Senior Art Competition Winners

6th Class, Room 2 – St. Corban’s BNS

 

Junior Art Competition Winners
🥇 Lily Monohan – Caragh NS, Ms. Hanly’s 2nd Class
🥈 Isabelle Nixon – Rathmore NS, Ms. Doyle’s 1st Class
🥉 Donnacha Dooling – Ballymore NS, 1st Class

 

Competition Details

• We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 BritVic Inter School Art Competition at Punchestown.
• 17 schools participated in this years Punchestown Festival Schools Art Competition sponsored by BritVic.
• The Senior classes had the task of designing and creating a trophy to be awarded to the winning connections of a the first race on Saturday, May 3rd.
• The brief was simple – using their creativity and craftsmanship, the students aimed to craft a unique symbol of victory.
• The junior classes were given the exciting challenge of designing a vibrant and playful mane for their horse, using as many fun and colourful materials as they could find. From ribbons and beads to feathers and sparkles, the students let their creativity run wild.

 

The 2025 BritVic Inter Schools Punchestown Art Competition Participants: 

Killashee Multi Denominational National School
Scoil Mhuire National School, Ballymore
Scoil Brid, Oldtown Naas
Scoil Chorbain BNS Naas
Hollywood NS
Ursaille Naofa, Twomilehouse
St Marys J.N.S, Blessington
Ballyshannon National School
An Linbh Iosa, Ballycane
Valleymount
Naas Community National School
Scoil Bhride National School, Kilcullen
Halverstown NS
Rathmore National School
St Marys SNS, Blessington
Kill National School/ Scoil Bhride
Caragh National School

 

 

Marine Nationale “in super form” ahead of possible joust with Fact To File in mouth-watering William Hill Champion Chase

WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE
(Tuesday, April 29th – 13 entries)

The winners of the last four Queen Mother Champion Chases have been given the option of running in the William Hill Champion Chase, which looks like getting the Punchestown Festival off to a stupendous start.

Energumene (2022, 2023), Captain Guinness (2024) and the new kingpin, Marine Nationale are all included in a mouth-watering list. And if that wasn’t enough to get the juices flowing, Willie Mullins has included easy Ryanair Chase victor, Fact To File for what would be an intriguing look at the minimum trip after scoring so readily over 2m5f last March.

Fact To File won the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown over the intermediate trip in November but Marine Nationale is undoubtedly the one they all have to beat after his stunning exhibition of jumping and closing speed at Cheltenham.

“He’s great, in super form,” declares owner/trainer Barry Connell. “He came out of the race brilliant. He didn’t have much of a blow after the race. I think he was the easiest winner of the whole week and he’s come out of the race in super shape.

“He hasn’t had an over-taxing season really. We’ve been building up to the spring festivals so we’re looking forward to him going to Punchestown. Hopefully we get the usual nice spring ground, which will suit him well.

“The big thing with him was that he came into the season basically still a novice, lacking a lot of experience, and he was being pitched in against battle-hardened chasers and it’s a difficult thing to do, particularly in the two-mile division, where jumping accuracy is so important.

“He kicked off low-key in Naas. That was a big stepping stone. His two runs at Leopardstown were really good. He jumped well and as he usually does when he goes to Cheltenham, he comes alive, loves the place. It was all building towards getting the experience and fitness and everything came together at Cheltenham.

“His jumping was exemplary and it took him into the race without any great effort. And then the usual thing he does, when he jumps the last at Cheltenham, he just takes off.

“We couldn’t be happier with him now looking forward to Punchestown, and whatever turns up, we’ll be happy to take them on.”

 

LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS’ HURDLE
(Thursday, May 1st – 20 entries)

Robcour duo, Bob Olinger and Teahupoo, are on target to renew their rivalry in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers’ Hurdle.

It was the former that prevailed as Teahupoo attempted to go back-to-back at Cheltenham last month, delivered with brilliant composure by Rachael Blackmore to score for trainer, Henry de Bromhead.

Once more, it is the gelding trained by Gordon Elliott trying to go for two-in-a-row and punters will be in for a treat if the pair are given the chance to duel at Punchestown.

Hiddenvalley Lake is another Robcour-owned horse conditioned at Knockeen Stables by de Bromhead and after scoring emphatically at Aintree on Saturday, is also among the 20 entries.

Home By The Lee never got racing in Liverpool, after being brought down lucklessly at Cheltenham, but the Joseph O’Brien-trained galloper is a dual Grade 1 winner, who has taken Bob Olinger’s scalp twice this season alone and he would be a major contender.

English-based Tipperary native, Fergal O’Brien could make the visit with Crambo, who fell in the Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle but like Home By The Lee, is a two-time Grade 1 winner. Nicky Henderson has entered Lucky Place.

Willie Mullins has six in the mix, with Coral Cup winner Jimmy Du Seuil among the more interesting ones. Declan Queally’s talented five-year-old Rocky’s Diamond, who was fourth in Cheltenham, could also play a part.

 

Kilkea Castle Hotel and Golf Resort Announced as New Punchestown Accommodation Partner.

 

MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 21^st January: As the business end of the jump racing season gathers pace, Punchestown Racecourse today announced that Kilkea Catle Hotel and Golf Resort are to join the sponsorship and accommodation portfolio at the home of Irish jump racing.

 

The Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Maiden Hurdle on 16^th February will kickstart the campaign to establish this beautiful historic property as a leading choice for the horse racing community not only for the upcoming Punchestown Festival but throughout the year. Conveniently located in the heartland of racing country and within thirty minutes of Punchestown and an hour of Dublin, the 180-acre estate is an ideal home from home.

 

Aidan O’Sullivan, General Manager at Kilkea Castle, looked ahead to this partnership at Punchestown: “The Kilkea and Punchestown teams share a vision for this partnership and it is to create an exceptional and memorable overall experience for visitors.  A day at the Punchestown races is a special occasion and should begin and end with excellent hospitality, food, transfers to the track and super customer service in beautiful surroundings. This is where Kilkea Castle aims to meet and exceed expectations to establish ourselves as a leading choice for the racing community”.

 

With a history dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle was once the medieval stronghold of the FitzGerald’s, Earls of Kildare and is one of Ireland’s oldest inhabited castles. The family owned and managed resort has 140 bedrooms including original castle rooms and resort lodges provide options for a variety of group sizes and budgets.   A challenging 18-hole championship golf course, excellent spa and delicious culinary offerings allow for a tailored racing and relaxation experience.

Welcoming the historic resort to the accommodation  panel, Punchestown’s Janet Creighton said: “We are so pleased to welcome Kilkea Castle as an hotel partner because we know that when we recommend this property to clients not only will they will be impressed with the stunning setting, history and heritage but beyond that, the Kilkea team will deliver an excellent level of service and look after the Punchestown visitors so well.

Kilkea Castle Hotel and Golf Resort are now taking bookings for the 2025 Punchestown Festival and beyond. The team are happy to tailor packages to include transfers, golf and spa packages, after racing dining options and group bookings. Please visit www.kilkeacastle.ie for the best value rates or call us on 059 9145600.

 

The 2025 Punchestown Festival runs from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May. For full event details, season fixtures and ticket options please visit www.Punchestown.com

 

**ENDS**

 

Stable staff on duty at the upcoming Punchestown Winter Festival will not only enjoy lunch compliments of Midland Travel but will also be in with a chance to win a trip to Paris next summer thanks to Ireland’s leading provider of travel and sports package trips.

As part of their continued backing of Irish racing, long-standing supporters Midland Travel return to the home of Irish jump racing with a generous package focusing on the hard working stable staff team members at the upcoming Punchestown Winter festival.

Midland Travel will be sponsoring the stable yard canteen for the duration of the event ensuring that racing yard staff can enjoy a complimentary selection of hot dishes, tea, coffee and snacks. Furthermore, the centrepiece of the Midlands Travel package is their generous offering of a wonderful prize for two people to visit Paris next summer. The trip includes return flights, three nights bed and breakfast in four star accommodation and more. Stable staff on duty on 19^th and 20^th of November will have the opportunity to enter the free draw on either race day.

Stephen Bernie of Midland Travel explained the background to the package “Some years ago we were involved with a new initiative at Punchestown called the Up The Yard Challenge. We sponsored the prize for the winning rider of the inter-stable race”. Bernie continued “The whole idea of focusing on the hard working stable staff really appealed to us. We felt if anyone deserved a nice holiday it was them! When the opportunity arose to be involved in the Winter Festival we were delighted to take part and look forward to assisting the brilliant horse men and women of Irish racing when it comes to planning their well-deserved holiday at the end of the season”.

Leona Hughes, Punchestown Sponsorship Manager said “Midland Travel deserve so much thanks for this very generous sponsorship of the yard canteen and donation of such a great prize. We know that outside of racecourse staff, the teams from yards around the country are the first to arrive on site each race day and in many cases the last to leave. Some have long journeys ahead of them before returning to the yard to look after the horses before themselves. They are long days so to make sure everyone has a nutritious meal at some stage is important. We are constantly planning on improving and upgrading facilities. Recent plans were delayed due to the pandemic but we hope to focus on industry facilities going forward”.

The 2022 Punchestown Winter Festival takes place Saturday 19^th and Sunday 20^th November. Featuring grade one, two, listed, rated and cross-country racing the two day fixture is quality start to finish. Action gets underway at 12.30pm on day one and 11.45am on Sunday. Live music, free children’s entertainment, tasty food options and shuttle bus after racing make up a great day out. Advance ticket deals available on www.punchestown.com

 

Punchestown Winter Festival Quick Guide:
When: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November 2022

Time: First race/last race 12.30 & 4pm  Saturday. 11.45 & 3.50pm Sunday.
Tickets:  €15pp in advance includes free racecard on arrival. €20 on the day. Seniors and students can purchase for €15 on the day. Children under 14 years FREE. Visit www.punchestown.com
Make Your Day: Live music and bus service into Naas after racing both days.
Dining: Race & Dine packages in restaurant or private suite from €52pp.
Hay Café and The Feedroom for carvery lunches, light snacks, pastries and barista coffee.
The Playroom – Free indoor child friendly room with games, activities, movie corner, face painting etc. This is not a crèche facility and a parent or guardian must supervise children please.
More: For the best info follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Get the best deals when you sign up to our newsletter. Visit www.punchetsown.com or call the team who are happy to help.

Punchestown Pledge to Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal

Press Release Wednesday 13^th April 2022 – Punchestown racecourse, in association with the Irish Red Cross,  have pledged to donate all proceeds from tickets purchased over this Easter weekend for Ballymore Family Day, Saturday 30^th April, to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine crisis appeal.

Red Cross teams are on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding region as well as here in Ireland providing crucial aid for Ukrainian refugees. Your support will enable the Red Cross to continue their work to provide for basic needs such as water, food, medical aid, shelter and other essential needs.

Punchestown racecourse have pledged that all proceeds from tickets purchased for Ballymore Family day between Friday 15^th and Monday 18^th April will go directly to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal. The Ballymore Family day is the final day of the festival and takes place on Saturday 30^th April.

Conor O’Neill, Punchestown CEO said “We are all united in our horror at what is happening in Ukraine. Families and loved ones are being displaced and the consequences of this war are devastating. In addition to our Easter weekend fundraiser, we will be rolling out some additional activities to raise funds in the coming days and weeks. If everyone gives a little it will help a lot.”

Charlie Lamson, Head of Fundraising Irish Red Cross said: “The situation in Ukraine is accelerating and the need for funds to support teams on the ground has never been more crucial. Awareness and action like this Easter weekend appeal by Punchestown will all go towards supporting families that have been torn apart by this conflict. Please support by donating at www.donate.redcross.ie or by purchasing Punchestown tickets for Saturday 30^th April on www.punchestown.com”

The Ballymore Family Day is the concluding day of the Punchestown Festival and takes place on Saturday 30^th April. The Saturday has become the most popular day at the festival with crowds of over 35,000 expected to attend. A dedicated family activity area means that there is ample room for families and socialisers to enjoy the various aspects of the race day in comfort. By purchasing tickets for and attending Punchestown on Saturday 30^th you and your family and friends can make a big difference to those not as fortunate.

The Punchestown Festival gets underway on Tuesday 26^th April and runs through to Saturday 30^th April. All proceeds for festival Saturday tickets purchased between Friday 15^th and Monday 18^th April go to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Visit https://punchestown.com/book-tickets/festival-tickets/  or donate directly www.donate.redcross.ie

 

Equine Greats lead the way at the Punchestown Festival in The Great Comeback

HoneyHill clash, Clan Des Obeaux title defence & Galopin Des Champs/Bob Olinger rematch just some of the treats in store

A stupendous catalogue of some of jump racing’s most lustrous talents feature as the entries for the Punchestown Festival’s 12 Grade 1 races are released today.
Anticipation is building for what is being billed as ‘The Great Comeback’ as the five-day Punchestown Festival gets under way on Tuesday, April 26 and continues right through to Saturday, April 30.

Quality is the watchword throughout all the categories, as a host of previous Grade 1 winners, Cheltenham and Aintree victors, elite champions and stars of the future eye the Punchestown Festival to bring the curtain down on another thrilling season of jumps racing.
The dream heavyweight clash between record-breaking champion, dual Champion Hurdle winner and 2021 PADDY POWER CHAMPION HURDLE victor Honeysuckle and the pretender to her throne, Constitution Hill is still in the pipeline.
The eye is drawn to a host of delectable treats right through the five-day carnival but the prospect of HoneyHill unfolding at such an arena and with so much at stake has the entire racing world on tenterhooks.
The Friday, April 29 feature has attracted ten entries in total, with Henderson also opting to give an entry to Epatante, Honeysuckle’s predecessor as Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner, who chased her home in March before recording an impressive triumph in the Aintree Hurdle on Saturday.

Gordon Elliott has entered Teahupoo and Zanahiyr. The former disappointed in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle when hotly fancied, Zanahiyr was a brave third before falling at the last flight in the Aintree Hurdle when still in contention.
Elliott has enjoyed a very strong campaign, with five domestic Grade 1s, two Cheltenham successes and then Saturday’s stunning Grade 1 double at Aintree, on the same day that Delta Work finished third in the Grand National.

He has many fond memories of the Punchestown Festival and emphasises it as a high priority in his year.
“We’ve made entries for all the Grade 1 races at Punchestown and we will be well represented throughout the week,” said Elliott.
“It’s our season-ending Festival in Ireland and a fantastic five days. We’ve had a bit of luck there in the past and hopefully we can finish the season off with a high. It’s where my owners want to have runners and it’s where I want to have runners.

“We had two winners at Cheltenham and two Grade 1 winners at Aintree and the horses have been running well. We haven’t always had the best of luck in the last few weeks but a lot of the horses that weren’t winning were hitting the crossbar and finishing second so it was brilliant to have the couple of big winners at Aintree and see Delta Work and Escaria Ten run so well in the National itself.
“We’ve had some great days at Punchestown. It’s a brilliant place and they’ve a great team there on the track and behind the scenes and they provide beautiful ground which is so important at this time of year.

“My memories of Punchestown go way back. I won the Grade 1 Champion Bumper there on King’s Road in 1998 for Nigel Twiston-Davies. For me to win a Grade 1 as a jockey was a brilliant thrill and that was another great day… that wasn’t today or yesterday though!
“We won the race with Fayonagh then in 2017 when she did the Cheltenham/Punchestown double which was another great day. She was a special mare.

“I’ll never forget the day Don Cossack won the Punchestown Gold Cup there in 2015. I had made no secret of how much I thought of Don Cossack and he showed how tough and talented he was that day after being third at Cheltenham and winning at Aintree he still came back and put up one of his best performances to date to win at Punchestown.”
Three Stripe Life was among Elliott’s Liverpool leviathans and the six-year-old is included a stellar line-up in Friday’s other Grade 1, the ALANNA HOMES CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE, where he could be joined by Minella Crooner, who is also among the IRISH MIRROR NOVICE HURDLE entries.

“I’d hope to have a runner in each of the novice hurdles. Three Stripe Life was brilliant at Aintree and will go over fences next season so he might take in Punchestown but again, he’ll tell us over the next few days. He’s a horse to really look forward to next season.
“Minella Crooner has options of the Alanna Homes and the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdles. It was disappointing that he picked up a setback just before Cheltenham but it was very minor. We were just forced to miss a few days with him at the wrong time but he’ll go to Punchestown fresh now and I’ve been happy with him in the last couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to getting him back out.”
Sir Gerhard denied Three Stripe Life at Grade 1 level at the Dublin Racing Festival and Cheltenham and he is also included in the entries for the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle. Other top-tier victors from the Willie Mullins yard, The Nice Guy and Minella Cocooner could also line up, while Aintree Grade 1 winner Jonbon is another possibility to represent Nicky Henderson and champion owner, JP McManus.
The Punchestown Festival kicks into gear on Tuesday, April 26 with three Grade 1s, the BECTIVE STUD CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE starting it all off. Constitution Hill, Sir Gerhard, Three Stripe Life and Jonbon hold entries in this contest too, while County Hurdle winner State Man would be an intriguing contender.

Three Stripe Life’s fellow Cullentra inmate, Mighty Potter got the better of him in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas but will be on the redemption trail after being pulled up in the Supreme at Cheltenham.
“Mighty Potter didn’t run his race at Cheltenham but has come home well and he’ll definitely go to Punchestown and I’d love to have a big winner there for his owners, Andrew and Gemma Brown.
“We also have Fil Dor for them as well and he’ll go for the BALLYMORE CHAMPION FOUR-YEAR-OLD HURDLE on the Saturday. He has to try turn the tables with Vauban, who beat him at Cheltenham and the Dublin Racing Festival but we’ll give it a go. Punchestown is a different type of test and if he can run his race we’d be delighted.”

Tuesday’s other Grade 1s include the DOOLEY INSURANCE CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE and WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE.
The latter may only have attracted seven entries but it offers the likelihood of the Cheltenham champion Energumene resuming rivalries with his Closutton stablemate Chacun Pour Soi, who came a cropper five out at Prestbury Park and has a fantastic Punchestown Festival record. Another stablemate, Ryanair Chase winner Allaho is also included, along with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Aintree Grade 1 winner Fakir D’oudairies.

Meanwhile, the DOOLEY INSURANCE NOVICE CHAMPION CHASE offers the possibility of a fantastic rematch between Galopin Des Champs and Bob Olinger, with the former having fallen at the last with the Turners Novice Chase at his mercy. Bob Olinger picked up the pieces but was reported afterwards by trainer Henry de Bromhead to have suffered a muscle injury.

There are three more Grade 1 prizes up for grabs on Wednesday, April 27, the most sumptuous dish on the menu perhaps being the LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP, which features the Paul Nicholls-trained defending champion, Clan Des Obeaux attempting a remarkable ‘Double Double’, having repeated his Betway Bowl success of 12 months ago at Aintree last week. His bold, front-running effort in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup last year was one of the highlights of the entire week.

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Al Boum Photo was a length-and-a-half second on that occasion is likely to be back in the fray, as is his Cheltenham successor Minella Indo, who finished second in this year’s renewal to stablemate, A Plus Tard.
Another Grade 1-winning chaser set to take part is the Gordon Elliott-prepped Galvin, who finished just two and a half lengths behind Minella Indo in fourth last month. Elliott has also given an entry to Delta Work, who followed his Cross-Country Chase defeat of Tiger Roll with a very brave run in Saturday’s Grand National.

“Galvin is in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup and hopefully he’ll go there,” Elliott revealed.
“He kept answering every call for us this season and earned his crack at the Gold Cup. He ran well, he finished fourth and if we can freshen him up and get him back to Punchestown in good order he has some very solid form and it would be nice to give him another go at a race like that before he goes on his summer holidays. Delta Work has probably done enough for the season but we’ll have a chat with Michael and Eddie. They are very sporting in how they make their entries and they’ll let the horse tell us how he is closer to the time.”
The RACE & STAY AT PUNCHESTOWN INH FLAT RACE offers the possibility of another interesting reunion in the form of exciting Cheltenham Champion Bumper Facile Vega and American Mike, who was a valiant runner-up.

Sire Du Berlais put up a career best performance in claiming the scalp of dual Stayers’ Hurdle hero Flooring Porter at Aintree on Saturday and Elliott will see how JP McManus’s two-time Cheltenham Festival winner recovers from those exertions before deciding whether he takes on the likes of his Coral Cup-winning stablemate Commander Of Fleet, as well as Klassical Dream, Thyme Hill and the Emma Lavelle-trained former champion stayer, Paisley Park in the LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS HURDLE on Thursday, April 28.
“Sire Du Berlais probably did surprise me a small bit but he had the form to put up that type of performance and it was great to get him back to that,” Elliott enthused.

“He beat a very good horse in Flooring Porter and we were delighted. He is in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers at Punchestown and we’ll just see how he comes home from Liverpool over the next few days and I’ll speak with JP McManus and Frank Berry and we’ll see what we do.
“We’ve got Commander Of Fleet in there as well and he deserves to take his chance after Cheltenham. He is a horse we’ve always liked and he was good and tough in Cheltenham and is on the ticket for Punchestown.”
Gentleman De Mee lowered the colours of Arkle Chase winner Edwardstone in Aintree last week and he heads a seven-strong Willie Mullins team in the BARBERSTOWN CASTLE NOVICE CHASE that also includes Dublin Racing Festival Grade 1 winner, Blue Lord as well as Gavin Cromwell’s Arkle runner-up Gabynako, who finished just ahead of Blue Lord at Cheltenham.
A fantastic feast concludes on Saturday, April 30, with two Grade 1s. The second of those is the aforementioned Ballymore Champion Four-Year-old Hurdle, while Nicky Henderson includes Epatante as well as Cheltenham Mares’ Hurdle winner Marie’s Rock in the COOLMORE IRISH EBF MARES’ CHAMPION HURDLE.

 

True Colours Childrens Competition Kindly Sponsored by Irish Dog Foods

WINNER – Ailbhe Carew (age 7) from Rathmore National

Visit our Facebook Page to see entries and feedback

This Punchestown will be a Festival of a different colour – what are your true colours?

Calling all junior jockeys! One of the coolest things about racing is the amazing colours that the jockeys wear.

This Punchestown Festival we would love for you to create your very own racing colours at home. This competition is strictly for primary school children only.

How To Enter?

• First up ask an adults permission to take part and help you get set up.
• Take an old school shirt, Dad or Mom shirt or t-shirt (always ask permission first).
• Create a design with paint, crayons, markers, fabrics, ribbons, glitter and/or whatever else looks cool.
• Allow to dry and take a picture of your True colours. You can model them, hang them or lay them flat for the picture.
• Please be aware that entries may be published on social media.
• Email a picture of your True Colours entry to info@punchestown.com. With the name, age, school, area of residence and contact number for parent or guardian.
• Competition closes Sunday 25th April and the jockeys competing at the 2021 Punchestown Festival will decide the winner on Saturday 1st May 2021.

Prize Details?

• €250 Smyths Toy voucher.
• Art and Hobby Hamper.
• Framed Winners Colours.
• A Pet Hamper for your Furry Friend.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with. On your marks, get-set, GO!

 

Punchestown racecourse today (21^st January 2020) made the major announcement that Ballymore have returned as title sponsors of the final day of Ireland’s most prestigious jump racing festival.

The Ballymore Festival Family day will take place on Saturday 2^nd May 2020 and concludes not only the Punchestown Festival but the Irish jump racing season itself. The €100,000 Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle is the centre piece of a top quality seven race card.

The Ballymore Festival Family Day has rapidly become one of the best attended fixtures on the Irish racing calendar attracting a massive crowd of 37,206 at the 2019 event. As the name suggests, the focus of the day is on community, introducing families to Punchestown and opening the world of horse racing to children. A full programme of activities, games and entertainment will be on offer for families with a dedicated indoor Junior Jockey Fun Club available throughout the day.

Ballymore co-founders Sean and Bernardine  Mulryan have been long-time supporters of Punchestown. In fact, in 2008 when the Saturday was first integrated into the festival proper, Ballymore were an integral part of the initiative backing the title race of the day.  Following a hiatus from horse racing, the award winning international property group returned to the sponsorship ranks in 2017 when sponsoring the valuable Ballymore Handicap Hurdle before taking the opportunity to back the family day concept. The Mulryan’s return to horse racing has been a fortuitous one and could hardly have gone better when their own horse City Island trained by Martin Brassil landed the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.

Sean Mulryan, Ballymore Chairman & CEO looks forward to Ballymore Festival Family Day saying  “The Punchestown Festival is a unique sporting experience and Punchestown itself is special for myself and my family. We have been involved for decades with Punchestown and the opportunity to return to sponsor the family day gives me great pride. I’m delighted to see it go from strength to strength.”

Conor O’Neill Punchestown CEO added “We always say that Punchestown is personal. That goes for the staff, customers, sponsors, locals and members of the racing industry. Everybody who visits Punchestown or does business here should feel like they are part of the place. We are so fortunate that Sean and Bernardine Mulryan share that view and have such special regard for Punchestown. They have been incredible supporters down the years through thick and thin. They are true racing and community people. The Ballymore Festival Family Day gives us the opportunity to introduce this unique event and venue to many families that may be new to the area but also to strengthen the sense of community for all those locals who have been enjoying Punchestown for years. To the Mulryans and Ballymore we say thank you”.

The 2020 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 28^th April to Saturday 2^nd May and expects to attract crowds in excess of 125,000 over the five days. Billed as the highlight and grand finale of Irish jump racing the Punchestown Festival boasts 12 Grade one races and a prize fund of over €3.2 million attracting the best of Irish and British racing talent.  The Punchestown Festival is a massive contributor to the local economy generating over €60 million. With 45 event sponsors, over 17,000 corporate hospitality guests and a huge influx of UK based racing fans Punchestown is a social, sporting and commercial flagship event on the Irish calendar each year.