Worlds top racehorses come to ireland this weekend

Some of the best racehorses in the world are to feature in the Irish Champions Weekend, which takes place in Leopardstown and The Curragh Racecourse this Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14.  

20,000 visitors are expected over the weekend, with many thousands due to visit from the UK and overseas. A total of over €3.7 million in prizes has attracted top horses such as Estimate, owned by Queen Elizabeth II, and Brown Panther, owned by legendary soccer star Michael Owen.

Coordinated and planned by Horse Racing Ireland, the event also welcomes charity partner Childhood Cancer Foundation, which aims to promote awareness of childhood cancer and to improve services for children and their families.

There will be plenty of off-track entertainment over the weekend, including a horse auction, live music, refreshments, tote betting, and a 'parade of champions'.

The style stakes will be high, with €25,000 worth of prizes on offer in the 'best-dressed' competitions. One lucky fashion finalist will also be able to drive away in a brand new Jaguar XF, which will be theirs to drive for one year. Los-Angeles based Irish actress, Victoria Smurfit, will jet in as the official ambassador for the weekend.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://irishchampionsweekend.ie/ICW/Tickets/. Follow Irish Champions Weekend on Twitter @IrishChampsWknd and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/irishchampionsweekend.
   
For a chance to win tickets to this exciting event, check out the competition on the Westmeath Independent Facebook page.