Savills Announced as new Sponsor of Renowned Leopardstown Race

Savills Ireland and Leopardstown Racecourse have today announced that one of the most important races in the Irish horse racing calendar is to be sponsored by the international property firm Savills.

The feature race, which takes place on 28th December as part of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival will from today be known as The Savills Chase and 28th December as The Savills Day at Leopardstown.

The Savills Chase is a Grade 1 Steeplechase over a 3-mile distance. It was first run in its current form in1992, and has since been won by many great champions including Denman, Beef or Salmon, Synchronised, Tidal Bay and Bobs Worth.

The Savills Day at Leopardstown is the third day of the Christmas Festival which takes place from 26th – 29th December. The festival features seven Grade 1 races with leading horses, jockeys and trainers competing in National Hunt racing at its finest.

Last year, twelve runners lined up with 24 Grade 1 wins between them for the €150,000 Grade 1 Leopardstown Christmas Steeplechase which resulted in a 1-2-3 for owners Gigginstown House Stud as Road to Respect trained by Noel Meade took first prize followed by Balko Des Flos and Outlander. Road to Respect continued his season well being placed in both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Gold Cup.

Pat Keogh, Chief Executive at Leopardstown Racecourse, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Savills to Leopardstown. The Savills Chase is a race with a fine history and it is wonderful to see such a strong international brand supporting it. Thanks to their generous support we will be increasing the prize fund to €175,000 for this year. We look forward to making this a very successful partnership.”

Angus Potterton, Managing Director of Savills Ireland, added:
“We are thrilled to sponsor the main event of the national hunt season. The Leopardstown Christmas Festival has always been a significant occasion during the Christmas season in Ireland and the Grade 1 Savills Chase is the highlight of the week. The race brings together an elite group of horses, jockeys and trainers which mirrors our own business bringing together the very best talent in the property industry.”

Photo 1 Caption (Left to right):
Pat Keogh, Chief Executive, Leopardstown Racecourse
Sean Flanagan, Jockey and winner of the 2017 Leopardstown Christmas Chase
Angus Potterton, Managing Director, Savills Ireland