Sebden Steel Celebrates 30 Years in Business at the Punchestown Festival 2026

 

Media Release, 4th March March 2026: Punchestown Racecourse is proud to host the Sebden Steel Celebrating 30 Years In Business Pro/Am Flat Race, on the concluding day of the 2026 Punchestown Festival and jump racing season, Saturday 2nd May.The sponsorship marks a significant milestone for Sebden Steel as the company celebrates three decades in business and continues their valued and longstanding relationship with Ireland’s racecourse of the year.

Sebden Steel has been a loyal supporter of Punchestown for many years, initially as hospitality clients, however, as the relationship grew so did their involvement and in 2022 Sebden Steel stepped up to become race sponsors at the Punchestown Premiere Weekend in November. Since then, Punchestown has remained Sebden Steel’s flagship hospitality event, providing an important platform to engage with clients, colleagues, and industry partners.

The exciting 2026 Festival sponsorship holds particular significance as it celebrates Sebden Steel’s 30-year journey from an independent start-up in the 1990s to what is now now the largest privately owned mill-independent steel processors and stockholders of strip mill and reversing mill plate products in the UK & Ireland.  Sebden have a combined processing capacity in excess of 50,000 tonnes per month and sell over 300,000 tonnes of steel a year from seven strategically placed locations throughout Ireland and the UK.

Sebden Steel Managing Director Mark McCausland looked forward to the occasion: ” A thirty year anniversary in any walk of life is an occasion to be marked and celebrated as it is a culmination of hard work by many people. As Sebden Steel has grown over the years so too has our requirement to really look after our loyal customers and hard-working team. Punchestown has grown with us and we, but more importantly our guests, have had some memorable days there. When talk of an anniversary event came up, the natural choice was to enhance our Punchestown experience and the opportunity arose to sponsor on the day which will add a whole new dimension for our guests. We look forward to returning to Punchestown”.

Punchestown’s Leona Hughes welcomed the continued partnership and milestone sponsorship, noting Sebden Steel’s progression from hospitality clients to race sponsors as a reflection of the strong relationships and shared values built over many years: “Since day one it has been a pleasure to welcome the Mark and Loretta McCausland as clients at Punchestown. Sebden Steel is a serious operation and market leader so it is imperative that our team deliver both a hospitality and sponsorship experience that aligns with expectations. We are honoured to host the Sebden Steel 30-Years in Business Celebration Day.”

The Sebden Steel Celebrating 30-Years In Business Pro/Am Flat Race on Saturday 2nd May promises to be a fitting tribute to the company’s achievements and commitment to excellence, while further enhancing the Saturday programme at the 2026 Punchestown Festival — a highlight of the Irish sporting and social calendar.

ENDS

‼️Racing Update‼️

➡️ Unfortunately Leopardstown racecourse is currently unfit for racing (Saturday 31 Jan 7.30 am)

The Saturday card will now take place on Monday 2 Feb.

➡️This means Punchestown will move to Wednesday 4 Feb. Decs on Monday.

➡️The Up The Yard race will move to Sunday 15 February.

➡️Follow @IHRBRaceday for official race day updates.

To celebrate its 175^th anniversary this year, Punchestown racecourse has unveiled a limited edition print collection of historic John Sturgess paintings depicting the famous 1872 Conyngham Cup race. A limited number of sets will be sold with proceeds going to Kildare charities, and Punchestown neighbours, Barretstown and Tiglin.

A complete set contains four prints; The Start, The Double, The Stone Wall and The Finish. Only 175 unframed sets of historic Sturgess prints are available for purchase.

The prints are available in two sizes and are delivered unframed:

Original Size: 10.5in (267mm) x 20in (508)

€1,000 plus €12 P&P 

Large Size: 15.5in (394mm) x 29.5in (749mm)

€1,200 plus €12 P&P

 

Punchestown Launch the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series for 2025–2026

€50,000 Bonus for Winning Connections Plus €50,000 in Free Bets for Matchbook users

 

Punchestown Racecourse, in partnership with Matchbook Betting Exchange, is proud to announce the launch of the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series for the 2025-2026 Jump Season.

This initiative offers a €50,000 bonus to the first horse that wins a designated qualifier and subsequently captures a Grade 1 at the 2026 Punchestown Festival. In addition, Matchbook will reward existing Matchbook users with €50,000 worth of free bets.

Matchbook offers users a premier horse racing betting experience and is industry renowned for best odds across Irish Racing. The Betting Exchange will sponsor 28 races at Punchestown this season including three graded contests. This marks one of the largest annual sponsorship commitments at the ‘Home of Irish Jumps’. The partnership also includes Day 2 of the Punchestown Premiere Weekend this Sunday, 23rd November, where Matchbook sponsor the GR2 Matchbook Betting Exchange Craddockstown Novice Chase. Based in Cork, the partnership is evidence of Matchbook’s commitment to supporting Irish Horse Racing.

Early Qualifiers Already Deliver Promising Contenders

The Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series is built around twelve targeted maiden hurdle and bumper qualifiers, each designed to showcase emerging talent on the road to later Spring Festivals including the 2026 Punchestown Festival.

The opening two qualifiers staged last week at Punchestown produced highly impressive winners in Koktail Brut and Sopelana, both of whom now become the first horses eligible for the €50,000 bonus.

Ronan McDonagh of Matchbook Betting Exchange, said:

“We’re extremely proud to launch the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series and deepen our involvement in Irish jump racing. The €50,000 bonus provides a meaningful, season-long target for connections, while the €50,000 in free bets allows us to reward our loyal Matchbook users. Punchestown is a world-class racing venue and supporting 28 races here including three graded events is a natural fit for us. We are particularly excited to sponsor the GR2 Craddockstown Novice Chase this Sunday as part of our Punchestown Premiere Weekend involvement.”

Leona Hughes at Punchestown Racecourse, said:

“The Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series is exactly the type of creative, high-impact initiative that elevates our season. It not only incentivises connections but engages the wider racing audience as well. Early winners Koktail Brut and Sopelana have set the bar high, and we look forward to the exciting season ahead. We sincerely thank Matchbook for their substantial and exciting support, including their sponsorship of the GR2 Craddockstown Novice Chase this Sunday.”

MATCHBOOK 50/50 GRADUATION BONUS SERIES – QUALIFIERS

13 November

• 2m Matchbook Betting Podcast 3YO Hurdle – Sopelana (Cian Collins)
• 2m Matchbook Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle – Koktail Brut (Gordon Elliott)

9 December – Re-scheduled to 11 December

• 2m 4f 5yo+ Maiden Hurdle – Zanoosh (C A Murphy)

12 January

• 2m 4yo Only Maiden Hurdle – Kilmeaden (Donnacha Aidan O’Brien)
• 2m 4f 4yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle – Ill Raise A Glass (Martin Paul Fitzgerald)
• 2m 4f 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle – Shabby Hill (C Byrnes)

26 January

• 2m 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle – Leader D’allier (W P Mullins)
• 2m 4f 4yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle – Blue Velvet ( W P Mullins)
• 2m 4f 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle (Colts & Geldings) – The Passing Wife (Gavin Cromwell)

18 February

• 2m 5yo+ Maiden Hurdle
• 2m 6f 5yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle (Not run under Rules of Racing)
• 2m Bumper (4yo Only)

For more information on the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Series, please visit insights.matchbook.com.

ENDS

 

 

The chance for one lucky family to win an adventure to Lapland this December at the Punchestown Premiere Weekend

Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November

THE PRIZE – FULL DETAILS

This one-day Lapland adventure will be on Saturday 13 December travelling from Dublin airport. The highlight of this memorable experience will be meeting Santa in his log cabin after visiting Kittila’s Snow Village where little ones can zoom on the snow slide, learn how to drive a miniature skidoo, enjoy a short husky-led sleigh ride and get involved in arty activities and warm up over lunch in the cafe.

Read about the full trip HERE.

HOW TO WIN?

• BE THERE – To enter you must attend the Premiere Weekend on Sunday 23 November at Punchestown Racecourse.
• ADMISSION – Family ticket includes 2 adults with kids – €25 on the day with free access to The Playroom and entertainment.
• COLLECT GOLDEN TICKET ON ARRIVAL – Enter the racecourse via the family turnstile to receive your Golden Ticket.
• POST YOUR TICKET – Complete & post your Golden Ticket entry at the Lapland Letterbox located beside the racecard hut.
• Winner to be announced after the GR1 John Durkan Chase on Sunday 23 November.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• By entering the competition, you will be deemed to have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of the Competition.
• Prize must be booked directly with Midland Travel with names as soon as the competition is complete. Holiday must be confirmed by Monday 24th November 2025.
• Prize is non – refundable, non-transferable, and non-endorsable. It holds no cash value.
• Any requested upgrades or changes to the stated holiday prize will be at the winner’s own expense.
• Flight tickets are not valid for any other destination.
• Prize must not be sold or auctioned.
• It is the prize winner’s responsibility to ensure all passport & visa (if required) are valid for travel.
• Initial names given as prize-winners cannot be changed; names must be furnished as per passport. Any additional changes or charges as a result of name changes after the prize has been booked will be the sole responsibility of the prize winner.
• This prize is won as is and cannot be altered or changed. The dates are non-transferable.
• If for any reason the first drawn winner cannot travel or accept the prize another ticket will be drawn and so on until a winner is established.
• The results are final and at the discretion of Punchestown management.
• Once the prize is officially allocated to a winner Punchestown will have no further involvement and the arrangement will be directly between the winner and www.midlandtravel.ie

Plenty more to look forward to for all families this weekend at Punchestown on 22 and 23 November:

• Sunday – Win a Family Adventure to Lapland – Full Details above.
• Sunday – Famous Santa Truck from 1.30pm to 4pm
• Sunday – The Lapland Train with Santa from 12 onwards until 3.00
• Both days – Face Painting in The Playroom
• Both days – The Playroom is open for games and activities
• Times – Gates open at 10am both days. The first race is at approx 11.30am both days. You are more than welcome to pop-in, enjoy the family fun, watch a few races etc. you do not have to stay for the entire day but the children’s activities will finish up around 3pm – 3.30pm (last race)
• Food & Facilities – The Feedroom Cafe is a self-service style option with full carvery, soup, sandwiches, barista coffee, pastries and snacks. The Lily & Wild catering team are happy to offer children’s portions. Hay Cafe and various mobile food units will also be available.
• Tickets – All children under 14 years race for free at every Punchestown race day. Family ticket available on the day for €25 for two adults and children under 14.
• Parking – Plenty of free parking for all.

Punchestown.com is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website and in doing so adhere to parts of the available standards and guidelines.

 

The following are some of the things that we have implemented to support accessibility:

 

• Fully responsive website
• Content is accessed through a keyboard in an accessible way
• Naming of images
• Heading styles are used correctly to organise the structure of the content
• Implemented a content management system that supports accessibility
• Using colour with care
• Forms designed for accessibility

 

The following are some shortfalls we will work on to improve:

 

• Not all images have alt attributes
• The website is not fully conformant to WCAG 2.1

 

If you have any queries about accessibility please contact us on info@punchestown.com

Click here to download

It’s the people who make Punchestown and this weekend Punchestown is delivering for the people.

Punchestown is set to shine this weekend as the prestigious Punchestown Premiere Weekend features two thrilling days of Grade 1 action on Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th. The weekend’s marquee events include the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle on Saturday and the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday, both of which will showcase some of the sport’s most exciting horses, including the top-rated horses in Ireland State Man and Galopin Des Champs.

Between the 17 horses declared across both feature races at Punchestown this weekend they have won a combined total of 40 Grade 1 races and it is set to be a sporting weekend to remember with history in the making on Saturday and a potential race for the ages on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday’s Unibet Morgiana Hurdle: A Showdown of Champions
The €150,000 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle stands alone as a highlight of the jump season, and this year’s renewal promises to be a thrilling contest with State Man, trained by Willie Mullins, seeking to make history by winning his third consecutive Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, a feat last achieved by the legendary Hurricane Fly.

In the biggest Unibet Morgiana Hurdle field since the turn of the century, the Grade 1 star will face a formidable field, including talented stablemate Lossiemouth and Gordon Elliott’s highly-regarded Brighterdaysahead, who comes into the race with the benefit of match practice following her win at Down Royal.

State Man, whose only defeat in Grade 1 company was to Constitution Hill, is seeking an eleventh Grade 1 success over hurdles, two of which came in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown and last March he famously captured the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Lossiemouth, who is the mount of Patrick Mullins, is herself a four time Grade 1 winner, while Brighterdaysahead won at the highest level at Aintree last season.
Gordon Elliott, speaking ahead of the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, said: “We had a few options for her after Down Royal but we thought the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown was the best next step for her.

“She’s come out of Down Royal in good form and couldn’t have done much more there so we’ll go to Punchestown now at the weekend and find out a lot more about her. It’s a very prestigious race and we look forward to running her and her performance on Saturday will tell us a lot more about what direction to point her in next.”

The race will also feature the Mullins-trained Daddy Long Legs, the classy Sir Gerhard, and Winter Fog, as well as Smooth Tom (Andy Slattery) and No Looking Back (Oliver McKiernan). With a €150,000 prize fund on offer, Saturday’s showpiece promises to be a memorable renewal of race which has a notable roll of honour including the aforementioned Hurricane Fly, Faugheen, Nichols Canyon, Solwhit and Hardy Eustace.
Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase: A Clash of Gold Cup Heroes
Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase is set to be the weekend’s most eagerly anticipated race and could well be in line for race of the season even at this early stage.

Another mouth-watering clash between Galopin Des Champs, the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, and Fastorslow, the Punchestown Gold Cup victor is in store. This is the latest chapter in an exciting rivalry between the two eight-year-olds and will be the best jump race we have seen since their Punchestown Gold Cup clash last April.
Both Fastorslow and Galopin Des Champs are arguably coming into their prime season now but will start the campaign by taking on some of last season’s leading novice chasers in Fact To File, Grangeclare West, Inothewayurthinkin and Spillane’s Tower. Blue Lord and Journey With Me are both highly rated chasers in their own right and Minella Cocooner makes up a very strong field for the €150,000 feature.
Martin Brassil, trainer of Fastorslow, expressed his excitement ahead of the race: “Everything has gone to plan with him, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge. It’s fantastic to see so many top-class horses taking each other on in their first race of the season.”

The JP McManus-owned trio of Fact To File, Inothewayurthinkin and Spillane’s Tower all polished off fine seasons with Grade 1 successes last spring. Fact To File, the mount of Mark Walsh, won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, Inothewayurthinkin scored at Aintree while Spillane’s Tower is a course and distance winner having landed the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival.

Blue Lord, a Grade 1 winner over two miles returns to action for the first time since last year’s John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, while the extremely talented Grangeclare West, a Grade 1 winning novice last season, also makes a long awaited return to action for the champion trainer.
Quality action across the weekend
Saturday’s card will also feature the Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Chase, where Gordon Elliott will saddle all three runners, including Stellar Story, Search For Glory, and Rainbow Trail. Elliott’s stable jockey Jack Kennedy rides Stellar Story with Sam Ewing onboard Search For Glory and Jody McGarvey booked for Rainbow Trail.
On the same day, Ballyburn, who triumphed in the Grade 1 Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, will make his highly-anticipated chasing debut in the Conway Piling Beginners Chase. Fellow Punchestown Festival winner Sermandzarak, who claimed the Goffs Defender Bumper, will embark on his hurdling career in the Sebden Steel Maiden Hurdle.
Sunday will see exciting action in the BetVictor Craddockstown Novice Chase, with Farren Glory and Touch Me Not from Gordon Elliott’s yard headlining the Grade 2 contest. Nurburgring, the Galway Hurdle winner, is another standout entry for trainer Joseph O’Brien.
Racing on Sunday will begin with the Colm Quinn BMW Risk Of Thunder Chase, with Stumptown, a Punchestown Festival winner, among the declared runners in the cross-country race.

Conor O’Neill, Punchestown Racecourse CEO added: “I think that this is probably one of the best weekends racing we have had here in many years. The increase in prize money, bringing the Durkan back into the Premiere Weekend is reflected in the sheer calibre of horses declared to run. We are all systems go and the reaction to the good value tickets has been really positive.”
Live Coverage on TG4 and RTÉ
Both days of top-tier racing will be broadcast live on terrestrial television, with TG4 airing its first-ever Grade 1 meeting on Saturday and RTÉ covering Sunday’s action.

Tickets and further event details are available at punchestown.com.

Click here for the full fields for racing on Saturday

Click here for the full fields for racing on Sunday

 

 

The Punchestown Festival enjoyed another fantastic annual festival this week. Despite offering punters all four seasons over the five days, the crowds turned out in force and the atmosphere was as vibrant and lively as ever!

Attendance figures were up on 4 of the 5 days, with Ladies Day on Friday attracting the greatest numbers when 36,620 attendees turned out in their finery.

Ballymore Family Day saw 25,396 junior racegoers, families, socialisers and racing fans descend on Punchestown. The overall attendance at the festival was 118,318!

Conor O’Neill, CEO Punchestown commented “We took a big risk this year and made many substantial changes which thankfully paid off and despite the inclement weather, we’ve enjoyed an absolute beano! Whether you’re 5 or 95 there has been something for everyone here at Punchestown this week and that’s what it’s all about! People make Punchestown and we’re so grateful to our sponsors, many stakeholders and everyone who came along to support us! This afternoon I’m most proud of our remarkable team, their unwavering commitment and hard work has been rewarded and I’m delighted for everyone!”

The feature race the Ballymore Champion 4 Year Old Hurdle went to post at 4.50pm. The winner Kargese was given an exceptional ride by Paul Townend to win the final Grade 1 of the season for trainer Willie Mullins and owner Kenneth Alexander.

History was made at Punchestown today when 25 year old Jack Kennedy was crowned Champion National Hunt Jockey of the season for the first time. The Irish National Hunt Champions of the 2023/24 Season are; Champion Owner JP McManus, Champion Trainer Willie Mullins, Champion Jockey Jack Kennedy, Champion Conditional Danny Gilligan, Champion Amateur Patrick Mullins and Champion Lady Amateur Jody Townend.

And off the track there were plenty of winners too including Ciara Toolen from Dublin who won the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition. Her prize, a ‘money can’t buy trip for two’ to Paris, the Champagne Region, Reims and the Bollinger Estate and a year’s supply of Champagne Bollinger.

Finally, on Ballymore Family Day the winner of the 2024 Punchestown Art Competition for juniors was second class student Finn Houlihan from Ballyshannon National School. The senior competition devised for group entries was won by Holy Child, 4^th Class, Room 1.

The 2025 Punchestown Festival, will take place from Tuesday 29 April to Saturday 03 May. Flexi tickets are available online now for a limited time only. The Festival flexi ticket allows access to any one of the five days at Festival 2025, so get your Festival 2025 Flexi Ticket at punchestown.com.

Boodles, Bollinger and Bravado galore…at the Punchestown Festival on Day 4!

Despite the damp weather, the atmosphere at Punchestown remained as vibrant and lively as ever on Ladies Day. The stylish crowd added splashes of colour to lift the spirits of the enclosures while the thrilling action on the track ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy!

Ciara Toolen from Dublin, who was fast tracked to the final on Tuesday, the opening day of the festival, emerged victorious as the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition at Punchestown.

Her reaction to the win was a beautiful blend of shock and excitement. Ciara’s win was a testament to her timeless taste and style, qualities that shone brightly throughout the competition. Her ensemble exuded sophistication and elegance, showcasing her unique fashion sense and attention to detail. Her outfit featured a stunning hat by Linda Fleming from Wexford, a chic suit by Balmain, a stylish coat by Reiss, and a beautifully crafted blouse by Irish designer Aoife McNamara. Ciara’s outfit effortlessly captured the essence of the event, earning her the coveted title of Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival.

The Style Council tasked with selecting the 2024 Bollinger Best Dressed Winner included Jess Colivet, Jessica O’Mahony, Lawson Mpame, Suzie O’Neill, David O’Connor, Kate Nally McCormack and Roxanne Parker. They were seeking a combination of elegance, creativity, and attention to detail, qualities that Ciara showcased in abundance. Her head-to-toe curated look embodied the essence of Bollinger’s motto: “Timeless taste, Timeless style.”

As Ciara basks in the glow of her well-deserved victory, she looks forward to enjoying the amazing prize that awaits her. Ciara and a guest will enjoy a ‘money can’t buy’ trip of a lifetime to the home of Bollinger. This is not a cliché, you literally cannot buy this prize as it is invitation only. Business class flights to Paris, five-star hotel accommodation, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur are all included. In addition, they will enjoy an exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house, an overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims and one year’s supply of Bollinger.

All finalists received a deluxe goody bag with gifts from Bollinger, AYU and Pestle and Mortar and the most stylish gent Hugo Browne was treated to a case of Bollinger along with a Louis Copeland tailored suit along with commemorative cuff links and tie.

The feature race on Friday’s card, The Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade1) was won once again by State Man the odds-on favourite. The Champion Hurdle hero is now a ten-time Grade 1 winner and is unbeaten in five course runs at Punchestown.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the final day of the 2024 Punchestown Festival, when the next generation of racegoers will descent in their droves for Ballymore Family Day. An amazing day out for all the gang with tons of free children’s activities, shows and rides to choose from, Family Day at the Punchestown Festival is also exceptional value with a pay on the gate ticket available at €50 per family.

Gates will be open from 11.30am, the first of an eight-race card goes to post at 2.30pm and the feature race the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1) is scheduled for 4.50pm.

For more information and updates on the Punchestown Festival visit www.punchestown.com.

 

ENDS.

 

For Further Information Contact:

Carey Ann Lordan, Red PR

M: 087 9270730         E: clordan@redpr.ie               T: 052 6184343

 

Shona Dreaper, Punchestown

T: 045 897704          E: sdreaper@punchestown.com

 

Editors Notes:

Pics attached | Captions Embedded | No Repo Fee (Michael Chester)