PICTURES: Shane Lowry among the brave racegoers to make it to Leopardstown

Ah, tradition!

For thousands of race fans that means braving the elements on St Stephen's Day for the first day of the Leopardstown Christmas festival. With the properly manky weather in Dublin today the going seems to be heavy for the spectators as well as the horses. The big race today is The Racing Post Novice Steeplechase at 3.20pm, with Willie Mullins' unbeaten Douvan facing off against three rivals in a two-mile chase worth €90,000. Mullins has already had two winners today, with A Toi Phil and Apple's Jade winning the 12.45pm and 1.20pm respectively. Mullins's son Patrick guided A Toi Phil home (above) but with heavy rain and fog affecting the Foxrock course it is a day when jockey's will earn their corn. Just see how happy Davy Russell looks! That said, even Patrick Mullins is struggling to look too triumphant after his win in the Maiden Hurdle. Still, Leopardstown is as much a social occasion as anything else, not that everyone appeared to be overly enjoying the socialising. Some dressed more appropriately than others for the conditions.