Punchestown Welcome The Stables Restaurant Naas

New Three-Year Sponsorship Deal Announced

Media Release, Monday 30th March 2026: With just four weeks to go to the 2026 Punchestown Festival, the home of Irish jump racing today welcomed The Stables Restaurant Naas as an exciting addition to the sponsorship line-up for the flagship sporting event. The three-year agreement will see the popular new dining venue sponsor The Stables Restaurant Naas Flat Race on one of Ireland’s leading fixtures, Ladies Day, Friday 1 May 2026.

Located in Poplar Square in the centre of Naas, The Stables Restaurant has quickly established itself as a vibrant addition to the local food scene since opening its doors on 25th September last year. As the name suggests, chef proprietor Nick Courtney and his wife Jeanne, have a shared passion for horse racing and have combined this with Nick’s impressive resume that includes The K Club, The Merrion and the Cashel Palace in his hometown as a Tipperary native.

In advance of opening, the venue underwent a major renovation project and the result is an interior that blends contemporary dining with equestrian character. From striking racing imagery and themed design elements to a dedicated display celebrating memorable wins and favourite horses. In just eight months, The Stables has already gained a loyal following, with diners praising both the quality of the food, the strong team culture, with a focus on friendly, attentive service.

Having established themselves on the Kildare food scene the move into race sponsorship is a natural next step for the couple, whose connection to horse racing runs deep. The association with Punchestown holds special significance as one of the highlights of the Courtney’s ownership experience was when Gordon Elliott trained Minella Crooner won the Pat Taaffe Steeplechase on the final day of the 2024 Festival.

“This partnership means a lot to us personally,” said Chef-Proprietor Nick Courtney. “Racing has always been a big part of our lives, so to be involved with Punchestown and to sponsor a race on such a major day is something we’re very proud of.”

Jeanne Courtney looks forward to welcoming racegoers: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built in a short space of time. For us, it’s about creating a place where people feel welcome, enjoy great food, and leave happy. That’s always the goal. We are looking forward to meeting and looking after those who share our passion for Punchestown and racing.”

Janet Creighton and Leona Hughes of the Punchestown sponsorship team commented: “Nothing gives us more pride than teaming up with a local business that we are proud to send Punchestown visitors to before and after their race day experience. Where people eat, drink, meet and are welcomed and valued is so integral to their overall experience. Combine this with a passion for the sport and it’s a winning combination. We wish Nick and Jeanne the very best with their venture and really look forward to working alongside them”.

The Stables Naas are now taking bookings for the Punchestown Festival from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May. Full information available on www.punchestown.com and www.thestablesnaas.ie

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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

• Minimum race value increased to €20,000 across 7 races up from €15,000.
• Continued enhancements for the bumper programme which has produced graduates including 2025  El Cairos, Soldier In Milan, Koktail Brut, and King Rasko Grey.
• Punchestown continues to champion the traditional cross-country races recognising this as an essential part of Punchestown’s heritage since 1850.

• Open Grade 1’s: €300,000
• Novice Grade 1’s: €125,000
• Champion Bumper: €100,000
• Grade 3 Handicaps: €100,000
• Listed Handicaps: €75,000
• Minimum Race Value: €20,000

Eyes on the Prize As That Prize Guy Signs Punchestown Sponsorship

 

Media Release Tuesday 27^th January: Punchestown Racecourse today announced That Prize Guy, the UK’s leading competition and prize platform, as the sponsor of the upcoming Bank holiday Monday race day on 2nd February.

The That Prize Guy Race Day will take place on 2nd February 2026, the final day of a blockbuster jumps racing weekend following the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The day’s action includes the PP Hogan Cross Country Chase over the famous banks course and concludes with the highly anticipated Up The Yard Challenge Race.

This is a first-of-its-kind partnership for Punchestown, bringing together the excitement of live jump racing with the innovative engagement approach of That Prize Guy. Known for creating dynamic competitions and interactive online experiences, That Prize Guy now joins forces with Punchestown to add a fresh dimension to a day at the races.

That Prize Guy, based in Northern Ireland, offers competitions open to everyone across the UK and Ireland. Participants have the chance to win amazing prizes at a low cost, with entry fees starting from 1p. Since launching over six years ago, That Prize Guy has given out more than £200M in prizes, raised hundreds of thousands for charities, and supported numerous local businesses.

Paul at That Prize Guy, said:
“Partnering with Punchestown is a unique opportunity. We’re excited to bring new energy to the day and create a different kind of experience for racing fans through our competitions and activations.”

Leona Hughes, Sponsorship at Punchestown, added:
“This sponsorship is something fresh and new for the Punchestown season.  That Prize Guy shares our focus on innovation and engagement, and together we’re delivering a Bank Holiday Monday that will stand out on the racing calendar.”

With this partnership, Bank Holiday Monday at Punchestown promises an exciting conclusion to the February bank holiday weekend, featuring thrilling racing, vibrant atmospheres, and engaging competitions both on and off the track.

For more information on That Prize Guy and their platform, visit: www.thatprizeguy.co.uk

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 Tuesday December 9 transferred to Thursday December 11

Following the cancellation of the Punchestown meeting scheduled for today, Tuesday December 9 due to an orange status wind warning, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced that this meeting will now take place this Thursday, December 11.

Declarations and rider bookings stand for this meeting, and the time of the first race remains at 11:50am.

 

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 Punchestown Premiere Weekend

Saturday 22 &  Sunday 23 November

The Premiere Weekend is probably the biggest early season race meeting in Ireland with two days of top class racing featuring a grade one double header. On Saturday the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle will welcome the reigning and potential champion hurdlers. Sunday features the very prestigious Grade one John Durkan Memorial Chase whilst the supporting cast of listed, graded and cross country racing runs across the weekend. Throw in great bars, live music, free kids stuff, tasty food and free bus to Naas and your weekend is sorted.

TIMES  

• First Race – 11.30 (Saturday)   11.43 (Sunday)
• Last Race – 3.25 (Saturday)    3.35 (Sunday)
• Gates – 10am both days

TICKETS – BOOK HERE

• €25 Two-day ticket offer ends 16th November
• Advance Tickets (9pm day before fixture) – €15
• On The Day – €20
• Senior/Student on the day  – €15
• Family (two adults accompanying children) – €25
• Children 14 years and under – Free

TRANSPORT:  

Free Naas Shuttle Bus Service

• Leaving Poplar Square Naas both days.
• From 10am to leave at 10.15 and 10.45 to leave at 11am
• Returns from 3pm.
• Walk-up. No booking necessary.

Return Dublin City Service

• Dublin City Return Service – €30 return from Wellington Quay – BOOK HERE

 

FOOD & FACILITIES 

Dress up or dress down.

Make it special and pre-book our famous Race & Dine packages with truly delicious seasonal food and fantastic views of the action.

Keep it casual and enjoy tasty dishes in The Feedroom, Hay cafe or food trucks with a really good selection of hot or cold dishes and snacks along with great home bakes and great coffee. No booking necessary.

There are no enclosures at Punchestown. You can enjoy all the facilities except the private hospitality areas. We have great bars, cafes and plenty of seating and screens.

 

FAMILY FRIENDLY WEEKEND 

• Win a Family Trip To Lapland – Details 
• Santa Truck for Laura Lynn – Sunday 1.30 to 4pm in main enclosure.
• Santa Train will run around the enclosures both days.
• The Playroom is open both days for free children’s games with face painting and bouncies.
• Family Ticket €25 for two adults accompanying children – available on the day.
• All children under 14 race for free.

MUSIC, SHOPPING & MORE

• Live music Saturday evening
• Vintage car display Sunday
• Sophie Hunter Millinery
• Jason O’Ceannobhain Art
• Hollywood Flowers & Festive Gifts
• Agent 74 – Outdoor and Racing
• Irish Injured Jockeys – Christmas cards and Calendars
• Irish Guide Dogs – win a car!
• The Santa Truck for Laura Lynn
• Cara Girls Rescue
• Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace

 

Stars to Shine at Punchestown Premiere Weekend

Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November 2025

 

Punchestown Racecourse is gearing up for an unmissable two days of top-class jump racing as the Punchestown Premiere Weekend returns on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. The highlight fixture will showcase the very best of Irish jumps racing, featuring the highly anticipated Grade One double header – the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle and the John Durkan Memorial Chase.

The Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, an integral early-season test for the country’s leading hurdlers, will take centre stage on Saturday. A new name is set to enter the fold following news that reigning champion State Man is out of action for the season due to injury. His absence will open the door to the next generation with entries featuring the unbeaten, Donnelly owned, Anzadam, the Gordon Elliott trained Galway hurdle winner Ndaawi, Aintree winner Salvator Mundi, Punchestown festival winner Irancy and the potential for a Lossiemouth reroute to Punchestown.

Sunday’s card is headlined by the John Durkan Memorial Chase, a race steeped in quality and history. This grade one contest over two and a half miles produced what was considered a race of the season last year with Fact To File galloping to victory. Ireland’s top trainers have entered a galaxy of stars at early closing stage with 44 grade 1 wins between them. Reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Inothewayurthinkin, reigning Punchestown Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, Grand National hero Nick Rockett, 2023 Durkan winner Fastorslow and last year’s race winner Fact To File form the foundation of an extremely talented cast.

Irish and British champion trainer Willie Mullins remarked on the importance of the Durkan chase: “I think this years Durkan will be the same in that all the ones you hope and expect to see will pitch up there including Fact To File who is in great shape. He was very good in the race last year and I imagine that’s where he’ll start again.

Mullins continued: “There’s few options as good for those horses and it’s a lovely big galloping track so it’s the obvious choice. They’re ready to go”.

Beyond the track, the Punchestown Premiere Weekend offers that friendly, fun atmosphere that Punchestown is synonymous with. Race goers of all ages can expect a raft of entertainment with free kids festive fun in The Playroom, a chance to win a trip to Lapland on Sunday along with the Laura Lynn Santa Truck visit. For the bigger kids there will be live music after racing, packed restaurants, shopping and buzzing bars with a free shuttle bus to and from Naas.

Conor O’Neill, Punchestown Racecourse CEO said: “We had a vision for The Premiere Weekend and now in it’s third year it has exceeded expectations. We’re proud to bring together racing fans, newcomers, families, and the racing community from near and far for what’s become one of the highlights of the winter calendar. The cross section of demographic is proof that quality sport, entertainment and facilities at the right price is appreciated and will be supported. We are all set for a very special weekend and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Punchestown”.

Tickets, hospitality packages, and full event details are now available at www.punchestown.com

**ENDS**