SBK, the sportsbook powered by the Smarkets exchange, has upgraded its partnership with Punchestown Racecourse by becoming the Title Sponsor of SBK Festival Finale Day on Saturday 3rd May 2025.
Previously the betting partner for Festival Saturday in 2024, SBK is now the proud Title Sponsor of this exciting day at the 2025 Punchestown Festival. In addition to their title sponsorship, SBK has upgraded their race sponsorship, moving from the Handicap Chase to the GR1 SBK Irish EBF Champion Mares Hurdle. With past champions like Apple’s Jade, Annie Power, and most recently, Lossiemouth etching their names into history, the GR1 SBK Irish EBF Champion Mares Hurdle at the 2025 Punchestown Festival promises another thrilling contest among the finest mares in jumps racing.
“We’re excited to be expanding our involvement with Punchestown for the 2025 Festival, and we’re especially thrilled to be the Title Sponsor of Festival Finale Day,” said Adam Baylis, Director of Marketing at SBK. “Festival Saturday is always one of the busiest and most vibrant days of the Punchestown Festival, and we’re looking forward to playing a key role in what is not only a great sporting occasion but also a fantastic social event for friends, locals, and racing enthusiasts. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of the Festival.”
SBK’s Growing Partnership with Punchestown
Since their first involvement with Punchestown in the 2023/2024 jumps season, SBK has strengthened its partnership with the racecourse. This year, SBK has enhanced its role with the Title Sponsorship of Festival Saturday and their upgraded sponsorship of the GR1 SBK Irish EBF Champion Mares Hurdle, marking a significant milestone in their continued support of Irish racing.
Leona Hughes, Sponsorship at Punchestown, commented, “We are delighted to welcome SBK as the Title Sponsor for Festival Finale Day. Festival Saturday is one of the highest-attended days of the week, offering an electric atmosphere that combines top-class racing with a fantastic social occasion. It’s a day when locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the racing and festivities, and we’re thrilled to have SBK involved in such a prominent way.”
About the 2025 Punchestown Festival
The 2025 Punchestown Festival, taking place from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May, promises to be the highlight of the Irish jumps racing season, attracting over 100,000 attendees across the five days. Festival Saturday on 3rd May is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, packed enclosures, and thrilling racing, making it a must-attend occasion for both racing fans and social groups alike. With a fantastic mix of top-tier racing, entertainment, and the chance to enjoy a great day out with friends, it’s the perfect grand finale to the Punchestown Festival.
Tickets for the 2025 Punchestown Festival are now available, starting at just €30. The first race on Festival Saturday is scheduled to begin at 2.30pm (subject to minor changes). For more information on tickets, hospitality, and event details, visit https://punchestown.com/festival-2025/
ENDS
About SBK
SBK is a sportsbook powered by the Smarkets exchange, offering a cutting-edge platform for sports betting. With a focus on industry leading odds, SBK provides users with a seamless and exciting experience for both major and niche sports markets. For more information, visit www.betsbk.com.
Media Release Tuesday 25th March 2025: Punchestown Racecourse is proud to announce the enhancement of its partnership with QuinnBet for the 2025 Punchestown Festival, where they are the Official Betting Partner on Boodles Champion Hurdle Day, Friday 2nd May 2025.
Having successfully sponsored the QuinnBet Grand National Trial for the past three years, QuinnBet is excited to build on this existing relationship by expanding its involvement at one of Ireland’s most prestigious racing events. As part of this enhanced partnership, QuinnBet will also sponsor the QuinnBet Novice Handicap Chase, one of the key races of Festival Friday.
This two and a half mile chase has been a happy hunting ground for the dual Champion trainer Willie Mullins with quality winners such as Kemboy who landed the race in 2018 before returning for that famous Punchestown Gold Cup victory the following year that saw history making jockey Ruby Walsh wave goodbye to the crowd and his race riding career as he crossed the line.
Niall McPartland, Head of Sponsorship & Commercial at QuinnBet, said: “We’ve enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Punchestown over the past few years, and we’re thrilled to continue building on this at the 2025 Punchestown Festival. As Official Betting Partner for Festival Friday, we’re excited to be involved in such a key part of the event, especially with our sponsorship of the QuinnBet Novice Handicap Chase. Our partnership with Punchestown has allowed us to connect with passionate racing fans, and we look forward to another thrilling day of racing.”
A Partnership That Grows Stronger Every Year
Since first partnering with Punchestown, QuinnBet has been dedicated to supporting Irish racing, bringing its expertise and passion for the sport to one of the premier festivals in the racing calendar. The partnership continues to flourish as both parties work closely to enhance the experience for fans, competitors, and the broader racing community.
“QuinnBet has been a valued partner of Punchestown for a number of years, and we’re excited to have them on board as Official Betting Partner for Festival Friday in 2025,” said Leona Hughes, Sponsorship at Punchestown. “Their commitment to our races and their ongoing support of Punchestown is invaluable, and we’re excited to continue growing our partnership. Festival Friday is set to be an exciting day of racing, and we’re delighted that QuinnBet will be part of that in such a significant way.”
About the 2025 Punchestown Festival
The 2025 Punchestown Festival, running from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May, promises to be an unforgettable celebration of world-class racing. Festival Friday, 2nd May 2025, is sure to be a highlight, with top-tier races and a fantastic atmosphere that attracts both Irish and international racing fans.
Tickets for the 2025 Punchestown Festival are now available, starting at just €30. The first race on Festival Friday is scheduled to begin at 3.40pm (subject to minor changes). For more information on tickets, hospitality, and event details, visit https://punchestown.com/festival-2025/
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About QuinnBet
Founded in 2017, QuinnBet has quickly become a leading name in the iGaming industry, providing a licensed online sports betting and casino platform for customers across the UK and Ireland. For more information, visit www.quinnbet.com.
For further details, please contact:
Manuela Bologheanu
Head of Brand and PR, QuinnBet
Email: manuela.bologheanu@quinnbet.com
Saturday 8th February 2025: As we prepare for the 2025 QuinnBet Grand National Trial, Punchestown Racecourse and QuinnBet are excited to reflect on the significant advancements made in the previous year. In 2024, the race underwent a major transformation, with a substantial increase in its prize fund to €100,000 and the coveted promotion to Listed status—a move that has solidified the race’s position as a premier event in the Irish Jumps Racing calendar.
The 2025 edition of the QuinnBet Grand National Trial, set to take place at Punchestown on Sunday 16th February, will continue to benefit from these enhancements. The race remains the marquee event of a high-caliber seven-race card, and the increased prize money and upgraded status have only added to its importance as a key preparation race for both the Irish and UK Grand Nationals.
In 2024, under the third year of its sponsorship agreement, the QuinnBet Grand National Trial has drawn a competitive field, highlighting the significance of the event. Two former winners are among this year’s exciting entries, with the 2024 victor Where It All Began and 2023 winner Coko Beach leading the charge in a competitive field of 32. Their inclusion adds a thrilling element of familiarity and anticipation to this year’s contest, reminding us of the race’s history and its ability to attract top-class talent.
For those seeking an exciting each-way opportunity on Easter Monday, look no further than this time-honoured trial. Known for its ability to unearth future stars, the QuinnBet-sponsored Trial has long been regarded as the perfect starting point for those eyeing bigger targets down the line. In 2024, it proved to be a crucial piece of the puzzle, with three of the top six finishers emerging from this prestigious event, reinforcing its status as an invaluable indicator of form and potential.
Reflecting on last year’s success, Niall McPartland, QuinnBet’s Head of Sponsorship & Commercial, commented, “We were delighted to see the QuinnBet Grand National Trial elevated to Listed status and the increased prize fund bringing in such a strong field in 2024. As we enter the third year of our partnership, we are proud to continue supporting Punchestown, the heart of Irish jumps racing. We look forward to another thrilling renewal and extend our thanks to Horse Racing Ireland and Leona Hughes for their invaluable support.”
Leona Hughes, Sponsorship at Punchestown, also shared her excitement: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside QuinnBet as we’ve watched this race flourish. The €100,000 prize fund and Listed status have truly elevated the event, and we are eager to build on last year’s success. We look forward to welcoming a lovely crowd for what promises to be an unforgettable day of racing.”
Tickets for the 2025 event are now available, starting at just €15. The first race is set to begin at 2.10pm (subject to minor changes). For more information on tickets, hospitality, and event details, visit www.punchestown.com.
ENDS
About QuinnBet
Founded in 2017, QuinnBet has swiftly established itself as a major player in the iGaming sector, providing a licensed online sports betting and casino platform for customers across the UK and Ireland. For more information, visit www.quinnbet.com.
For further details, please contact:
Manuela Bologheanu
Head of Brand and PR, QuinnBet
Email: Manuela.bologheanu@quinnbet.com
Punchestown is host to twenty fixtures across 2023 to include;
The Punchestown Festival – Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 April 2023
Welcome Back Jumps – Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 October 2023
The Punchestown Winter Festival – Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 November 2023
View the full 2023 Fixture List HERE.
Click here to view 2022 Festival Enclosure Map
Tuesday 22nd March 2022 – Barberstown Castle was today unveiled as a major player on the Irish hotel and sporting hospitality scene with the announcement of a dual racecourse sponsorship that will see the county Kildare venue feature at both Punchestown, the home of Irish jump racing and The Curragh, home of Irish Flat racing.
The newly sponsored €125,000 Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice two mile chase is one of the features on Punchestown Festival Thursday. The race is arguably one of the most prestigious of its category on the calendar with an all-star line-up of previous winners including Douvan, Moscow Flyer, Un De Sceaux, War Of Attrition, Chacun Pour Soi and Big Zeb. British trainers have fared well in this contest with Tom George’s Gods Own and the Philip Hobbs trained Captain Chris both landing the spoils. This feature sponsorship is part of a multi-year accommodation partner arrangement at the famous jump season grand finale.
Meanwhile, across the county at flat racing headquarters, Barberstown Castle will become an official hotel partner of the racecourse in an overall package that includes the sponsorship of the five race ‘Barberstown Castle Series’. The first leg of this initiative kicks off on the opening day of the flat season, this Saturday 26th March and takes in races at some of the major classic weekends before the finale on 23rd October.
Amanda Torrens, the new owner of Barberstown Castle who also has enjoyed success as a racehorse owner commented on the announcement: “Our vision is clear, we wish to establish Barberstown Castle as the first choice for the racing community, horse tourism and bloodstock industry. We embrace the wonderful opportunity to partner with both the home of Irish jump and flat racing. Barberstown Castle is open for business and we look forward to welcoming the racing family here. It is wonderful to be in a position to combine two of my passions, racing and Barberstown in this exciting venture”.
Highly regarded in the hotel industry, Barberstown Castle’s Managing Director Ted Robinson welcomed the news: “ These are exciting times at Barberstown Castle because with racing power houses like The Curragh and Punchestown preparing to launch their seasons we here at the hotel are preparing to relaunch and rebuild this wonderful historic venue. We have 60 bedrooms, are located 30 minutes from Dublin airport, 20 minutes from both racecourses. We are situated at the gateway to the thoroughbred county and Hidden Heartlands and we are excited for what this venture will bring.
Punchestown’s Conor O’Neill commented: “This partnership is the ideal collaboration in the sense that both the Barberstown Castle and Punchestown teams share the ethos that the racing experience does not begin and end at the racecourse. Indeed, it is the hospitality, value, quality of food and accommodation and the money can’t buy aspect of genuine friendliness that sets the experience apart and makes visitors return again and again. This is why the whole package needs to work. There is no more powerful marketing tool than the word of mouth and we look forward to working with Amanda, Ted and the Barberstown team to achieve this joint ambition. O’Neill added “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing sponsor Ryanair who have transported so many of our overseas clients to the festival and will continue to do so before their onward journey to our hotel partners like Barberstown Castle!”
Evan Arkwright, Curragh Racing and Sponsorship Manager said,“We are delighted that Amanda Torrens and her team at Barberstown Castle have joined our portfolio of sponsors and look forward to developing a long and successful partnership with particular emphasis to work with them on a variety of initiatives to raise the profile of the hotel and to ensure the Castle is one of the premier destinations for our many overseas visitors. The race series will be an exciting addition to our season and it is very positive that stable staff will be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication
The Barberstown Castle Series will kick off this Saturday, 26th March, followed by races taking place during the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, Juddmonte Irish Oaks Weekend and Goffs Million Race Day, while the finale of the series will feature on Sunday 23rd October.
The winning owner, trainer and jockey of all five races will win a voucher to include an overnight stay in the hotel, while the trainers of the first four horses in each race will accumulate points with the highest point scorer winning a cash prize to be donated to the charity of their choice.
The Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Champion Chase will take place on Thursday 28th April on day three of the 2022 Punchestown Festival.
For further information please visit www.punchestown.com and www.curragh.ie
Trainer Peter Fahey has big plans for The Big Dog as the nine-year-old returns to Punchestown on Sunday looking for back-to-back successes in the Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial. A field of 13 runners go to post for Sunday’s €90,000 feature on what is a fascinating day of racing at the Kildare venue.
The Big Dog had a luckless trip to the Welsh National at Chepstow when he had to be pulled up after a blunder at the ninth fence saw Johnny Burke lose his irons and forced him to pull up but Fahey believes that The Big Dog has improved since his Punchestown success 12-months ago and is still eyeing a potential tilt at the most famous race of all, the English Grand National at Aintree.
“That was his first run in a handicap when he won this race last year and he’s come on since then,” Fahey said on Friday morning. “We haven’t had the rub of the green with him since; we were sitting for Chepstow but everything seems to be going right with him and he seems in good form. “I suppose the biggest plus from Chepstow was that it happened so early in the race and he came home a very fresh horse. He didn’t have a hard race.”
Elite amateur rider Jamie Codd renews his association with The Big Dog this weekend and gave Fahey the right vibes in midweek. “It was unfortunate what happened over in Chepstow but he’s come out of the race fine and he’s working away well. Jamie Codd sat up on him on Tuesday morning and was delighted with him. We’re looking forward to running him,” Fahey continued. “We always knew when we stepped him up into handicap company, where he’s better in a bigger field, it would be better for him. He was running around in beginner’s chases with small fields and running big races in them (including finishing a close third to subsequent Thyestes Chase and Troytown Chase winners Longhouse Poet and Run Wild Fred also at Punchestown) but we always knew he’s a better horse in a big field. “If he runs a big race, we’d be definitely considering going to Aintree. Hopefully we’ll get the rub of the green this time and put in the type of performance we think he’s capable of.”
The Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial is headed on ratings by the Gordon Elliott-trained Coko Beach who is one of four runners for the trainer. Floueur, Death Duty and Torygraph complete his team for the race, while Gavin Cromwell has two interesting contenders in Alfa Mix and Jimmil. Stones And Roses represents champion trainer Willie Mullins and Charles Byrnes has booked Liam Quinlan to take a 5lbs allowance off Doctor Duffy.
Elsewhere on Sunday’s card, Cheltenham Festival clues could be on offer in the Hollywoodbets Rated Novice Chase as the Willie Mullins-trained Ciel De Neige chases a hat-trick against the likes of Dancing On My Own, You Raised Me Up and Poseidon.
The INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle looks an intriguing contest with the highly touted Largy Debut bidding to bounce back from a disappointing outing at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’ll meet the Willie Mullins-trained Deploy The Getaway and the highly impressive course and distance winner Supreme Jet.
Racing on Sunday begins with the Hollywoodbets PP Hogan Cross Country Chase over Punchestown’s famous banks course and some old favourites like Call It Magic, Alpha Des Obeaux and Ballyboker Bridge will line up here.
Hollywoodbets is thrilled to enjoy the golden opportunity of reinvesting in the Irish racing community on the occasion of the purple brand’s 2nd birthday.
We are celebrating the milestone by promoting the Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial at Punchestown on Sunday 13 February. Hollywoodbets is offering a promotion aligned to the Hollywoodbets Grand National trial. Place a win bet with a minimum stake of £/€10 on the Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial at Punchestown and stand a chance to win a share of £/€10,000 if your selection wins and then goes on to win either the English or Irish Grand National.
Hollywoodbets’ Andrew Halligan said that this incentive is a massive boost for Irish Racing punters and creates a great hype over the period from 13th February to 18thApril.
“We are excited to get behind the Irish racing punters! Please look out for the Hollywoodbets activation team, who will be on course at Punchestown on Sunday” Halligan said.
Log onto www.hollywoodbets.ie for all your betting opportunities.
First Race: 1.40pm & seven races on the card.
Gates: 12pm
Admission: €15 & €10 OAP’s/Student’s
Don’t Forget: Last Chance to SAVE 15% on Festival 2022 tickets, offer ends midnight Sunday 13 Feb. Book Here
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?
- First up ask an adults permission to take part and help you get set up.
- Take an old school shirt, Dad or Mom shirt or t-shirt (always ask permission first).
- Create a design with paint, crayons, markers, fabrics, ribbons, glitter and/or whatever else looks cool.
- Allow to dry and take a picture of your True colours. You can model them, hang them or lay them flat for the picture.
- Please be aware that entries may be published on social media.
- Email a picture of your True Colours entry to info@punchestown.com. With the name, age, school, area of residence and contact number for parent or guardian.
- Competition closes Sunday 25th April and the jockeys competing at the 2021 Punchestown Festival will decide the winner on Saturday 1st May 2021.
Prize Details?
- €250 Smyths Toy voucher.
- Art and Hobby Hamper.
- Framed Winners Colours.
- A Pet Hamper for your Furry Friend.
We can’t wait to see what you come up with. On your marks, get-set, GO!
Osprey Hotel Continue Punchestown Festival Partnership and Entertainment Programme
With just eight weeks to go to the 2020 Punchestown Festival the racecourse team are excited to continue our association with official accommodation partner Osprey Hotel. Launched at the 2019 festival, the centre piece of the partnership, Osprey Avenue, is back for the 2020 event taking place from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May. Osprey Avenue is a boutique shopping venue with a wonderful selection of fashion, art, millinery and accessories on offer across all five days of the event.
Further to the success of the partnership last year Osprey Hotel are pulling out all the stops and providing a fantastic week of hospitality and entertainment both in advance of and after racing each day at the four star venue located in Devoy Quarter, Naas. Back for 2020 is the very appetising Bottomless Bubbles Brunch hosted in the stylish Herald & Devoy restaurant. This package is priced at €32 per person and can be pre-booked with the hotel or via eventbrite. There will be two sittings at 11.30am and 1.30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday with a complimentary shuttle bus service to solve any transport queries.
On Tuesday through to Friday from 12.30pm they will have well known tipsters on hand to provide their expert opinions on all the weeks racing, Tuesday and Wednesday will see Katie Walsh and top jockey Robert ‘Puppy’ Power along with Boylesports Leon Blanche will be in Osprey Bar on Thursday and Friday.
Perhaps the highlight of Osprey Hotel’s action packed entertainment programme will take place on Friday 1st May when the Ultimate Festival Finale Party will entertain a full house of festival goers. Guest D.J’s and the ever popular Manilla Strings will entertain in the lobby while the ticket only Punchestown Party featuring the massively well known Springbreak, fresh from supporting Cher in Belfast will take place in the brand new Osprey ballroom.
The ballroom has recently underwent a massive refurbishment with an investment of €800k which will only add to the atmosphere.
Looking forward to an exciting festival week Osprey Sales and Marketing Manager Catherine Bunn said “We are so thrilled to be back with Osprey Avenue and a preferred sponsor with Punchestown again for 2020, it really was a no brainer on our part following the success of last year. Our on-course presence with Osprey Avenue together with pre and post racing entertainment means Osprey will be your one stop Festival venue. The fact we have just finished a refurbishment of our ballroom with an investment of €800K will really add to the finale night, if that’s even possible. Adding a well-known band such as Springbreak who have a fantastic following already to the mix is an added bonus. I hope everyone is ready for a fun packed few days of racing, music, delicious food and fun party atmosphere!”
Janet Creighton, Punchestown Commercial Manager welcomed Osprey Hotel “We look forward to welcoming around 130,000 visitors to Punchestown in just eight weeks time and whilst we can do our best to ensure they have a great day at the track it is our hotel partners that play an intrinsic role by providing top class hospitality before and after racing. Osprey Hotel is a wonderful venue located just minutes from Punchestown and their festival entertainment programme is packed to the brim. Having toured the Osprey Spa it is somewhere I will definitely be visiting for a treat after a hectic festival week!”
For full details of the Osprey Hotel Festival schedule please visit https://www.ospreyhotel.ie/events/punchestown-festival or call +353 (0)45 881111. The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May
The family run flagship Vista Primary Care medical facility joins sponsorship ranks at home of Irish jump racing
Monday 2nd March 2020 – With just eight weeks to go to the 2020 Punchestown Festival the home of Irish jump racing today welcomed Vista Primary Care to the sponsorship ranks at Ireland’s premier national hunt fixture. The €50,000 Vista Primary Care Steeplechase is the second race on the final day of the event, Saturday 2nd May.
The €25 million Vista Primary Care facility is the largest of its kind in Ireland and is owned and operated by the Roche Family. Considered a centre of excellence with a large range of consultants and anchor tenants including K-Doc, the HSE, Tusla and Affidea offering x-ray, MRI and radiology services. Vista is a one stop shop for all primary health care services for both private and public patients. The on-site Vista Pharmacy is unique in the sense that it is Ireland’s only pharmacy that offers a late night service until midnight 365 days of the year. Located just three kilometres from the racecourse the world class medical facility benefits from the hands-on management approach of the Roche Family. Ger Roche together with his wife Annette are at the helm whilst son Eoin is the facilities manager, daughter Eadaoin is key to the financial department, Claire is the onsite pharmacist whilst P.J. and Stephan are members of the catering team.
Celebrating 12 years in business this year Ger Roche, MD of The Roche Group reflected on the links between Vista and Punchestown “Both Vista and Punchestown share the common ground of community in Kildare. We welcome all ages and demographics with a wide and varied medical service available. Punchestown hosts the flagship sporting and social event in the region. We are businesses that are made by people for people. Well in excess of 200,000 visitors avail of Vista Primary Healthcare services each year. The sponsorship gives us the opportunity to create further awareness of what we are all about at Vista and we very much look forward to being part of the festival this year”.
Janet Creighton, Punchestown Commercial Partnerships Manager welcomed Vista primary Care to the sponsorship ranks “In around eight weeks time Punchestown will welcome over 125,000 people through the gates for a celebration of all that is great about Irish sport, entertainment and hospitality. Both the commercial and domestic community in Kildare are invaluable to the success of the festival and make up a bulk of clients and supporters. These same communities and people are catered for by a top class medical service whenever they should require it in Vista Primary Care. Better again it is a family run business. Vista is a flagship medical facility that we are proud to team up with for Punchestown 2020”.
The 2020 Punchestown festival takes place from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May. Tickets and event information available at www.punchestown.com