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