Punchestown Crowned Racecourse of The Year!

Punchestown crowned Irish Racecourse of The Year at a prestigious Horse Racing Ireland awards ceremony on Monday 8th December.

In a star-studded event held in Dublin’s historic Round Room at the Mansion House, the home of Irish Jump Racing regained the title as racecourse of the year.

The racecourse category is awarded based on public votes, combined with votes from each of Ireland’s 26 racecourses and a select Horse Racing Ireland committee with a focus on sustainability.

Punchestown was amongst great company with the winners list including Galopin Des Champs, Willie and Patrick Mullins and the now iconic Rachael Blackmore.

Speaking on behalf of the team and directors Punchestown CEO Conor O’Neill said: “By any measure 2025 was an exceptional year at Punchestown. Our festival was a true celebration of our sport with amazing stories, huge crowds, great results, wonderful atmosphere all in beautiful sunshine. The festival may be a highlight but throughout the year we have great days at Punchestown and we really mean it when we say that it’s the people that make the place. The racecourse is the stage for the end result of so many peoples and horses efforts. Now we need to continue to improve, build on what we have try to hold onto the trophy!”

The ten winners at the 23rd Horse Racing Ireland Awards were:

Contribution to the Industry Rachael Blackmore
Racecourse of the Year Punchestown Racecourse
Flat Award Dylan Browne McMonagle
National Hunt Award Willie Mullins
Flat Achievement Award Joseph Murphy
National Hunt Achievement Award Patrick Mullins
Emerging Talent Award Nicola Burns
Point-to-Point Award Sam Curling
Ride of the Year Award Alan O’Sullivan on Filey Bay at Galway
Horse of the Year Galopin Des Champs / Ethical Diamond