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.

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• 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

Runners and riders for 2026 1xBet Grand Nationa Trial

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 Racecourse is delighted to announce 1xBet as the new title sponsor of the €100,000 1xBet Grand National Trial, which will take place on Sunday 15th February 2026.
The Grand National Trial has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons and has firmly established itself as one of the most important staying chases in the Irish National Hunt calendar. In 2024, the race underwent a significant transformation with its promotion to Listed status and an increase in prize money to €100,000, a move that elevated its standing and enhanced its appeal to owners, trainers and jockeys alike.

The 2026 1xBet Grand National Trial will once again be the feature race on a high-quality seven-race card at Punchestown. Its mid-February slot makes it an ideal stepping stone for connections seeking a searching test of stamina, jumping and class ahead of the major staying handicaps later in the season.

The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the racing scene, drawing on 1xBet’s global expertise in the iGaming industry. 1xBet Ireland operates legally under a state regulatory licence and is steadily strengthening its presence in the local market. The brand is rapidly expanding its footprint and actively supporting sports in Ireland. Its platform provides all the essential betting tools for responsible gaming, allowing users to assess statistics and participants’ current form.

Additionally, 1xBet Ireland produces informative articles reviewing the favourites in the season’s major races and the most interesting betting markets.

Commenting on the announcement, a spokesperson for 1xBet said:  “We are proud to become the title sponsor of the 1xBet Grand National Trial at Punchestown. This race has developed into one of the standout staying chases of the season and its Listed status reflects its quality and importance. We look forward to working with Punchestown and supporting a race that plays such a key role on the road to the spring’s premier Jump Racing contests.”

Leona Hughes, Sponsorship at Punchestown, added: “The Grand National Trial has evolved into a flagship race for us and we are delighted to welcome 1xBet as our new title sponsor. Their support allows us to continue building on the progress made in recent years and to further enhance the profile of this important Listed contest. We look forward to another exciting renewal on Sunday 15th February 2026.”

Tickets for the 2026 1xBet Grand National Trial will be available in advance, with prices starting from €15. The first race is scheduled for 2.10pm (subject to change). For tickets, hospitality options and full event details, visit www.punchestown.com.

You can also follow 1xBet horse racing live online where the brand’s platform offers detailed statistics for all participants and a wide selection of betting markets, making the viewing experience even more engaging and allowing you to immerse yourself in the event’s atmosphere. Alternatively, check out The Final Furlong Podcast on www.youtube.com/@FinalFurlongPodcast or Apple podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly

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

TRM Equine Nutrition Salute Stable Staff with Punchestown Season Best Turned Out Series

Media Release Monday 13th October 2025: As the jump racing season gets underway the skill, dedication and professionalism of Ireland’s stable staff will be in the spotlight as TRM Equine Nutrition, a global leader in equine supplements, partners with Punchestown Racecourse to launch the ‘Saddled In Style’ Best Turned Out Series for the 2025/2026 jumps season.
The series will run across all 20 fixtures at Punchestown between October and June, including the five-day Punchestown Festival in April. At each fixture, the Best Turned Out award of each race will earn points toward the season-long leaderboard, with the overall winning yard crowned at the final meeting on Sunday 7th June 2026.
Thanks to TRM Nutrition, the winning yard will receive a €1,000 TRM voucher, TRM-branded gear and a celebratory breakfast morning delivered to their stables, recognising the exceptional work of the teams who care for and present horses at the highest standards.

TRM is a global brand trusted in over 90 countries, providing world-class nutritional supplements and healthcare products for racehorses, sport horses and a wide range of performance and leisure horses. Despite its international reach, TRM remains proudly rooted in their county Kildare base. Punchestown staff who visited the Newbridge factory were impressed by the cutting-edge systems in place to guarantee the quality, integrity, and quantity of every product leaving the facility. TRM also adapts its products and branding for each jurisdiction it enters, ensuring local relevance while maintaining global standards.

Enda Kelly, TRM Chief Commercial Officer, said: TRM are thrilled to team up with Punchestown for the forthcoming season. National hunt racing, breeding and its heritage are a huge part of our core business dating back over 35 years of TRM’s history, and it is a wonderful opportunity to give something small back through this innovative sponsorship”.

Janet Creighton of Punchestown also added: “Punchestown has always valued the massive contribution made by stable staff. The annual Up The Yard Stud & Stable Staff Race is now established as a firm favourite and a highlight of the season. The TRM Best Turned Out Series now extends that recognition across all fixtures, rewarding the teams whose work is essential to Irish racing.”
The Punchestown season gets underway on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th October before rolling on to the early season highlight of The Premiere Weekend on 22nd and 23rd November.

FULL LEADERBOARD

The 2025 Punchestown Festival Five Day Celebration Gets Underway Tuesday 29 April

MEDIA RELEASE – 28th April 2025 – The grand finale of an unforgettable jump racing season takes centre stage as the 2025 Punchestown Festival kicks off Tuesday 29th April and runs until Saturday 3rd May at the iconic Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare.

Organisers are anticipating over 100,000 visitors across five spectacular days, with festival fans traveling from across Ireland, the UK, Italy, United States and even Australia to be part of this world-class celebration of sport and culture at the home of Irish jump racing.

Racing Ahead with Thrilling Clashes and Visiting Raiders

Across 40 races, featuring 12 Grade 1 contests and €3.5 million in prize money, the Punchestown Festival once again delivers the very best in jump racing. All indications are that major showdowns are guaranteed with old rivals, young pretenders and redemption missions on the cards. The opening day features a massive clash between Cheltenham heroes Marine Nationale and J.P. McManus’s Fact To File. The Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup will see superstar Galopin Des Champs take on a challenge from the impressive Spillane’s Tower whilst Friday’s Boodles Champion Hurdle is being billed as the race of the season with Constitution Hill confirmed to meet State Man and Golden Ace amongst others.

Headlining the action is an incredible line-up of training and riding talent including the unstoppable Irish and recently crowned British champion trainer Willie Mullins along with his son, Grand National winning rider Patrick Mullins, champion jockey elect Paul Townend, top trainers Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead, Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Gavin Cromwell and the ever popular Rachael Blackmore among those in action.

What is particularly evident at entry stage is the significant increase in UK trained runners at the festival with numbers returning to the heights last seen in 2008. Festival friends and regulars Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, Jonjo O’Neill, Harry Derham and Anthony Honeyball are joined by new names and faces to sustain the visitor involvement for the future. The UK contribution is integral to the festival as it not only generates vastly increased interest and TV viewer numbers from across the Irish sea but also each horse running brings with them owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and associated entourages that require accommodation, hospitality and entertainment in the locality. Over 20% of the festival attendance hail from outside of Ireland so the event is a major contributor to the Kildare tourism numbers and campaign.

The track team have prepared, mowed, aerated, fed and watered over 170 acres of racing ground or the equivalent of around 42 Croke Park pitches. The main team of five men have crafted 330 metres of hand filled steeplechase fence, 180 sections of handmade hurdles and erected just under 10 kilometres of white racing rail all to provide what is essentially a fresh race track each of the five days

New For Punchestown 25

In 2025, the Punchestown team rolls out four key innovations based on customer feedback and trial runs:
• Earlier start times of 2.30pm have been rolled out across the week with the exception of Friday that remains at 3.40pm.
• The revamped Festival layout and entertainment programme, removing reserved enclosure barriers and improving flow, was very well received in 2024 so this along with further enhancements and improvements are in place for 2025.
• Ticket Price Freeze: Prices were reduced last year with discounts for those that book in advance of festival week. Generous concessions remain for senior, student and family (Saturday) and free entry for children under 14 throughout the week.
• Friday Remote Drop & Collect Bus Service to address the changes in transport habits, Naas racecourse and Killashee Hotel are the two off-site drop and collect points on Festival Friday. From 12 noon. Free out and €5 cash back. Full transport services available on www.punchestown.com

Festival Social Scene

Like all great celebrations the Punchestown party will feature great live music throughout the enclosures with Spring Break playing floor fillers for the first three days and exciting new DJ performances planned for Friday and Saturday evenings.

17,000 hospitality guests from 806 companies (including 164 from the UK) will enjoy delicious seasonal menus crafted by a 68-strong team of chefs, supported by over 760 hospitality staff. Three and a half tonnes of fresh vegetables, 60 kilos of artisan cheeses, and 15,000 exquisite canapés and desserts will be served across the five days. A team of almost 300 bar staff will pour an estimated 132,000 pints, measure 20,000 shorts and fill 8,000 champagne glasses.

Style lovers will once again flock to the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition, open to all, taking place over the first four days and culminating in the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 2nd May. Fresh for 2025 is the sustainable theme of Something Old/Something New focusing on conscious fashion choices. New to the Style Council judges are multi-award winning sustainable designer Aoife McNamara and acclaimed stylist Isabel Gleeson.

Further additions include the Bollinger Concierge marquee where Kildare-based beauty brand Ayu will have a host of professional make-up artists offering make-up top-up and professional advice. Vision Ireland will have specially curated rails of pre-loved designer garments to showcase just how stylish sustainable fashion can be.

People Make Punchestown – Community & Charity

Beyond the track, Punchestown plays a vital role in the local community where the Festival contributes over €60 million annually. What is considered the most important race of the festival because it makes the biggest difference is the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity race and in it’s 34th year of running is on target to break the €2,000,000 fundraising mark.

At the centre of the festival is community and at the centre of community is family and the GAA. We are delighted to continue our great association with Naas, Eadestown and Ballymore Eustace GAA clubs who steward the track, fences, hurdles, and horse crossing areas throughout the site in return for club funding.

In a landmark collaboration, Punchestown Racecourse, Aramark, Ireland’s leading food services provider and St. Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin have joined forces to launch Elevate 2025 – a pioneering Transition Year (TY) programme that combines community involvement, real-world skills training, and local pride. Following a five week training programme, 70 St. Kevins College transition year students will be employed by Aramark for paid work experience at the upcoming Punchestown Festival.

Each year a number of national charities are joined by local schools in the official bucket collection campaign. This year we are proud to welcome Down Syndrome Ireland, St. Corban’s National School, St. Brigid’s Hospice and The Samaratin’s and wish them the very best in their fund raising endeavours.

Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill said:

“There is something really special about the buzz ahead of this year’s Punchestown Festival. It’s even more than the brilliant achievements by our horses, jockeys, owners and trainers throughout the season. It’s the local and national enthusiasm and pride that are reflected not only in bookings and sales but in requests for information, signage, enquiries about how they get involved. People Make Punchestown and there is a great appetite and goodwill for the event this year even more than previous. Combine this with a forecast that we can only wish for and we are in for a magic week. See you at Punchestown!”

The 2025 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May at Punchestown Racecourse. Tickets and full information available at www.punchestown.com.

ENDS

DAR Golf Construction Announced as Official Sponsor at Punchestown Festival

• Widening of the finishing straight by approx. 35 metres
• Drainage system includes 27,000 linear metes of sand slits, 3,500meters of piped drainage and 1,500meters of main carrier drains
• Repositioning and increased capacity to the water reservoir in front of the Grandstand
• Improve and grade the bend into the straight (not impacting on existing racing ground)
• Installation of a service road on the inside of the newly widened finishing straight
• Upgrade to the track crossing after the finishing line
• 80,000 tonnes of subsoil have been moved to facilitate the widening of the finishing straight (this ground has been raised by approx. 4 meters in places)
• 27,000sq meters of new track racing surface merged to the existing finishing straight
• Completion and lining of a new water reservoir (capacity will increase from 9,000m3 to 12,500m3)

• Phase 2: Blackhills Extension: A 650-metre extension at the Blackhills bend is underway, enabling greater flexibility in race distances and start locations while enhancing the overall racing programme.

Lawlor’s of Naas Strengthen Historic Ties with Punchestown Upgrade

Punchestown Racecourse is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Lawlor’s of Naas, an establishment synonymous with race day hospitality. Building on a longstanding legacy spanning more than 112 years, Lawlor’s has elevated its support as sponsor of one of the most competitive races the week – the €100,000 Lawlor’s Of Naas Listed Handicap Hurdle on Festival Saturday, May 3rd.

Lawlors Hotel is a cornerstone in the hospitality aspect of the festival. With over 20% of the attendance travelling from the UK and beyond, where racegoers begin and end their Punchestown race day experience has become paramount. With a proven track record of excellence spanning back to 1913 when founder Bridget Lawlor was appointed official caterer at the racecourse the association between the two Kildare landmarks has been a positive one to say the least.

Racegoers and residents can expect excellent food and beverage offering both before and after racing each day with live entertainment each evening. The festival shuttle bus service departs opposite the hotel front door making it a very convenient choice.

Lawlor’s boasts an unbeatable location in the centre of Naas town and has grown to become a flagship Kildare hotel having undergone a multi-million euro redevelopment. Additions include Vi’s Restaurant and iconic round bar, a 360 person capacity ballroom, the Glending Suite for groups of up to 250, a decorative private garden, increased capacity to 138 bedrooms and a underground car park for 120 cars.

Dee Nix, General Manager at Lawlor’s of Naas, spoke to the importance of the moment:

“The Punchestown Festival is a flagship event on our calendar, and our connection with it is woven into our heritage. Enhancing our support is not just a milestone—it’s a celebration of shared values between Lawlors and Punchestown – excellence in hospitality, community, and tradition. We’re honoured to be part of something so special and look forward to welcoming friends old and new through the doors in a few days time.”

Janet Creighton, representing Punchestown Sponsorship, added: 

“The legacy between Lawlors and Punchestown is unique and long-standing, and this new level of support is a reflection of their commitment to this tradition. It is so important to us that visitors have as great a time outside the racecourse gates as they do inside. With Jack Tierney, Dee Nix, and the entire Lawlor’s team we know that they are in the best of care”

The 2025 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May. Full event information and ticket sales available on www.punchestown.com