Dublin Racing Festival Set to Thrill on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

The Dublin Racing Festival, a highlight of the Irish National Hunt season, is scheduled to take place this Saturday and Sunday, January 31st and February 1st, 2026, at Leopardstown Racecourse. Coverage will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and available for streaming on the RTÉ Player, beginning at 1:00 PM each day.

Key Races and Contenders

Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup

thirteen horses have been declared for Saturday’s Paddy Power irish Gold Cup. Willie Mullins is strongly represented, fielding eight contenders, including the highly-regarded Galopin Des Champs. Paul Townend will continue his partnership with the three-time winner. Mark walsh has opted to ride Fact To File, while Keith donoghue will be aboard last year’s Gold cup hero, Inothewayurthinkin. Jack Kennedy is set to ride Mullins’ 2024 Grand national winner, I Am Maximus, with Sean Bowen partnering Firefox for Gordon Elliott after Rebecca Curtis withdrew last year’s Irish grand national winner.

Other notable runners for Mullins include Gaelic Warrior, Spindleberry, Champ Kiely, Grangeclare West, and Lecky Watson. Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury, trained by Noel Meade, and Monty’s Star, from Henry de Bromhead’s yard, complete the field.

Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase Update

Kopek Des bordes, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, will bypass Saturday’s Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase and head directly to the Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Willie Mullins made the decision, citing the horse’s need for more time before a competitive run.Owner Charles McCarthy expressed his trust in Mullins’ judgment, stating the focus is now firmly on the Arkle at Cheltenham in March. Racing Post provides ongoing coverage of these developments.

Kopek Des Bordes has been eased to 4-1 with some bookmakers for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. He is expected to face a strong challenge from Nicky henderson’s Lulamba at Cheltenham.

How to Watch

Horse racing enthusiasts can tune in to RTÉ2 on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1:00 PM, to witness all the action from the Dublin Racing Festival. Alternatively, the event will be live-streamed on the RTÉ Player, allowing viewers to watch on a variety of devices.

Key Takeaways

• The Dublin Racing Festival takes place January 31st and February 1st,2026.
• The Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup is a major highlight, featuring a strong field of contenders.
• Kopek Des Bordes will skip the Irish Arkle in favor of a direct route to the Cheltenham Festival.
• Coverage is available on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player, starting at 1:00 PM each day.