'Whenever I see a bit of white railing, I get a buzz': The man who makes it all happen at Leopardstown

In the first episode of our Humans of Horse Racing series, we meet the course’s operations manager David Attwood.

The42.ie / YouTube

HORSE RACING IS one of Ireland’s best-loved sports, and we produce some of the finest horses in the world. 

But who are the countless people who dedicate their lives to the industry? 

The42 have teamed up with Betway to bring a brand new series — Humans of Horse Racing — in which we tell the stories of those working behind the scenes to ensure that racing continues to thrive in this country. 

A general view of the stand at Leopardstown Racecourse A packed stand at Leopardstown. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Ahead of the 2019 Dublin Racing Festival, which takes place at Leopardstown this weekend, we shadowed the course’s operations manager David Attwood to find out what his role involves and why he is so passionate about his “dream job”. 

You’re very much part of a great community and they look after one another, so it’s very special to be involved in,” the Somerset native says. 

“I like to see when the stands are packed and you hear the roar go up when the horses are going around. For me, that’s the ultimate thrill of it.”

Betway are proud sponsors of The42′s horse racing coverage. For more, visit Betway’s Insider blog

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    Mute Shane Doolan
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    Dec 26th 2014, 8:46 PM

    This article more than makes up for no coverage of the actual match. Thanks lads!

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    Mute Corin Bridson
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    Dec 27th 2014, 10:24 AM

    The match was live on BBC

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    Mute Peter O'Halloran
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    Dec 26th 2014, 8:39 PM

    Hmmm Ulster can expect 50% Reduction in funding next year…..

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    Mute Denis Leonard
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    Dec 26th 2014, 9:16 PM

    ooooopppppsssss

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    Mute David W Sally
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    Dec 26th 2014, 10:10 PM

    Genius

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    Mute Dead Ball Browne
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    Dec 27th 2014, 12:49 AM

    The playing of Stand up for Ulster during the match live tells it all….

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    Mute Trevor Johnston
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    Dec 27th 2014, 9:34 AM

    Explain your comment Dead Ball, if you can.

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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Dec 27th 2014, 9:39 AM

    I’m assuming he’s implying that there was no atmosphere there so they had to create an artificial one?

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