U2 Hellas: And they're off! Bono and his family enjoy a day at the races

He nearly didn’t make it home for Christmas after his plane was diverted returning home from Australia, so Bono is making the most of time with his family.

The U2 front man took his family for a flutter at Leopardstown race course and enjoyed a beautiful day at the race meeting.

Bono, 50, was joined by wife Ali Hewson and his brood who cheered on from a private box at the Dublin course.

The Irish rocker enjoyed time with his two sons Elijah Bob Patricius Guggi Q,11, and John Abraham,9, and his two daughters Mempis Eve,19, and Jordan,21.

After a hectic work schedule returning home from a 5-week tour in Australia a few days ago, Bono enjoyed a well-earned break with his family at the meet.

With some of the group tucking in to wine and beers on offer the gang got into the festive spirit looking lively and spirited as they watched the races.

The rocker only just made it home for Christmas as the big freeze played havoc with his band’s travel plans.

Last week just days before Christmas, their plane was unable to land in Dublin and was diverted to Shannon, County Clare, over 130 miles away.

The rockers only agreed to the diversion on the provision that they could be guaranteed rooms at the luxurious Dromoland Castle.

The request was duly fulfilled and the stars were treated to a restful stay before finally heading home for Christmas.

The day of joviality may help to put Bono’s concerns to the back of his mind, mainly the troubled Spider-Man musical, which he and band member the Edge have written music for.

The show, which is the most expensive production in Broadway history, has not only been panned by critics but has also suffered delays and its lead actress Natalie Mendoza quit this week.

The 30-year-old pulled out after being injured while performing in Spider-Man: Turn Of The Dark.

She was hit by a rope at the show’s first preview in November and is the fourth cast-member to be injured taking part in the musical.

The show is due to officially open on February 7 and is being shown at Foxwood Theatre in New York.