Jessica O’Mahony Welcomed as the Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council Assembles for Punchestown 2024

Media Release, Thursday 28^th March 2024: As the countdown to the 2024 Punchestown Festival gets underway the Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council is delighted to welcome Jessica O’Mahony as guest judge for the prestigious racing fashion competition.

As a busy mum of three, Jessica has amassed a following of over 95,000 Instagram (@jeskaomahony) followers thanks to her enviable sense of style from formal occasion wear to casual match day outfits and everything in between. Whilst more familiar pitch side than track side, as Jessica’s husband is Peter O’Mahony, captain of the victorious Six Nations Irish rugby team, the Cork woman is looking forward to embracing this new experience “This will be my first visit to the Punchestown Festival and certainly my first time being involved in a style competition like this. I’m excited to experience a different side of a major sporting event and take in all the fashion, colour and atmosphere that it brings. Whilst I’m as comfortable in casual wear I do love an excuse to pull out all the stops and a big day out at the races with friends is just that, not to mention the amazing prize from Bollinger.”

The 2024 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 30^th April to Saturday 4^th May with the iconic champagne house Bollinger celebrating eight years involvement at the social and sporting highlight. The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition takes place over the first four days of the event. Judges and style scouts will be tasked with seeking out a number of finalists each day. The daily winner will then progress to the grand final on Ladies Day, Festival Friday, 3^rd May.

The overall winner and guest will enjoy an appropriately stylish and exclusive ‘money cannot buy’ trip to the famous Champagne Bollinger Estate with luxury overnight stays in Paris and Reims to include Michelin dining and private transfers. Truly a trip of a lifetime and something worth dressing up for.

Jessica O’Mahony joins the established and diverse Style Council led by head judge, stylist and influencer Jess Colivet and ably assisted by returning names including beauty entrepreneur Suzie O’Neill of AYU, David O’Connor from Louis Copeland, stylist Lawson Mpame, sustainable fashion stylist Roxanne Parker, former winner Katie Nally-McCormack and MC Marietta Doran. Travelling especially from France to enjoy her first Punchestown Festival experience is Champagne Bollinger Brand Ambassador Eva Gottesman. The best place to keep up to date with Bollinger Best Dressed information is via the Punchestown Instagram page

This year’s Punchestown Festival will roll out new reduced ticket pricing, a refreshed layout with enhanced customer experience venues and earlier start times on the first two days. Whilst hospitality is now sold out from Tuesday to Friday there is limited availability on Saturday 4^th May with waiting lists in operation throughout the week. For full event information and ticket options please visit: www.punchestown.com

**ENDS**

Wednesday 28^th February 2024 – Punchestown racecourse are delighted to announce a new three-year sponsorship of the Grade 1 Boodles Champion Hurdle at the renowned Punchestown Festival, marking a significant partnership within the realm of Irish racing.

The feature race of Boodles Day, Friday 3^rd May, is the prestigious Grade 1 €300,000 Boodles Champion Hurdle. The 2024 Boodles Champion Hurdle has the potential to be the race of the season should reigning champion hurdler, Constitution Hill make the journey across the sea to take on Irish favourite and current Punchestown festival Champion,  State Man on home turf. The pair will hopefully meet once again at Cheltenham in less than two weeks should Constitution Hill return to full fitness ahead of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Punchestown Festival stands as a pinnacle event on the Irish sporting and social calendar, hailed for its five days of top-tier racing featuring the finest Irish and British talent. The sponsorship is perfectly timed with it being Boodles 20th year of having a presence on Grafton Street in Dublin. Boodles sponsorship of Irish racing is a natural extension into the heart of the sport, from its many ongoing sponsorships of British racing events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Chester Races and York Races.

The partnership between Boodles and Punchestown is a three-year sponsorship and is fittingly timed as Boodles recently launched their first ever equine inspired jewellery collection ‘Lucky’, which will be on display throughout Punchestown Festival in the Boodles Bar. As the final event in the Irish jump racing calendar, Punchestown is widely acclaimed as the ultimate homecoming for champions, making it one of Boodles most exciting partnerships to date.

Our involvement with horse racing in the UK started all the way back in the 1930’s when we made the trophies for the Grand National at Aintree. We feel privileged to have been invited into the Irish racing world and to be sponsoring such a prominent race at Punchestown almost 100 years later. We are excited to think that ‘The Boodles Bar’, in the centre of the hospitality area, will have a great buzz about it throughout the festival. We are also delighted to continue our association with Rachael Blackmore who will be attending Boodles Punchestown Launch event in our Grafton Street Showroom.”  James Amos, Managing Director of Boodles

Conor O’Neill, CEO of Punchestown, expressed his delight at the collaboration, emphasising the shared appreciation for heritage and brand integrity – “It goes without saying that we are so pleased to welcome Boodles to the Punchestown Festival. The Boodles Champion Hurdle is a fittingly prestigious race for a brand such as Boodles who are Britain’s leading fine jeweller since 1798. We often remark that it is the people that make Punchestown, so to partner with a family run, award winning luxury brand whose team truly appreciate the importance of heritage and brand values is a wonderful privilege”.

The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 30^th April to Saturday 4^th May. Boodles Day coincides with Ladies Day on Friday 3^rd May. Punchestown will roll out a range of changes for the 2024 renewal including reduced ticket prices, refreshed layout features, earlier start times on the first two days and enhanced public amenities. For full range of tickets, hospitality and event details please visit www.punchestown.com

**ENDS**

About Boodles

Since 1798, Boodles has represented the epitome of fine British jewellery. Still a privately-owned family business, Boodles stands for the very best in creative design; the highest quality diamonds and gemstones; and the fusion of traditional craft skills with innovation. Every piece of Boodles jewellery is designed and hand finished in Britain. There is an emphasis at Boodles on provenance: taking pride in being able to trace diamonds all the way back to source, and on using gold of a Single Mine Origin. At once classic and contemporary – and always distinctive – Boodles is perhaps best known for Raindance; the iconic ring which was recognised by the V&A Museum and entered into its permanent collection. In 2023 – the year of its 225th anniversary – Boodles was named by the UK’s luxury sector body, Walpole, as Best British Luxury Brand of the Year.

The QuinnBet Grand National Trial Increases to €100,000 with Listed Status

Thursday 1^st February 2024: Punchestown Racecourse and QuinnBet are pleased to announce that the QuinnBet Grand National Trial will carry a new six figure increased prize fund of €100,000 as the race is promoted to listed status.

The three and a half mile stamina test will be the feature at the home of Irish jump racing on Sunday 18^th February. The listed €100,000 QuinnBet Grand National Trial is one of the centre pieces of QuinnBet’s national hunt sponsorship strategy in Ireland and the 2024 running is the second in a three-year deal.

The newly listed contest is, as the name suggests, an ideal fact-finding mission ahead of both the Irish and Grand Nationals. Recent years have proven happy hunting ground for the Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott team. In 2023 Coco Beach led home a maroon one, two, three with 2022 winner Death Duty in the runner spot followed by stablemate Defi Bleu. The QuinnBet Grand National Trial is firmly established as one of the highlight handicap chases on the Irish calendar  with former winners such as the Peter Fahey trained, The Big Dog, progressing on to win both the Munster National and Troytown Chase. Since launching in August of 2017, QuinnBet have grown rapidly in the Irish and UK iGaming sector, providing hugely competitive odds across horse racing and other major sports.

Looking forward to the upcoming QuinnBet Grand National Trial, Niall McPartland, QuinnBet Head of Sponsorship & Commercial said: “QuinnBet is delighted to renew the sponsorship of the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown in 2024 and beyond! This is our second consecutive year to sponsor this race and we are very proud to continue our association with the home of Irish jumps and our sponsorship of Irish racing. The Grand National Trial is considered a key stepping-stone for Irish and UK Grand National contenders. The impressive prize pot of €100,000 will attract a strong field for the 2024 QuinnBet Grand National and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank HRI for their support of the race and Punchestown sponsorship manager Leona Hughes and the team for their assistance in ensuring the success of showcasing our brand at this iconic venue”.

Leona Hughes, Punchestown Sponsorship Manager “It has been a pleasure to work alongside the QuinnBet team across this three-year deal. We are always aiming to improve and progress so the increased prize fund and promotion to listed category is great news and will go a long way to further enhance what is a feature handicap race on the Irish calendar. We had a lovely crowd here for the 2023 renewal so hope to welcome the same again for an afternoon of quality racing with plenty of chase races on offer”.

The QuinnBet Grand National Trial takes place on Sunday 18th February 2024 and is the feature on a high quality seven race card. In addition to the feature, there will be listed and novice chase action along with the highly-anticipated return of the Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge. The enclosures, restaurants and bars will be buzzing with Race & Dine clients, music, children’s entertainment and more.

Advance ticket prices from just €15. First race 1.35pm (subject to minor change). Visit www.punchestown.com for further information, hospitality and ticket options. For more information

ENDS

About QuinnBet

Founded in 2017, QuinnBet is a rapidly growing brand in the iGaming sector, providing a hugely popular, licensed online sports betting and casino platform in the UK and Ireland. Visit their website for more info www.quinnbet.com

For Further information please contact:

Manuela Bologheanu, QuinnBet head of Brand and PR, Manuela.bologheanu@quinnbet.com

AIR extends financial support to IIJ for a further 3 years
€123,000 per annum / €369,000 over 3 years

Today, (New Year’s Eve) at Punchestown Racecourse, The Association of Irish Racecourses has announced an extension to its financial support of Irish Injured Jockeys for a further three years. The association representing all 26 Irish racecourses has pledged a combined total donation of €369,000 paid to the charity during this period. This donation will go towards IIJ running costs in an effort to ensure that public income raised through donations and fundraisers will go to Irish Injured Jockeys service users and beneficiaries.

Building on the existing positive relationship between the racecourses, jockeys and the charity, AIR members unanimously committed to this scheme at their recent AGM. Racecourse donations are set on a scaled basis depending on the racecourse grade and each track pays their pledged amount to Irish Injured Jockeys direct.

Conor O’Neill, Chairman of the AIR and CEO of Punchestown Racecourse, said: “Jockeys are the cornerstone of racing, providing racegoers with great days out and brilliant racing memories, however, we are acutely aware that it is a high-risk sport and the extraordinary physical demands our jockeys face for our sporting pleasure. Irish racecourses enjoy superb relationships with jockeys and greatly value the time they give us to promote our wonderful sport each year. In recognition of that, the Association of Irish Racecourses is delighted to formally demonstrate our commitment with €123,000 per year for the next three years to support the incredible work the Irish Injured Jockeys do.”

Ruby Walsh, Champion National Hunt Jockey and IIJ Chairman, commented: “On behalf of the Irish Injured Jockeys, I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the 26 racecourses for their support. The extension of their financial commitment for another three years is massive for IIJ and testament to the great relationship we have with the racecourses. Their support will allow us to continue the important work we do and expand our services to riders. Their support towards IIJ running costs is a noble gesture and a remarkable contribution for which we are most grateful.”

ENDS.

For further information contact:
Carey Ann Lordan, Red PR

Tel: 052 6184343                                Mob: 087 927 0730

E: clordan@redpr.ie                            Web: www.redpr.ie

A letter from PKRF founder and organiser James Nolan.

The 32nd running of the “Have the Conversation – Say YES to Organ Donation” Punchestown Charity Race took place on Saturday 29th April 2023. The weather was absolutely fantastic and people stayed on in their thousands to cheer on all the jockeys and create a wonderful atmosphere providing a fitting finale to the Festival. Local Kilcullen championship winning footballer, Paul Bell expertly steered home Stuzzikini trained by Gordon Elliot to win the race from local Kilcullen beautician Sinead Smullen on board Jungle Cove trained by Jessica Harrington with Triona Burbage back in third on Diamondinthemud trained by Nigel Slevin. There really was an amazing atmosphere and most importantly all our jockeys completed safely and enjoyed the privilege of riding at the Punchestown Festival.

2023 was quite simply another phenomenal year for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund. The Jockeys managed to raise €94,158 on the day of the event, which is a new record for the past 32 years of the Charity Race. This means that the cumulative total raised to date is €1,796,835, which is absolutely incredible.

During the past two years we managed to support the following projects:

• We sponsored and helped the IKA establish a pilot peer support program for all kidney patients in Ireland. This program offers vital supports to patients and their families who are dealing with all the various issues and concerns that is all part of being a dialysis or transplant patient.

• We established the James Tracy/PKRF/Kidney Beam Exercise program for all Dialysis & Transplant patients, which will enable all patients to access free, online, live and on demand exercise classes, specifically tailored to all different levels of fitness and specifically for kidney patients.

• We continued our research into Polycystic Kidney Disease in partnership with the Irish Nephrology Society under the guidance of the Irish Research Council.

• We continued our support for our Art Therapy programs for Dialysis Patients in Tallaght & Waterford Dialysis Units – and we will expand this to Wexford in 2024.

• We continued to support Sports Programs for Dialysis & Transplant Patients.

• We organised a trip to Lourdes for one Dialysis patient and a carer.

So many people deserve huge thanks for making the charity race such an unbelievable success. The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund enjoys the privilege of being permitted to run our Charity Race during the Irish National Hunt Racing Festival at Punchestown Racecourse. Great credit is due to all the Team at Punchestown Racecourse who make our race day so special, as well as all the staff at The Turf Club who so generously volunteer their services on the day and also the staff at H.R.I. & R.A.C.E. who ensure our race is run correctly.

We are very grateful to all the owners and the trainers who have given continued support to our race, every year, for the past 32 years. We would like to acknowledge the various forms of media, whose coverage of our race in whatever way, is hugely important both to our charity and to all those people awaiting life-saving transplants; you all give hope to so many others by raising the profile of Organ Donor Awareness in Ireland.

On behalf of the charity I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund in any small way at all, as this has helped us to support various projects which, in turn improves the quality of life for those patients living with kidney illness and also helps us to create positive Organ Donor Awareness in Ireland.

I wish everyone continued good health.

Kind regards,

James Nolan
Chairman,
Punchestown Kidney
Research Fund
CHY 16613

Punchestown Racecourse today announced details of the new look Punchestown Winter Festival that will take place on Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th November.

The home of Irish jump racing will embrace the new later dates and roll out a festive feel across the weekend where, in addition to brilliant sport, there will be live music each evening, a special edition shopping village, FREE family fun and delicious seasonal additions to the food and beverage menus.

Central to the overhaul is the improved top class racing line-up with a prize fund of €500,000. A thrilling cross-weekend grade one double header stars the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle on day one, Saturday 25^th November and the John Durkan Memorial Chase settling into its new home on day two, Sunday 26^th November.

This year’s Durkan Chase is shaping up to be a blockbuster with a clash of gold cup heroes in store as the Willie Mullins trained Cheltenham Gold cup victor Galopin Des Champs bids to reverse fortunes with Punchestown Gold Cup champion Fast Or Slow owned by Ballymore Eustace Mulryan family.

The Punchestown Winter Festival continues to focus on community and the next generation with a full weekend of free family entertainment, Irish made craft and fundraising. A family ticket costs just €25 for two adults and young children and includes access to The Playroom and activities. Whilst the stars of racing will be on show on the track, Santa the ultimate festive celebrity, will be meeting and greeting around the enclosures. The Playroom will be in open from 11.30am to 3pm both days offering games, Santa letter station, face painting, creative craft zone and more. Meanwhile, in the grand stand a special edition shopping village will create great atmosphere and Christmas shopping opportunities.

The Newbridge Branch of Guide Dogs Ireland and Kildare Down Syndrome will be fundraising across the weekend. Punchestown will be a drop off point for the county toy and gift appeal. Race goers that can afford to and would like to take part are encouraged to bring along new toys, clothes, tinned food or gift cards which they can drop off at the allocated collection point. All donations will go to the Naas Point centre who will distribute to local charities and families in need.

The timing of the big weekend has proved popular for social gatherings and special occasions. Those meeting friends to enjoy the great selection bars and live music will be happy to hear that a shuttle bus service to Naas will be available after racing each day. The Race & Dine package is almost fully booked for the Saturday with Sunday appealing to the family lunch market. Meanwhile those travelling from Dublin can avail of direct transfers with Marathon Travel from the quays.

Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill is looking forward to the refreshed feature meeting “After the April festival this winter weekend is our next priority. We have really elevated the racing programme and to have two grade ones across the weekend is excellent. The dates will also make sense for many to kick off the festive season so we’ve ramped up the entertainment for all age groups. In line with our festival overhaul we continue to focus on value, catering for all ages and tastes whilst giving back to community and charity. There will be great sport, food, music, fun and games for all. As we always say People Make Punchestown and we look forward to welcoming friends old and new on Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th November.

Punchestown Winter Festival Quick Guide:

 The Punchestown Winter Festival takes place Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th November.

• First race 11.40am. Last race 3.30/3.45.
• Live music after racing both days.
• Shuttle bus to Naas after racing. Pay as you go.
• Advance tickets are just €15 (€20 on the day).
• Families can purchase a €25 ticket on the day includes free entertainment.
• Seniors and Students pay €15 on the day.
• The Feedroom and Hay Café offering delicious seasonal dishes, snacks, tea/coffee and pastries open to all.
• For further information please visit www.punchestown.com or call 045 897704

**ENDS**

Planning a trip from the UK to the 2024 Punchestown Festival.

This is the best place to start 👉 CLICK HERE

IT’S SUMMER IN TOWN TIME

When – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 2023

What – A fun and relaxed weekend of racing with live music, BBQ, childrens entertainment, sports coverage and shuttle bus into Naas after racing.

First race – 2.30 Saturday and 2.15 Sunday (if there is an additional race racing may commence half an hour earlier. This will be confirmed at 48 hours before the race day)

Tickets – Buy in advance to save €5 per person and get a free racecard on the day – €15. On the day tickets – €20. Family deal on the day is €25 for two adults and ‘smallies’.

Food Options – BBQ Box and The Feedroom Cafe will be open both days with a selection of hot and cold dishes, barista coffee, delicious bakes and snacks.

Beverages – The Loft Bar, Madigans Bar and Pop Up Bars will be serving throughout the day. ID may be requested.

Elevate Your Weekend – The famous Race & Dine package with delicious four course lunch overlooking the track is the ultimate treat for just €89pp. The Punchestown Private Collection offers a variety of exclusive suites with various dining options for your special occasion.

Punchestown racecourse invites you to join the end of season celebration with a two day mini-festival taking place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June.

The Summer in Town meeting will have a relaxed, laid back festival vibe with special entertainment planned for each day. On Saturday 10th June there will be live music, buzzing bar scene, full sports coverage on big screens and of course great racing. All activities will be centered around the parade ring, horse walk and champions garden with delicious BBQ meal deals prepared and served by Lily and Wild. Younger racegoers will love the free fun zone in The Playroom with games, activities and face painting. The famous Punchestown Race & Dine packages are proving as popular as ever with The Watchhouse restaurant nearing full capacity and suites busy with special occasion celebrations. For customer’s convenience a Naas shuttle bus service will be in operation after racing for just €5 per person.

Day two of the Summer In Town meeting will see the focus shift to families and community. In addition to an afternoon of  great racing action there will be children’s entertainment, games, face painting, bunting and picnic benches, The Ptown Ice Cream Van, The Playroom and up-close access to horses and jockeys. Early in the day Fit Club @ Punchestown takes place with €2,000 cash on offer in the inter club fitness fundraising challenge.

Punchestown supporters and festival goers will be interested to visit the exhibition of photos that have been chosen as finalists of the Punchestown – More than Horses photography competition. This initiative was run in association with Bermingham Cameras during the 2023 Punchestown Festival. Photography students, enthusiasts and club members were invited ‘to attempt to capture Punchestown in a photo where the subject is not necessarily the horse but more about the people, place and occasion”. Over fifty photographers took part throughout the event and the overall winner will be selected on Sunday 11th June.

Looking ahead to the Summer In Town mini-festival Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill said “There is a real end of school term feel about the Summer in Town mini-festival. Punchestown mirrors the school year. We kick off in September, have a few big tests through the winter and then the business end of the season is the festival followed by a relaxing and enjoyable end of season party before the summer holidays. A lovely summers weekend at Punchestown would be a wonderful way to thank everyone for their support during the season and we really do look forward to seeing friends old and new on June 10th and 11th”.

Following the Summer In Town fixture, the home of Irish jump racing then takes the traditional break until mid-September when racing returns with a flat meeting before getting back to business in mid October for the jump season proper.