The ground at Leopardstown remains Good to Yielding (on the hurdle/bumper course) and Good (on chase track). The weather is forecast to staying mostly dry and mild for the remainder of the week.

Racing gets under way at 12.10pm. The clash between Apple's Jade and Faugheen in the Grade One Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle is at 1.50pm. Road To Respect defends his crown in the Grade One Savills Steeplechase at 3pm.

Joseph O'Brien 's Ash Hill is an early market mover in the bumper at 3.35pm. The four-year-old gelding is 7/4 from 11/4.

Elsewhere, the going in Limerick remains Soft (on hurdle track) and Yielding to Soft (on chase course) following a dry night. Dry weather is forecast.

The first of eight races is off at 12pm. The featured Grade Three Irish independent Hurdle is at 1.40pm.

There has been money this morning for Martin Brassil's Gigiplan Two Seven (4/1 to 2/1) in the opener. Celtic Rising who is coming off a long break, has been backed in the novice chase at 12.30pm. He represents Henry de Bromhead and Dylan Robinson who have been among the winners over Christmas.