-minute decisions

“I would be surprised if there aren’t some big names,” said Keogh.

“But these things are usually last-minute decisions and we don’t know yet who will be coming.”

Saturday’s action features the €50,000 Mercury Handicap Chase for which 16 possible starters remain.

Just five have been left in the novice chase but they include the Arkle entry Sizing Granite, which beat World Hurdle fancy Lieutenant Colonel on his debut over fences at Naas in November.

Sizing Granite, a general 33-1 shot for the Arkle at Cheltenham, hasn’t been seen in action since winning again at Naas at the start of January.

Ground conditions at Leopardstown are officially “soft” at present.