‼️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.
Irish Cancer Society Named Beneficiary of 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race at Punchestown
Media Release 19 January 2026: Punchestown Racecourse has confirmed that the Irish Cancer Society will be the chosen charity for the 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race, following a collective decision by the participating riders. The charity contribution is a new initiative this year and all funds raised will go directly to supporting the Society’s vital cancer care, research and support services across Ireland.
The popular charity race for Irish stable and stud staff will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd February 2026, after the final official race on the card at Punchestown. Each of the 16 selected riders is required to raise a minimum of €500, with every euro donated benefiting the Irish Cancer Society.
Glenda Ryan, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Cancer Society, welcomed the announcement:
“We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as the beneficiary charity for the 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race. The commitment shown by these riders, who already work tirelessly behind the scenes of the racing industry, is truly inspiring. Every donation raised will help to fuel our vital services and our groundbreaking cancer research. The generosity of the riders and supporters at the 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race will help us to ensure that no one in Ireland has to face cancer alone.”
Now firmly established since its launch in 2017, the Up The Yard Challenge Race was created to recognise and celebrate the riding talent within yards and studs nationwide. Many of the participants ride out daily and play an essential role in the racing and breeding industries, and the initiative offers them a rare opportunity to compete at one of Ireland’s most prestigious sporting venues.”
Punchestown Sponsorship Manager and event organiser Leona Hughes said:
“Anyone working in this industry knows the standard of horse knowledge, handling and riding talent that exists in yards and studs across the country. These people are up at dawn, producing the very best equine talent that we see on the racecourse. This race is about giving them their moment on a major stage. Choosing the Irish Cancer Society as the beneficiary adds an extra layer of meaning to what is always a very special day.”
The 2026 Up The Yard Challenge in aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place on Monday 2nd February at Punchestown Racecourse. Full details of race riders and conditions can be found on www.punchestown.com/news-info/
**ENDS**
Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on freephone 100 200 700, or email supportline@irishcancer.ie
The 2026 Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd February.
Please attend to support the brilliant people who do so much behind the scenes.
2026 Up The Yard Riders:
| Name | Nominating Yard | |
| 1 | Marchel De Courcey | Gordon Elliott |
| 2 | Shane Costello | Norman Lee |
| 3 | Abbie Clancy | Marie Harding |
| 4 | Aaron Doyle | Liam O’Brien |
| 5 | Lexie Kenrick | Martin Brassil |
| 6 | Rebecca Stack | Sonny Carey |
| 7 | Jack Jaswant Singh | Eamon Delaney |
| 8 | Fergus Gallagher | Eddie & Patrick Harty |
| 9 | Katie Walsh | Terence O’Brien |
| 10 | Paul Coady | David Harry Kelly |
| 11 | Cait Dooley | Liam Cusack |
| 12 | Sophie McDonnell | Mark Molloy |
| 13 | Hannah Rafferty | Dick Brabazon |
| 14 | Natalia Kubacka | Willie Mullins |
| 15 | Ciara Maguire | Conor O’Dwyer |
| 16 | Simona Nevidalova | Paul Nolan |
What’s New for 2026?
- A streamlined field of 16 riders only – no reserves will be selected.
- Nominees may have previously ridden in a charity race but must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points.
- Riders will collectively select a charity, and each participant must raise a minimum of €500.
- All selected participants must complete a one-day charity race assessment at RACE in Kildare, coordinated by Punchestown.
Rider Criteria & Nominations
- Riders must be 18+.
- Maximum weight 12st (with 5lb allowance for mares).
- Must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points in any jurisdiction
To the staff of Punchestown Racecourse,
On behalf of myself, my husband Jim, and our three children, George, Olivia and Grace, we would like to thank you most sincerely for sending us to Lapland last Saturday, the 13th of December.
George was the lucky boy from Two Mile House National School whose Golden Ticket was pulled from the hat at Punchestown Premiere Weekend. He won an all-expenses-paid day trip to Lapland in Finland. Having his name called felt like a Christmas miracle — a truly wonderful thing to happen to our family — and we were filled with excitement and gratitude from that moment on.
We were even excited for our 3.00am wake-up call on Saturday morning! I would describe the day as a Magical Marathon — 21 hours of constant movement, filled with truly magical moments.
We flew with TUI, who had chartered the flight to Kittilä in northern Finland. The flight lasted over three hours, and we disembarked into a very unfamiliar world. The temperature was -22°C. My nose hair froze as I breathed in, and the cold crept up the legs of my jeans — a dry cold unlike anything we experience in Ireland. It was dusky even at 1 o’clock local time. The trees were covered in snow, and the surroundings were quiet and beautiful. Santa’s elves were everywhere, spreading cheer and encouraging us along.
On arrival, we had to layer up to protect ourselves. We were warned that it was particularly cold, even by local standards — snowing and breezy — but the suits we were given worked a charm.
We got to meet Santa, and we asked him to help Punchestown win Racecourse of the Year. He said he would. We also told him how excited all the boys and girls from Punchestown and Two Mile House are for his visit next week and sent him their love.
Throughout the day we enjoyed so many incredible experiences: a reindeer ride, a husky sleigh, sledding down snow slopes, snowball fights with the elves, cookie decorating, warming up by cosy fires and even riding a snowmobile.
The day was made up of beautiful moments that will never be forgotten. The children loved every part of it — even the long flights, the tiredness & the cold.
Punchestown has played an important role in my family’s history. My grandmother and grandfather: Maura and Michael Burke, leased land in Punchestown from Mrs. Arthur Moore during the 1980s and 1990s.
As a Two Mile House girl, Punchestown has been a constant in my life from early childhood to the present day. When I was in primary school, we had three days off during the Punchestown Festival every year. My extended family and I loved Punchestown week and always attended at least one day. We would be given a pound by my grandmother and spend hours on the hurdy-gurdys going back and forth to our family.
I celebrated my hen party at Punchestown, and my husband and family attend the New Year’s Eve meeting every year.
Punchestown generously donated money to my brother, Adam Burke, in 2017, and I attended with him on the morning it was presented to him by Dick O’ Sullivan and Snowball Pearce. We celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday of Premiere weekend in the private suites and were so well looked after by your staff.
My aunt Helen Smullen and cousins Ciara, Sinead and Eimear Smullen rode in the charity race at the Punchestown festival over a number of years.
The racecourse is interlinked with so many of our family traditions, and now we bring our own children to Punchestown annually as well.
Congratulations on winning Racecourse of the Year — it is so richly deserved. The racecourse is such an important part of many local people’s lives. It’s a happy place for us where we celebrate, be together and feel at home.
Thank you again for an experience our family will treasure forever.
With sincere thanks,
Kate Eustace & Family
Punchestown Celebrates 175 Years and Racecourse of The Year Award with a Free New Year’s Eve Race Meeting
Kindly Supported by Tote
Media Release, 17 December 2025 — Punchestown Racecourse will celebrate a remarkable 175 years of racing heritage with a very special New Year’s Eve race meeting, offering free admission for all, generously supported by Tote, on Wednesday, 31 December. The anniversary is all the more poignant as the track recently landed the 2025 Racecourse of The Year Award.
The Kildare Races at Punchestown was first recorded in 1824, the event moved to various venues across the county before officially establishing Punchestown as their permanent home in 1850. From those early beginnings has grown into what is now internationally recognised as the Punchestown Festival — a five-day celebration of top-class horse racing, culture and community spirit.
To honour this rich legacy, Punchestown is inviting everyone to come together on New Year’s Eve to celebrate 175 years of memorable sporting, historic and community moments. From the construction of the first ever grandstand, the role played by the La Touche Family, the endurance through civil and world wars right up to the famous Match Race of 1986, the legacy of so many racing dynasties and the dominance of Irish racing talent. Punchestown has played host to so many iconic occasions through the years.
The New Year’s Eve meeting promises a festive and family-friendly atmosphere, with complimentary mince pies and mulled wine on arrival while stocks last, live music by the Ballymore Band and free children’s entertainment.
Gates open from 11am with the first race going to post at approximately 12.30pm. The Hay Café, The Feedroom and a selection of mobile eateries will provide tasty snacks, barista coffee or delicious full hot food menu with something for everyone whilst the bars will be serving up festive cheer!
For those looking to enhance their day and arrange something a bit special this New Year’s Eve, the very popular Trackside Race & Dine package is available to book online for €95pp with children’s menu available.
Conor O’Neill, Punchestown CEO, looked ahead to the special day: “This New Year’s Eve meeting is about celebrating our past, enjoying the present, and welcoming the future together. Thanks to Tote for their generous sponsorship which allows us to invite everyone to race for FREE. O’Neill continued: We are merely custodians of this special place and everything we do here is to safeguard Punchestown for future generations.”
*ENDS*
What: Punchestown 175th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Race Meeting
Where: Punchestown Racecourse, W91 VCX4
When: Tuesday, 31 December
Gates Open: 11.00am
First Race: Approx. 12.30pm
Admission: FREE for all
Punchestown crowned Irish Racecourse of The Year at a prestigious Horse Racing Ireland awards ceremony on Monday 8th December.
In a star-studded event held in Dublin’s historic Round Room at the Mansion House, the home of Irish Jump Racing regained the title as racecourse of the year.
The racecourse category is awarded based on public votes, combined with votes from each of Ireland’s 26 racecourses and a select Horse Racing Ireland committee with a focus on sustainability.
Punchestown was amongst great company with the winners list including Galopin Des Champs, Willie and Patrick Mullins and the now iconic Rachael Blackmore.
Speaking on behalf of the team and directors Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill said: “By any measure 2025 was an exceptional year at Punchestown. Our festival was a true celebration of our sport with amazing stories, huge crowds, great results, wonderful atmosphere all in beautiful sunshine. The festival may be a highlight but throughout the year we have great days at Punchestown and we really mean it when we say that it’s the people that make the place. The racecourse is the stage for the end result of so many peoples and horses efforts. Now we need to continue to improve, build on what we have try to hold onto the trophy!”
The ten winners at the 23rd Horse Racing Ireland Awards were:
Contribution to the Industry Rachael Blackmore
Racecourse of the Year Punchestown Racecourse
Flat Award Dylan Browne McMonagle
National Hunt Award Willie Mullins
Flat Achievement Award Joseph Murphy
National Hunt Achievement Award Patrick Mullins
Emerging Talent Award Nicola Burns
Point-to-Point Award Sam Curling
Ride of the Year Award Alan O’Sullivan on Filey Bay at Galway
Horse of the Year Galopin Des Champs / Ethical Diamond
** DONATE HERE PLEASE **
Changing children’s lives for good: Donations for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2025 open tonight
Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal - airing this Sunday on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player- showcases the real-life impact of the appeal
The Toy Show Appeal has raised €26 million for children’s charities
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2025 will be launched on The Late Late Show, inviting people across Ireland to share once again in the magic of giving and The Late Late Toy Show. By supporting the Appeal, the public can help change the lives of children and families nationwide, turning the joy of the nation’s favourite television event into lasting impact.
Inspired by the late Saoirse Ruane, whose courage and generosity touched the nation, the Appeal has raised an extraordinary €26 million since its launch in 2020, thanks to the generosity of people nationwide. These funds have supported hundreds of local and national charities in every county, transforming lives and creating opportunities for children who need it most.
Tonight on The Late Late Show, renowned Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore will launch the 2025 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. She will highlight the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at ChildVision, a project close to her heart that is supported by the Appeal. Based in Drumcondra, Dublin, the Centre offers therapeutic equine activities that builds confidence, coordination, and emotional connection through the power of horses. Supported by the de Bromhead family and their friends, in memory of their son Jack de Bromhead, ChildVision developed the Centre which offers hope and healing while ensuring his legacy lives on.
And for the first time, RTÉ will broadcast Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal, a one-hour special airing on 30 November at 7.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. The programme will showcase the real impact of the public’s generosity, sharing powerful stories from children and families across Ireland. Viewers will meet Lucy Kelly in Cork, whose world has opened up through The Crann Centre; young cancer survivor Sophie Quirke from Tipperary, who enjoyed a magical day thanks to Oscar’s Kids; and the Ryan family finding comfort at Barretstown Bereavement Camp, along with others supported by Safe Haven Sailing, ChildVision, BUMBLEance, Fighting Words and My Canine Companion.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, says: “As we mark the fifth year of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, it feels right to pause and reflect on what has been achieved. Five years ago, inspired by the courage and kindness of young Saoirse Ruane, we launched an appeal that has since grown beyond anything we could have imagined. What began as a single moment has evolved into something sustained and significant – with over €26 million raised, and more than a million children and families supported annually across every county on this island. The story of the appeal is, at its heart, the story of people at their best. In times of personal challenge – through a global pandemic, through cost-of-living pressures, through uncertainty – our viewers have consistently chosen to give. They have transformed their Friday night tradition of watching The Late Late Toy Show into something even more meaningful.”
Over the past five years, more than 650 grants have been provided to over 500 children’s charities across the island of Ireland. The appeal has raised over €26 million since its inception in 2020 and helps over 1 million children and their family members annually. The appeal is managed by Community Foundation Ireland, a registered charity (Charities Regulator Number: 20044886). Established in 2000, Community Foundation Ireland works with individuals, families, companies and other trusts and foundations to support a diverse range of over 5000 not-for-profit organisations across Ireland and is committed to the highest standards of trust and governance.
Donations can be made from tonight at 9.35pm at www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal or via the Appeal’s official donation partner, Revolut Pay.
To celebrate its 175th 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 Racecourse is delighted to confirm the return of the Up The Yard Challenge Race for Irish stable and stud staff on bank holiday Monday, 2nd February 2026. Now firmly established since its launch in 2017, the race continues to shine a spotlight on the skilled riders who form the backbone of the racing and breeding industries.
The initiative was created to give yard and stud staff, many of whom ride out daily and play a crucial role in the sport, the chance to compete at the home of Irish jumps.
Punchestown Sponsorship Manager and event organiser Leona Hughes said:
“Anyone working in this industry knows the standard of riding talent that exists in yards and studs across the country. These riders are up with the dawn, producing young horses, and keeping the whole operation moving. This race is about giving them their moment on a major stage. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the buzz of the Punchestown straight with a crowd behind you, now is the time to get your name in.”
The 2026 running will take place after the final official race and will be contested over approximately one mile and seven furlongs. Yards and studs nationwide are invited to submit nominations by Monday 15th December 2025.
What’s New for 2026?
- A streamlined field of 16 riders only – no reserves will be selected.
- Nominees may have previously ridden in a charity race but must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points.
- Riders will collectively select a charity, and each participant must raise a minimum of €500.
- All selected participants must complete a one-day charity race assessment at RACE in Kildare, coordinated by Punchestown.
Rider Criteria & Nominations
- Riders must be 18+.
- Maximum weight 12st (with 5lb allowance for mares).
- Must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points in any jurisdiction.
- Nominations must include name, date of birth, contact number, and nominating yard, with trainer sign-off.
- Submit nominations by Monday 15th December 2025 to Leona Hughes at lhughes@punchestown.com
Full List Of Riders:
| Name | Nominating Yard | |
| 1 | Marchel De Courcey | Philip Rothwell |
| 2 | Shane Costello | Norman Lee |
| 3 | Abbie Clancy | Marie Harding |
| 4 | Aaron Doyle | Liam O’Brien |
| 5 | Lexie Kenrick | Martin Brassil |
| 6 | Rebecca Stack | Sonny Carey |
| 7 | Jack Jaswant Singh | Eamon Delaney |
| 8 | Fergus Gallagher | Eddie & Patrick Harty |
| 9 | Katie Walsh | Terence O’Brien |
| 10 | Paul Coady | David Harry Kelly |
| 11 | Cait Dooley | Liam Cusack |
| 12 | Sophie McDonnell | Mark Molloy |
| 13 | Hannah Rafferty | Dick Brabazon |
| 14 | Natalia Kubacka | Willie Mullins |
| 15 | Ciara Maguire | Conor O’Dwyer |
| 16 | Simona Nevidalova | Paul Nolan |
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 – Echoing Silence(Henry De Bromhead)
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
- 2m 4f 4yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle
- 2m 4f 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle (Colts & Geldings)
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