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HRI Press Release 26th April 2021

HRI announces extension to seasonal break for leading National Hunt riders

Following representations from the Irish Jockeys’ Association, HRI has amended race conditions to extend the existing break for leading National Hunt riders to run from Bank Holiday Monday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 30 inclusive. 

The eight National Hunt meetings between those dates will be restricted to conditional riders and riders who have not ridden more than 15 winners in the previous 12 months to June 3, 2021. There is no National Hunt racing from June 19 until June 30 (inclusive) providing a 12-day break for all jockeys. 

Jason Morris, Horse Racing Ireland’s Director of Racing, said: “These changes will apply to the eight National Hunt meetings beginning at Listowel on Monday, June 7 through to the fixture at Down Royal on Friday, June 18. As there is no National Hunt racing from that date until the meeting at Tipperary on Thursday, July 1, this doubles the break for our leading jump jockeys from 12 to 24 days, while at the same time increasing opportunities for other riders for the early part of that period. 

“The National Hunt fixtures immediately after this week’s Punchestown Festival at Down Royal on Monday, May 3 and at Ballinrobe the following day are already restricted to conditional riders and those that rode less than 15 last season. Following on from these changes, the traditional three-meeting break afforded to the leading jump jockeys in early September will be discontinued.

“These altered race conditions were proposed by the Irish Jockeys Association, and both the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners and Irish Racehorse Trainers Association are supportive of these changes.”

Jennifer Pugh, the IHRB’s Senior Medical Officer commented: “I am delighted to see this extended break for the leading National Hunt jockeys in June which will allow them to recharge both physically and mentally. There is no ‘off season’ for jump racing and this extended period will allow for much needed recuperation. Thanks goes to all stakeholders who recognised the need for this change and for their support.” 

Punchestown hosted none other than Captain Lawrence Oates as owner, trainer and jockey at the 1904 and 1905 meetings.

Captain Oates is remembered as a member of Scott of the Antarctic’s polar party which reached the South Pole in January 1912. On the return journey, Oates, who was suffering from a recurring leg injury, felt he was hampering his comrade’s progress. In a supreme act of self sacrifice, he walked from the tent into an Antarctic blizzard….and his certain death. His departing words were “I am just going outside and may be some time”.

In 1904, having ridden his horse ‘Titus’ to third in the Punchestown Grand Military Cup, he declared  “I do not think I have enjoyed two days better for a long time than I did at Punchestown”.

County Kildare is home to the www.shackletonmuseum.com in Athy. 

 

A surprising fact about Co. Kildare is its close connections with Polar Exploration.

The ‘Boat Afloat’ installation across from the main stand is an artistic interpretation of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton’s lifeboat, the “James Caird”.

Shackleton was born in Kilkea (near Athy), Co. Kildare in 1874 and spent much of his childhood there. His Irish identify was recognised by his contemporaries, something he was proud to claim.

In 1907, he was the first to bring ponies to Antarctica to perform the heavy haulage work. On that expedition, he got to within 100 miles of the South Pole, turning back to ensure the safety of the expedition. His explanation to his wife Emily was that he would “prefer to be a live donkey than a dead lion”!

In 1916, on an expedition to cross Antarctica, his ship “Endurance” was crushed and sank. To organise a rescue, he took the 21 foot lifeboat “James Caird” with a crew of six across 800 miles of the South Atlantic to reach a Norwegian whaling station on the island of South Georgia. This was one of the greatest ever feats of seafaring, and half the crew were Irish – Shackleton, Tom Crean and Tim McCarthy.

“James Caird 100” which is on display in Punchestown is 2/3 the size of the original. It was developed to mark the centenary of the famous voyage, and raise awareness of the  Shackleton connection to County Kildare, and Ireland’s contribution to Polar exploration.

 

Further information : www.JamesCaird100.org

True Colours Childrens Competition Kindly Sponsored by Irish Dog Foods

WINNER – Ailbhe Carew (age 7) from Rathmore National

Visit our Facebook Page to see entries and feedback

This Punchestown will be a Festival of a different colour – what are your true colours?

Calling all junior jockeys! One of the coolest things about racing is the amazing colours that the jockeys wear.

This Punchestown Festival we would love for you to create your very own racing colours at home. This competition is strictly for primary school children only. 

How To Enter?

Prize Details?

We can’t wait to see what you come up with. On your marks, get-set, GO!