Supporting the Care Behind Every Runner

Connolly’s RED MILLS, together with Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin, returns to Punchestown with a continued commitment to the people behind racing shining a light on the stable staff whose care and consistency underpin every runner.

Built around the platform Nourish Support Care, our presence spans the full week from the stable yard to the racecourse and into the shopping village.

RED MILLS Supporting Stable Staff Canteen Sponsorship

At the heart of our activity is the Stable Staff Canteen sponsorship providing complimentary meals throughout the week as a simple way to recognise the dedication of grooms and stable staff.

This is supported by daily stable yard engagement, including Spin to Win and product giveaways, along with Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Shampoo Bars available in the wash bays reinforcing practical, hands-on care where it matters most.

 

Supporting the Racing Industry: €75,000 RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Series Hurdle Final

On Gold Cup Day April 29th, Punchestown will once again stage the €75,000 Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Series Hurdle Final, continuing our commitment to opportunity and progression within racing. The Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series was added to the Irish National Hunt programme for the 2017/2018 season and was designed to showcase talented maiden and novice hurdlers sourced at more affordable prices. Open to horses typically bought for €45,000/€30,000 or less at store sales in Ireland and the UK, the series provides a valuable platform to breeders, owners and trainers alike. The series features 16 qualifying races across the season, each worth at least €20,000, before culminating in the €75,000 Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final at Punchestown Festival each April. Last years final was won by Thisistheway trained & owned by Yvonne Latta & her family. The daughter of Doyen was bought-back for only €2,000 at the 2022 Tattersalls Summer Store Sale.

Punchestown POV 2026: Punchestown Festival Groom Competition
New for 2026, Punchestown POV invites grooms to share their raceday experience from first feed to final check highlighting the work, skill and attention to detail behind every horse, with fantastic prizes awarded to winning yards.

What It Is

A simple, social-first competition inviting grooms to show us their full raceday during Punchestown.

From first feed at dawn…
to travel…
to wash bays…
to final check at night.

• They’ll have one week after the Festival to post their video.
• We will award 3 winning yards, selected using a tiered system to ensure fairness across yard sizes.

How It Works

To enter, grooms must:

1. Film their Punchestown raceday
2. Post to Instagram or TikTok within 7 days of the Festival ending
3. Tag RED MILLS, Foran Equine & Carr & Day & Martin
4. Use #PunchestownPOV
5. Follow the accounts

FRS Fencing Announces Three-Year Partnership with Punchestown Festival 2026

Media Release, Tuesday 14th April: FRS Fencing, the leading Irish provider of fencing solutions to the agricultural, equestrian and commercial sectors, is proud to announce a three-year partnership with the prestigious Punchestown Festival. The collaboration will see FRS Fencing take centre stage as the naming partner for the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle held on the Friday of the five day festival each year from 2026 through 2028.

FRS Fencing, part of FRS Co-Op, is the largest specialist fencing business in the country operating from 15 locations nationwide. They are exclusive and sole providers of the Sentree copper-oil and Dura2 copper-water timber fence posts in Ireland, which come with 20 year warranties and are direct replacements for creosote treated products. As leaders in fencing for almost 40 years, the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle sponsorship underlines the company’s commitment to Irish sport, equine communities and rural enterprises.

Commenting on the partnership, Colin Donnery – FRS Co-Op CEO said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Punchestown through this exciting three-year deal. The Friday at Punchestown is a massive occasion and partnering with such a celebrated event allows us to connect directly with the equine and rural communities that are at the heart of our business. Initiatives like this showcase our work while staying true to our cooperative roots.”

Janet Creighton, sponsorship at Punchestown, added: “FRS Fencing’s involvement highlights the value of long-term partnerships that connect national brands with our racing and equestrian community. We are thrilled to welcome them as the named partner of the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle and look forward to seeing their commitment showcased across the Festival over the next three years.”

Kevin Blake, Horse Breeder, also commented, “It’s fantastic to see FRS Fencing come on board as a sponsor of the Punchestown Racing Festival. Strong sponsorship is vital to the ongoing success of Irish racing, and it’s especially encouraging when that support comes from a thriving cooperative. Partnerships like this highlight the strength of the industry and the communities behind it.”

The FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle takes place on day four of the 2026 Punchestown Festival which runs from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May.

ENDS

More About FRS
FRS Fencing is Ireland’s leading farm and commercial fencing providers and is a proud part of FRS Co-Op. Headquartered in Roscrea, County Tipperary, FRS Co-Op was founded in 1980 and has 2,000 staff nationwide. The FRS Co-Op provides a broad spectrum of services spanning fencing, agriculture, training, recruitment, employment support and contract services. Its diverse businesses include FRS Recruitment, FRS Fencing, FRS Farm Services, FRS Training, Turas Nua and WrkWrk.

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Gaelic Warrior, Fact To File and Jukebox Man in mix for Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup as Punchestown Festival Grade 1 entries for are released
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William Hill Champion Chase shaping up to be a cracker with Il Etait Temps, Marine Nationale and Majborough among entrants
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Queen of the Turf Lossiemouth to take on allcomers in Boodles Champion Hurdle
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MEDIA RELEASE 13TH APRIL 2026: Gaelic Warrior, Lossiemouth and Il Etait Temps are among a mouth-watering cast of equine luminaries bidding to put a glorious full stop on another epic jumps season at the Punchestown Festival. Entries for the dozen Grade 1 contests held during the traditional high-powered conclusion to the Irish campaign have been unveiled this morning and the customary elite nature of their composition is maintained.Tomorrow marks the two-week warning for the commencement of a guaranteed rollercoaster of activity and emotion, as the cream of the crop in Ireland and Britain, with a sprinkling of French involvement too, vie for a share of the record-breaking total prize fund of €3,600,000 on offer from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May.

As ever, this carnival provides something for everyone and if there will be a party taking place during the week, the action promises the most intense championship racing.
There is the added ingredient too of the possibility, at least, of Willie Mullins’ 18-year run as champion trainer on his native shore coming to an end, as Gordon Elliott leads the race in pursuit of his maiden title. The Closutton guru remains hot favourite to secure his 20th crown in total, to go with his pair of British championships, with the aforementioned Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase heroes in the mix to go to war on his behalf.

Gaelic Warrior is among 14 entries in the LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP, where two horses that have already beaten him this year, stablemate and Irish Gold Cup conqueror Fact To File, and Ladbrokes King George VI Chase winner The Jukebox Man could oppose.
Lossiemouth is one of a dozen considering participation in the BOODLES CHAMPION HURDLE, with old rival and Thursday’s Aintree Hurdle victress Brighterdaysahead in their midst, while Il Etait Temps has a select group of seven high-class opponents potentially looking to take his scalp in the WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE, which is shaping up to get the festival off to an explosive start as Marine Nationale and Majborough will be expected to line up along with Energumene and Captain Guinness.

Long-time sparring partners, Robcour duo, Bob Olinger and Teahupoo, are in the mix along with 16 other horses for the LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS’ HURDLE. Cheltenham/Aintree hero Home By The Lee has been given the option of attempting a unique treble but trainer Joseph O’Brien reports the bid to be unlikely. The roll call remains a competitive one, however, as is typical of the sumptuous feast served up throughout the week.
O’Brien doesn’t contend for champion honours in this sphere, given he trains only 25 or so jumps horses at his predominantly flat operation on Carriganóg Hill, yet his percentage return is hugely impressive at the highest level and only three trainers in Ireland and Britain have trained more individual Grade 1 winners this season – Mullins, Elliott and Nicky Henderson. He will be trying to add to that stunning return, while Elliott and Henry de Bromhead are among others with contenders that are accustomed to big-race success at the famed Co Kildare venue described by Mullins as a “an amphitheatre of racing”.

There is the prospect of a vibrant British representation too, buoyed by last year’s successes at the Punchestown Festival and their improved results on home territory also. Dan Skelton, Ben Pauling, Nicky Henderson, Harry Derham, Paul Nicholls, Olly Murphy and Jeremy Scott are just some of the cross-channel crew eyeing a journey across the Irish Sea.
Meanwhile, Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm have made a couple of entries from their French base.
But as befitting a year when more trainers have elbowed their way into the big time, such as Andy Slattery, Colm Murphy, Emmet Mullins and Noel Meade, the fare is open and there are countless operations dreaming of glory.
Patrick Harty’s earlier memories of racing revolve around the Punchestown Festival. Now that he is joint trainer on the Curragh-based yard with his father Eddie, he is relishing the prospect of being a protagonist on the big stage.
“We are delighted to have a couple of entries in the Grade 1s at Punchestown,” Harty Jnr says.
“The week at Punchestown is a brilliant race week and we’re really excited. As a Kildare man, I have been going for years and taking days off from school. It was always a great meeting and to have horses running in some of the top races and the best races is extremely exciting.
“I would absolutely love to win one of the races I was chasing as a kid, along with the stars of the time, and it would be very cool to train a star of this time.”

LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP
(Wednesday, April 29th – 14 entries)

Gaelic Warrior (Willie Mullins) is the marquee name among the 14 entries for the LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP, following his effortless triumph at Prestbury Park but he won’t have it all his own way and indeed, we could have another pulsating renewal to live up to recent offerings. Gaelic Warrior’s Cheltenham predecessor, Inothewayurthinkin (Gavin Cromwell) could line up after posting his best performance of the current campaign to date when staying on to be third last month, while another JP McManus-owned gelding, Fact To File was a wide-margin winner over his stablemate in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.
The Jukebox Man also finished in front of Gaelic Warrior this year, by the tiny margin of two noses, but that earned Ben Pauling’s stable star the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase on St Stephen’s Day.
While not involved at the business end in Cheltenham, a reason has been unearthed and Pauling is leaning towards making to trip to Ireland if his charge shows the right signs after a minor wind procedure.
“He was a bit stiff and sore after the Gold Cup and there was a lot didn’t go our way in the race so we’ve a lot to find. But he’s been at that level before and hopefully he can find that again,” Pauling reports.
“He’s had a little tinkle on his wind – he had a little soft palate issue we had to sort out. But if he shows the form I want him to show leading up to the race, we’ll go over and give it another crack. He’s a horse that I know has got the ability to be in these races. He’s proven it already and there’s no taking away from how impressive Gaelic Warrior was but we’ve got to try serve it up to him.
“He didn’t have an overly hard race at Cheltenham because he probably wasn’t able to put it in. We all know the Gold Cup can leave a dent in horses and he probably hasn’t had that dent put in him. And after running in a Gold Cup, we don’t need to worry about fitness. So long as he’s sound and well and 100%, we’ll be there.”

WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE
(Tuesday, April 28th – 8 entries)
Quality is the watchword in the WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE too with winners of the three of the last five renewals and the last five Queen Mothers at Cheltenham, it has the potential to be one of the greatest renewals in recent memory and certainly will get the Punchestown started with a bang.
Energumene (Willie Mullins) and Captain Guinness (Henry de Bromhead) have moved into veteran status now but remain enthusiastic about their jobs, as the former proved most recently at Fairyhouse.
Marine Nationale thrilled a huge crowd when bolting up in the race 12 months ago, following up from a rousing victory at Cheltenham and replicating Energumene’s double feats of 2022-23.
Barry Connell’s brilliant chaser missed Prestbury Park in March due to a slight knock but is on course to defend his domestic crown with Il Etait Temps, who benefited from a consummately patient ride by Paul Townend to score at Cheltenham, the chief rivaland thus in with a chance of joining the recent double winners.
Another Mullins trainee, four-time Grade 1 winner Majborough, would be a very interesting participant given his tendency to mix the sublime with the ridiculous, while Solness (Joseph O’Brien), himself a triple top-flight victor over two miles, would ensure a true-run affair coming back from losing by just a neck to Grey Dawning over 2m5f in the Melling Chase at Aintree.
“Of the horses that ran at Aintree, Solness is the only one that could continue to Punchestown,” O’Brien comments.
“He ran a great race at Aintree and has had another great season. He would be going back down to two miles but it will all depend on how we feel he recovers from Saturday and we will make a call on that next week.”

BOODLES CHAMPION HURDLE
(Friday, May 1st – 12 entries)
There will be a new name on the roll of honour this year with the winner of the last three renewals, State Man, sidelined with the season still in its infancy.
It was State Man’s primacy that restricted Lossiemouth (Willie Mullins) to mares company but she flourished at Cheltenham, turning the tables on Brighterdaysahead, who had held the upper hand in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in February.
Gordon Elliott’s mare has since won the Aintree Hurdle back over two and a half miles with a game performance, while Lossiemouth has enjoyed some easy time since Cheltenham.
Another horse of the fair sex, Golden Ace is on the list too, having been State Man’s nearest challenger 12 months ago. It was Jeremy Scott’s admirable charge that picked up the pieces when State Man came a cropper at the last in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle prior to that.
Jonjo and AJ O’Neill enjoyed success at the Punchestown Festival last year with Petit Tonnerre but are aiming higher with Wilful, who was runner-up in the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle 12 months ago but has improved in leaps and bounds since, most recently running out a three-length winner of the William Hill County Hurdle at Cheltenham.
“Wilful is our only Grade 1 entry at Punchestown,” says AJ. “ It was a cracking performance from him at Cheltenham in the County. We were absolutely delighted with him. He’s a horse that has really progressed through the season and kept improving and he has come out of Cheltenham well.
“He’s put in really strong performances in handicaps at Cheltenham and Ascot, when winning, and also at Windsor during their winter festival, so he’s had a really good season and it would be great to see him step up in grade so we will keep an eye on it and make a bit of a plan from there.”

LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS’ HURDLE
(Thursday, April 30th – 18 entries)
Although Home By The Lee is reported by trainer Joseph O’Brien to be slated for a trip to Auteuil after carrying out the Cheltenham/Aintree double on Saturday, he has been given the option of bidding for the major festival treble that another 11-year-old, Sire Du Berlais, only failed to record by three-quarters of a length in 2023. The troupe of potentials remains of the highest calibre, with a plethora of Grade 1 winners eyeing up an opportunity to add to their tallies.
Bob Olinger and Teahupoo were Stayers’ Hurdle victors at Cheltenham in 2025 and 2024 respectively for Robcour and while the former ran another cracker last March in third, the latter was unusuallyuncompetitive.
Punchestown is a happy hunting ground however, and were he to score in the LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS’ HURDLE on Thursday, he would enter the Pantheon of the racetrack’s greats by emulating Klassical Dream as a three-in-a-row kingpin (2021-23). Quevega retains the record with her four consecutive triumphs from 2010-14.
As well as entering Bob Olinger, Henry de Bromhead has also included two other Robcour representatives, Hiddenvalley Lake and Air Of Entitlement, while Teahupoo’s handler, Gordon Elliott has put Honesty Policy into the mix.

PRL CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE
(Tuesday, April 28th – 22 entries)
El Cairos was the first Irish-trained horse home in fifth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and could well be a different proposition back at Punchestown with more improvement in the tank and a runner-up finish in the JP & M Doyle INH Flat Race last year in the memory bank.
The winner of that contest, Baron Noir, also finished just ahead of El Cairos at Cheltenham and it is no surprise that Alan King has a return to the Punchestown Festival in the diary for the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate-owned son of Vadamos.
Gordon Elliott, who trains El Cairos, also has an interesting contenders in Skylight Hustle, who fell in the Turners at Cheltenham after racing keenly going up in trip from her Grade 1 mares’ triumph at Leopardstown, and Koktail Brut, who bounced back from being down the field at Prestbury Park to win at Grade 2 level by almost 10 lengths at Fairyhouse.
The runner-up on that occasion was Ebony King, and Andy Slattery – who is red hot at present – provides his charge with an opportunity to reoppose.
Le Labo has a number of entries and would be included in any calculations were he to turn up here. After unseating John Gleeson on debut over hurdles at Thurles, the Mount Nelson bay fell when clear at the last in a competitive maiden at Cork subsequently. He put it all together last time when rewarding Joseph O’Brien for his ambition to battle to a neck victory in a Naas Grade 3 level early last month.
“Le Labo will definitely go in one of the Grade 1 novice hurdles,” O’Brien confirms. “He was gutsy when winning at Naas, so the next logical step is to go up to the next level with him.”

DOOLEY INSURANCE GROUP CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE
(Tuesday, April 28th – 19 entries)
This has attracted a lip-smacking crop of staying novice chasers with Willie Mullins including the 1-2 from Cheltenham, Kitzbuhel and Final Demand, as well as Kappa Jy Pyke, a winner of the Grade 3 Sky Bet Super Sub Novice Chase at Punchestown in January, who finished second in the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
Fleur In The Park provided in-form trainer, Any Slattery and jockey Cian Quirke with a first Grade 1 by scoring in that Fairyhouse feature and could well have a tilt at securing a lucrative and notable double.
Emmet Mullins has given Irish Grand National hero, Soldier In Milan the option, while Henry de Bromhead includes his brilliant mare The Big Westerner, who has not been seen since winning a Grade 2 mares’ chase at Limerick over Christmas and missed an intended Cheltenham engagement due to her preference for soft ground.

CHANNOR REAL ESTATE GROUP NOVICE HURDLE
(Wednesday, April 29th – 32 entries)
The spread of Grade 1-winning trainers has been a notable aspect of the Irish jumps season and Zanooshis another heartwarming story, having provided Colm Murphy with his first elite success since returning to the training ranks in the Honeysuckle Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse. In the process, the Winning Ways Reunion Syndicate’s daughter of Harzand was also providing jockey, Brian Hayes with his maiden Grade 1 triumph.
It was a fifth straight victory for this clearly progressive mare and it is likely that ground conditions will dictate whether she takes in this three-mile examination or the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle on Friday.
Willie Mullins is mob-handed, with 11 of the 32 entrants, and dual Grade 1 winner Doctor Steinberg would be on a retrieval mission, having faded when travelling very keenly in the Albert Bartlett Hurdle.
There are five cross-channel entrants, including Johnny’s Jury, who won at Cheltenham for Jamie Snowden, and No Drama This End, from the Paul Nicholls yard.
Harry Derham experienced Punchestown Festival success in 2025 when Ascending Lark galloped to victory in the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle and the talented young conditioner will be back with the Isaac Souede/Simon Munir-owned Le Frimeur, who like Zanoosh, has the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle as a potential alternative.
“Le Frimeur had a setback after he won in the autumn and was good at Newbury. He has been put in the two races. That obviously won’t be a decision just for me. There are some very experienced people in the Double Green team so I would imagine there will be conversations closer to the time.
“He’ll be kept in both and I will just try to prepare the horse in the best possible condition for Punchestown week. I’ll obviously give my view but you have to respect there’s an enormous amount of experience in the team and we’ll make the decision closer to the time.”

RACE & STAY AT PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION INH FLAT RACE
(Wednesday, April 29th – 19 entries)
Bambino Fever (2025), A Dream To Share (2023), Facile Vega (2022), Fayonagh (2017), Champagne Fever (2012) and Cousin Vinny (2008) completed the Cheltenham/Punchestown double in the past and that is the territory The Mourne Rambler will enter if prevailing for Noel Meade, although flat champion jockey, Colin Keane will not be eligible to do the steering in the RACE & STAY AT PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION INH FLAT RACE.
The Mourne Rambler was a convincing winner of the Cheltenham Champion Bumper when Love Sign D’aunou was favourite, but the Mullins charge never got involved, having sluiced home to a 24-length triumph on debut on heavy ground in Naas in January.
Gordon Elliott has enjoyed plenty of bumper success during the current campaign and Charismatic Kid, bought for Gigginstown House Stud after winning for trainer Colm Ryan at Navan in December, could be on the upgrade after following up a close third at Dublin Racing Festival with an 11-length victory at Fairyhouse

BARBERSTOWN CASTLE NOVICE CHASE
(Thursday, April 30th – 13 entries)
Racing lovers will not want to miss this if Willie Mullins trainees, Kargese and Kopek Des Bordes do battle once more after a thrilling contest in the Arkle in which the jumping accuracy of Kenny Alexander’s mare under Danny Mullins down the stretch moved the dial in her favour.
Kargese was a high-class hurdler too, and finished third in last year’s Boodles Champion Hurdle, just six lengths behind the dominant State Man, but has improved over fences.
Kopek Des Bordes was victorious in last year’s Supreme at Cheltenham and his endeavours in defeat last month were notable given that he had raced only once over fences prior to that, due to an injury setback.
It is reasonable to expect the McCarthy family’s pride and joy to improve for his first run in almost four months though in truth, he did very little wrong in the jumping department before making a significant error at the last when still travelling strongly.
Stencil would be a fascinating contestant for the French-based training duo, Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm but the JP McManus-owned five-year-old has disappointed since winning at Chepstow in January, racing very keenly in the Jack Richards at Cheltenham and then being pulled up when near the top of the market in the Red Rum at Aintree.
Eddie and Patrick Harty rolled the dice with Irish Panther in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, and the nine-year-old justified that decision by looking sure to make the frame, only to make an uncharacteristic shuddering error at the last.
A product of the late Edward O’Grady, Irish Panther did connections proud and will now revert to novice company in pursuit of a coveted Grade 1, having been just denied by Romeo Coolio over 2m1f at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day.
“Irish Panther has come out of Cheltenham very well,” reports Patrick Harty. “We were delighted with his run for the most part in the Champion Chase, bar that bad mistake at the last, where he just walked through it and did well to stand up. He would have been in the first four – possibly second – but almost definitely third or firth. So we’re delighted with that. It gives us plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
“We are stepping back now into novice company at Punchestown, which is a very fair track at which the best horse usually wins. He has to take on the first two from the Arkle in all likelihood, but we have a lot of belief in our horse. He’s very fast, he’s very talented and he jumps great and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

ALANNA HOMES CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE
(Friday, May 1st – 31 entries)
King Rasko Grey is the one to beat among this lengthy catalogue of talented operators at the intermediate trip, the gelding owned by Audrey Turley and trained by Willie Mullins building on the promise he had shown when third at the Dublin Racing Festival over 2m, by prevailing in the Turners at Cheltenham.
Stablemate He’s On Fire would be one to note if lining up, as a late starter this term that has created a major impression by backing up a 20-length maiden hurdle victory at Carlisle in February with a Grade 2 success by a dozen lengths at Fairyhouse.
Mullins might stew over the participation of Doctor Steinberg also, given how hard he pulled in the Albert Bartlett on his first attempt at 3m. He was a Grade 1 winner by eight lengths over 2m5f at the DRF despite that over-exuberance.
As mentioned already, this would be an option for Zanoosh also, with two and a half miles on soft ground right up her ally as evidenced when winning the Grade 1 Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse, but also proving her stamina over three miles, which is why the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle is being considered by trainer, Colm Murphy.
After some good runs in defeat, Barley Lane got off the mark over hurdles at Down Royal last month and Eddie and Patrick Harty believe the time is right to try find out what the five-year-old’s level might be.
“We were very happy with how he won at Down Royal on St Patrick’s Day,” says Patrick Harty. “It was a big step forward on his two previous efforts. He’s a horse with a lot of promise, a lot of potential and we’re quite interested to run him in a Grade 1, to see how he copes with the higher tempo against better horses than he has previously encountered and it will help us decide what we do going forward.”
This is among the options for Le Frimeur (Harry Derham) and Le Labo (Joseph O’Brien), as mentioned by both trainers above.

SBK IRISH EBF MARES’ CHAMPION HURDLE
(Saturday, May 2nd – 10 entries)
Lossiemouth (Willie Mullins) heads the entries herealong with old rival Brighterdaysahead (Gordon Elliott) but they would be expected to participate in the Boodles Champion Hurdle if drawing the curtain down on their campaigns at the Punchestown Festival.
Golden Ace (Jeremy Scott) could take this in, however, having run well in defeat in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle and the Aintree Hurdle. She showed her liking for the course when the nearest challenger to State Man in the 2025 Boodles Champion Hurdle.
Wodhooh would be a tough nut to crack though, as Elliott’s saviour at the last two Cheltenham festivals, most recently in the Mares Hurdle. The Meath mancould be in need of the prize money too in his bid to secure a first championship title.

BALLYMORE CHAMPION FOUR-YEAR-OLD HURDLE
(Saturday, May 2nd – 22 entries)
The curtain comes down on the Grade 1 fare with the juvenile hurdlers. Apolon De Charnie will attemptconfirm his dominance of the division after winning in the Triumph Hurdle in his first run since joining the Mullins brigade from France and theoretically, should improve for that experience.
Mange Tout has been held in high esteem at Cullentra House for some time and confirmed why when holding off a rallying Selma De Vary in the Grade 1 Boodles Anniversary 4YO Hurdle at Aintree on Thursday.
Bartholomew created a strong impression when scoring by 10 lengths in his maiden hurdle at Cork last week, while the George/Zetterholm tandem could ship Noire Wulf, who won at Compiegne the same day.
One Horse Town (Harry Derham) is a likely participant. He was winning for the fourth successive time in a busy campaign when delivering a Grade 2 at Prestbury Park last November. He then placed in three subsequent top-class juvenile affairs subsequently before finishing down the field in the Triumph.
“One Horse Town had a little break after Cheltenham,” Derham reveals. “He’s had a great season, wasn’t good enough at Cheltenham, but he deserves his place in the line-up.
“He’s been a really good fun horse for his owners this season and he’ll go there and take his chance. We’re not going under any illusions but he’s been a really tough, hardy juvenile and we’ll go and hope he runs a nice race.”

 

 

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

*THE END**

 

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 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