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Wind and rain has made for uncomfortable conditions for race fans this week. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Storms leave Limerick racecourse counting cost as half of Christmas festival wiped out

It’s been a frustrating couple of days for race fans in the south of the country.

THE FINAL DAY of the Limerick Christmas festival has been cancelled after heavy rain left the course unfit for racing.

An inspection by officials on Monday evening deemed the track waterlogged and unsuitable for the seven-card fixture to go ahead.

It’s a further blow for the racecourse after half of its annual flagship festival was wiped out due to the inclement weather conditions.

Racing was abandoned on St Stephen’s Day and although the green light was given for proceedings to continue on Sunday and today, further rain has left the track saturated.

Following the cancellation of Tuesday’s meeting, Horse Racing Ireland has transferred the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle to Punchestown’s New Year’s Eve card on Thursday.

Despite the country being battered by the latest storm, racing has been able to go ahead at Leopardstown after the Foxrock track had an improved drainage system installed during the summer.

Leopardstown officials have recorded an increase in attendance figures throughout its Christmas festival with over 17,000 punters coming through the gates yesterday.

The fourth and final day of Leopardstown begins at 12.10pm and sees the Ryanair Hurdle go to post.

Don day afternoon as Willie Mullins finally wins the Lexus Chase

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