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CONCEPT COLOURS ADD THE FINISHING TOUCH AT PUNCHESTOWN

Press Release  14/02/2023 – Punchestown Racecourse today announced that new sponsor Concept Colours will join the action packed line up on Sunday 19th February at the home of Irish jump racing. The Concept Colours Rated Novice Chase will take place over two miles and offers a prize fund of €21,500.Concept Colours are the industry leader when it comes to painting and decorating contracts across multiple sectors including residential, commercial, education and special interest. With an impressive client base that lists Glenveagh, Cairn, Kingscroft, The Elliott Group, Bennett Construction, Sisk and Bam, the Wexford based firm have established themselves as the go to painting contractor in Ireland.

For Concept Colours founder and Managing Director Ger Byrne, the Punchestown sponsorship makes sense on a number of levels. “It’s a case of the best of both worlds as my family have an interest in a few horses and we’ve always enjoyed spending an afternoon racing at Punchestown.  On a recent visit it became clear that our current and potential clients also share this interest so commercial involvement there would be a good move. Whilst Punchestown offers a great platform for awareness it also provides a good opportunity to network in a unique and relaxed way”
Byrne continued to explain how his company has grown in the twenty years since it’s foundation    “Our focus is on the people. The people involved in each project, that is from initial client consultation to briefing our highly skilled management team and fully trained personnel. Our aim is to deliver an exceptional standard of finish and to do it on time. This takes planning and professionalism which, after twenty years in the business, we feel we can deliver on every project regardless of size”.
Leona Hughes Sponsorship Manager Punchestown racecourse welcomed Concept Colours and highlighted the similarities between the two businesses “We constantly repeat that ‘People make Punchestown’ and this includes clients, sponsors, contractors and race goers. It is a pleasure to work with clients like Ger Byrne and the Concept Colours team. They know the drill. They recognise the value of the people involved at Punchestown and whilst it’s a great place to relax and enjoy yourself it is also a wonderful opportunity to do business. We welcome Concept Colours and look forward to working with Ger and his team to develop the partnership”.
The €21,500 Concept Colours Novice Rated Steeplechase will  go to post at 1.40 and at entry stage there is a select quality field of six runners:
  1. Francin (FR) (JABerry)
  2. Gallyhill (GElliott)
  3. Hollow Games (GElliott)
  4. Indiana Jones (FR) (MFMorris)
  5. Politicise (NTSlevin)
  6. Wild Hunt (GB) (DGHogan)

 

Racing gets underway at 1.10pm on Sunday 19th September and in addition to the Concept Colours race features the QuinnBet Grand National Trial and ARKequine AquaTabs InLine P.P. Hogan Cross Country. Advance admission discount and complimentary racecards available at www.punchestown.com

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Press Release Thursday 19th January 2023: Punchestown Racecourse, along with QuinnBet, is delighted to announce a new and exciting sponsorship agreement of the QuinnBet Grand National Trial race on Sunday 19th February. This will be the first in a three-year deal that will see QuinnBet as title sponsors of the €90,000 Grade B stamina test over three and a half miles.

Since launching in August of 2017, QuinnBet have grown rapidly in the Irish and UK iGaming sector, providing hugely competitive odds across Irish and UK horse racing and other major sports.  Whilst the QuinnBet Grand National Trial is the centre piece of their activation at Punchestown, this is further supported with an extensive branding exercise at the racecourse over the next three years. Race goers can look forward to promotions and interactions to celebrate the inaugural running of the QuinnBet Grand National Trial. Stay tuned to the QuinnBet and Punchestown’s social channels for an exciting race day experience competition, not to mention some expert advice from QuinnBet’s very own Racing Analyst Gerry Shannon. On the day itself, the QuinnBet team will be on-course to welcome the first thousand racegoers through the gates with QuinnBet merchandise and gifts.

The QuinnBet Grand National Trial is considered a key stepping-stone for Irish and Grand National contenders. Recent winners include the Gordon Elliott trained Death Duty in 2022 whilst 2021 winner, The Big Dog, went on to win both the Munster National and Troytown Chase for trainer Peter Fahey.

Looking forward to the upcoming QuinnBet Grand National Trial, CEO Stephen Kelly said: “Punchestown is renowned the world over as the home of national hunt racing in Ireland and we are delighted to be sponsoring the Grand National Trial over the next three years at this iconic racecourse. Whilst only at the beginning of this journey, we already know that both companies share a similar ethos when it comes to focusing on customer service. We pride ourselves on offering great value, fair promotions, and excellent customer care. To be on the ground interacting with racing fans at such a renowned venue as Punchestown is further enhancement of this philosophy and we very much look forward to the 2023 QuinnBet Grand National Trial On 19th February”.

Leona Hughes, Punchestown Sponsorship Manager welcomed the QuinnBet team to the home of Irish jump racing: “It is a pleasure to host QuinnBet as they launch their premium racing sponsorship in Ireland. Our first port of call with a new sponsor is to establish why they want to sponsor and who they need the activity reach. It became clear very early on that QuinnBet are very much about the customer experience and based on that alone we knew the partnership would be a good one. On behalf of the Punchestown team we would like to welcome QuinnBet and look forward to working with them over the next three years to maximise the benefits of being a feature sponsor on what promises to be an action-packed day of racing and entertainment”.

The QuinnBet Grand National Trial takes place on Sunday 19th February 2023 and is the feature on a high quality eight race card. In addition to the feature, there will also be the always-thrilling cross-country race and the much-anticipated return of the Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge. The enclosures, restaurants and bars will be buzzing with Race & Dine clients, music, children’s entertainment and more.

Advance tickets from €15pp include a complimentary race-card. Highly reviewed Race & Dine Packages   from €89pp with child friendly options are also available. First race will take place around 1pm – subject to change.

Visit www.punchestown.com/fixtures/ for full details.

About QuinnBet

Founded in 2017, QuinnBet is a rapidly growing brand in the iGaming sector, providing a hugely popular, licensed online sports betting and casino platform in the UK and Ireland. Visit their website for more info www.quinnbet.com

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PKRF Record Breaking Year for Fundraising

‘The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity Race is the most important race of the festival because it is the race the makes a massive difference to many lives’.

 

 

 

As a result of these funds the PKRF has managed to support the following projects this year:

 

James Nolan, Chairman of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund reflected on a momentous year:  “So many people deserve huge thanks for making the charity race such an unbelievable success.  The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund enjoys the privilege of being permitted to run during the Punchestown Festival. Great credit is due to all the team at Punchestown who make our race day so special, as well as all the staff at I.H.R.B who so generously volunteer their services on the day and also the staff at H.R.I. & R.A.C.E. who ensure everything is run correctly.

We are very grateful to all the owners and the trainers who have given continued support over 31 years by allowing horses to run. We would like to acknowledge the various forms of media, whose coverage of the PKRF Race in whatever way, is hugely important both to our charity and to all those people awaiting life-saving transplants; you all give hope to so many others by raising the profile of Organ Donor Awareness in Ireland”.

 

Tote Ireland Share Festive Cheer with Free Entry to New Years Eve at Punchestown

Punchestown Racecourse today announced that Tote Ireland are to spread festive cheer to one and all with complimentary entry to the popular New Year’s Eve race meeting at Punchestown on Saturday 31st December.

 

This will be the first in a three year deal that sees Ireland’s only pool betting operator for horse racing open the doors and welcome racegoers to the home of Irish jump racing for a free afternoon of great sport and festive entertainment. The complimentary entry is a further enhancement on Tote’s involvement at the popular meeting where in the past they have distributed free race cards on arrival. For the upcoming fixture on 31st December, in addition to no-fee entry, Tote Ireland also invite punters to join them in the Tote Hall for Spin the Wheel spot prize giveaways through the afternoon. Lots of prizes to be won the day such as Punchestown membership and race day tickets.

 

General Manager of Tote Ireland Ross Kierans expanded on the initiative: “Like so many involved in the racing industry, all the team at Tote Ireland were delighted to see racegoers return to track in 2022 and to close out the year with complimentary admission for all at Punchestown for their New Year’s Eve race meeting. We are already looking forward to an action-packed racing calendar for 2023 and extend best wishes to all our staff and customers this Christmas and for the New Year.”

 

Leona Hughes, Punchestown Sponsorship Manager said  “The New Year’s Eve Countdown race meeting is a local favourite and racing tradition. There is a great atmosphere, everyone’s in good form, the Punchestown team meet and greet race goers with festive treats like mulled wine and mince pies on arrival. We all know that life has become expensive in recent times so this is a lovely way to say thank you to all those who have attended throughout the season and wish them well for the year ahead. Tote Ireland are a constant presence at Punchestown, as they are at every track around the country, and they share in the gesture of sincerely thanking everyone for their support.  Now it’s our turn to thank Ross, Lynda and the Tote Ireland team for their continued support”.

 

Punchestown is proud to host the final race meeting in Ireland each year before passing the baton to our colleagues in Fairyhouse who raise the curtain the following day. Action at Punchestown on Free Tote New Years Eve meeting gets underway early with racing starting between 11.45am and 12 noon. Given the festive theme of the day the Race & Dine packages tend to be very popular so early booking is recommended. Please visit www.punchestown.com or Punchestown social media platforms for full information.

 

 

In hosting the final Grade 1 race staged in Ireland this side of Christmas, Punchestown will be welcoming one of the most exciting prospects in the National Hunt ranks as Galopin Des Champs kick starts his season.

Off the track temperatures are set to reach proper National Hunt racing range but on Punchestown Racecourse’s famous green rolling hills the heat will be turned up a notch by Galopin Des Champs as he prepares to show off his Gold Cup credentials. The dual Grade 1 winning novice chaser, who was also successful in Grade 1 company over hurdles at the 2021 Punchestown Festival, Galopin Des Champs has seven potential rivals as he bids to give Willie Mullins a fifth straight win in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. Haut En Couleurs and the Cheltenham Festival winning Stattler are on the same mission to extend Willie Mullins’ winning streak to five in the John Durkan Chase, but the 2m4f Grade 1 has been a happy hunting ground for a variety of trainers over the years.

Patrick Mullins is focussed solely on his father’s crew and the champion amateur rider who assists his father in Closutton had an upbeat bulletin today. “This has been a lucky race for us in the past,” Mullins reflected. “This looks an ideal starting point for Galopin Des Champs and we’ve been very happy with him at home. Hopefully he can continue where he left off last year.”
Mullins added: “The race is probably a little bit on the short side for Stattler but options are limited and it will be a nice place to get his season up and running and work forward from there. “Haut En Couleurs is obviously a good bit wrong at the ratings but we will take a closer look at the race in the coming days and we’ll see if he runs or not.”

Household names decorate the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase roll of honour. Native Upmanship, Florida Pearl, Beef Or Salmon, Kicking King and The Listener were all heroes of yesteryear, while more recently Min made the race his own with a hat-trick from 2018 to 2020 after Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Don Cossack and Sizing John had lit up Kildare in December.
Gordon Elliott won the race previously with the aforementioned Don Cossack and his challenge relies on the Gigginstown-owned pair of Conflated and Fury Road this time around.

Joseph O’Brien’s four-time Grade 1 winning Fakir D’oudairies will be aiming to add his name to an illustrious roll of honour, while the Mouse Morris-trained French Dynamite will return to Grade 1 company after a fine effort in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham last month.
Grade 1 performers aren’t confined to the Grade 1 titled race at Punchestown on Sunday as Appreciate It, Flame Bearer and Highland Charge all feature in the William Hill Beginners Chase. The William Hill Mares Novice Hurdle sees Deeply Superficial and La Malmason among the notable inclusions. Durkan Chase day action gets underway from 12.30pm with advance ticket discounts available on www.punchestown.com

Back By Popular Demand: Up The Yard Challenge 2023

Punchestown racecourse is delighted to announce the return of the Up The Yard Challenge Race for Irish stable and stud staff on Sunday 19th February.

First introduced in 2017, the concept was to host a challenge race to provide an opportunity for stable and stud staff to achieve the ambition of riding not just on the a racecourse but t the home of Irish jump racing.

Event organiser and Punchestown Sponsorship Manager Leona Hughes explains the thinking behind the initiative: “Most who work in horse racing usually have a dream to ride in a race at some stage. Ireland is full of brilliant jockeys. It’s such a competitive industry and we all know some talented horse men and women who ride out every day but for whatever reason didn’t go on to become jockeys. The Up The Yard Challenge gives them a chance to take centre stage and show everyone what they can do.” Hughes continued “We encourage anyone who always wanted to ride on the track to check out the qualifying criteria and then be brave and get nominated!”

The Up The Yard Challenge will take place after the last official race on Sunday 19th February 2023 over a distance of around one mile and seven furlongs.  Yards and studs around the country are asked to nominate riders that meet the criteria by 16th December 2022. From the nominees a final list of sixteen riders and four reserves will be selected. All selected riders must qualify to take part by completing a one-day charity race assessment at the RACE centre in Kildare. This is organised directly by Punchestown and the RACE team.

The inaugral running of the Up The Yard Challenge took place in 2017 was won by Louise Magee on Taglietelle representing the Gordon Elliott team. Camilla Sharples on Markhan landed the spoils the following year for the same Cullentra establishment with Jimmy Finn’s stable taking the 2019 honours.

The Up The Yard Challenge is part of Punchestown’s continued commitment to Irish Stable Staff as explained by Leona Hughes “We are delighted to bring back this race. We’ve had plenty of interest and enquiries over recent years but for obvious reasons we couldn’t hold the race until now. We work alongside the stable staff and wherever possible we would always try to source a sponsor for the stable yard canteen to ensure that everyone working that day gets a complimentary meal. In addition, we recently worked with Midland Travel who very generously sponsored an amazing prize of a trip to Paris next summer for someone working in the yard over the Winter festival weekend. At the festival Red Mills hosted pop-up interactive zones with prizes and giveaways in the yard. It’s all part of on-going programme which will hopefully include upgrades to facilities following our current major track project which is taking up available resources but we are always planning for the future here at Punchestown.”

Up The Yard Challenge Race Checklist

The Rider Criteria:

  1. Nominated riders must be 18 years of age and over.
  2. Nominated riders must not have ridden under rules on the track/point to point in any jurisdiction prior to the event.
  3. Riders must be 12st or under with an allowance of 5lbs for mares.
  4. From the nominees, twenty riders will be selected. There will be sixteen participants and four reserves.
  5. Riders must qualify to ride by passing a charity race one-day competency assessment in January at RACE in Kildare. This will be organised with the riders by Punchestown.
  6. Nominees must be submitted by email with sign off by the trainer whose yard the rider will represent.

Nominations (including name, date of birth, contact number, nominating yard) for riders that meet the above criteria must be submitted by Friday 16th December to Leona Hughes on lhughes@punchestown.com

 **ENDS**

 

 

 

 

Up The Yard Challenge Race Checklist

 

Dates: 

16 December – Submit eligible nominees to lhughes@punchestown.com

20 December – Notify 16 riders and 4 reserves who are drawn to take part

24 & 26 January  – RACE assessments pre-arranged with riders by Punchestown

February – Riders to contact valets to arrange race safe standard equipment. Contact details supplied.

13 February 12 noon – Deadline for entries to lhughes@punchestown.com or 045 897704

17 February – Declarations

19 February – Up The Yard 2023

 

The Rider Criteria:

  1. Nominated riders must be 18 years of age and over.
  2. Nominated riders must not have ridden under rules on the track/point to point in any jurisdiction prior to the event.
  3. Riders must be 12st or under with an allowance of 5lbs for mares.
  4. From the nominees, twenty riders will be selected. There will be sixteen participants and four reserves.
  5. Riders must qualify to ride by passing a charity race one-day competency assessment in January at RACE in Kildare. This will be organised with the riders by Punchestown.
  6. Nominees must be submitted by email with sign off by the trainer whose yard the rider will represent.

Nominations (including name, date of birth, contact number, nominating yard) for riders that meet the above criteria must be submitted by Friday 16th December to Leona Hughes on lhughes@punchestown.com

 

Race Conditions 

PUNCHESTOWN – SUNDAY, 19th FEBRUARY, 2023
CLOSING 12 NOON MONDAY 13th FEBRUARY

The Up The Yard Challenge Race
(This Race will adhere to the Rules of Racing)
For four years old and upwards which have run at least three times under the Rules of Racing or the I.N.H.S Rules, of which at least one of these runs must have been since 1st February, 2022 (Point to Point Steeplechases excluded)
About 1 mile 7 furlongs
Weights: 4-y-o 11st 11lbs
5-y-o and up 12st
Fillies allowed 5lbs
Penalties – (to count from 1st January, 2022)
Winner of a *race to carry 3lb extra for each race won.
(Maximum penalty 9lb)
*Including any race under any National Hunt Rules or Rules of Racing

Riders: To qualify as a Rider to participate in this race you must you must pass a Challenge Race one day Competency Assessment at R.A.C.E.
Riders shall not have ridden under any Rules of Racing in any jurisdiction previously on the racecourse to be eligible.
It is strictly subject to attaining the above qualifications that a Rider’s entry will be accepted.
N.B. The mandatory percentage deductions shall not apply to this race. A horse which has won a Private Sweepstakes shall not on that account incur a penalty or be debarred from claiming any allowance or from taking part in any race. Horses that run in this race do not lose their eligibility to run in Point-to-Point Steeplechases.
The winning Rider will receive a Perpetual Cup
The groom in charge of the winning horse will receive €100 and the groom in charge of the best turned out horse will receive €100
Please note that the Organising Committee reserve the right to accept or reject any application.
No horse shall be permitted to wear Blinkers, Visor, Hood, Eye Shield, Eyecover, Sheepskin Cheekpieces or any similar device.
Horses that require to be led to the start will not be permitted to take part.
NOT MORE THAN 16 RUNNERS WILL BE PERMITTED TO RUN IN THIS RACE. IN THE

 

 

Entries for Day 1 Winter Festival 

Entries for Day 2 Winter Festival 

 

 

 

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 19th and 20th 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 19th and Sunday 20th 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 racecourse are delighted to welcome Kildare based landscaping firm Oak Lodge to the sponsorship panel ahead of the 2022 Punchestown Winter Festival on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November.

The Oak Lodge Landscapes Craddockstown Novice Chase takes centre stage on the opening day of the winter feature at the home of Irish jump racing. The grade two contest over two miles holds a €36,500 prize fund and has been a happy hunting ground for high quality champion chase contenders. Previous winners include the Alan & Ann Pott’s owned top class duo Sizing John and Sizing Europe with the great Moscow Flyer featuring even further back in the roll of honour.

Whilst Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead has an excellent strike rate in the Oak Lodge Landscape Chase, it is Gordon Elliott who will bid for a hat trick of wins having landed the spoils with Felix Desjy and Reviere D’etel in 2020 and 2021.

The Oak Lodge Landscape connection is a local one with founders and directors Cathal and Samantha Kavanagh based in the Naas area. Oak Lodge was established over 20 years ago and the family run firm employs five team members with this number fluctuating greatly during the busy summer months. Originally domestic and private projects accounted for a majority of the business however, as owner Cathal Kavanagh explains, economics intervened: “During the financial crash people’s priorities changed and gardens were no longer high up on the list of household spending. Like many businesses we had to adapt to survive and ever since our company has strived in the commercial landscape maintenance market. We have national retail clients who’s properties we manage in addition to business parks and commercial settings alongside our domestic services”.

Offering some background to today’s sponsorship announcement Kavanagh continued: “I have been racing at Punchestown for as long as I can remember. It is a place that is close to us both literally and in the sense that we’ve enjoyed many great day’s there through the years. Getting involved and sponsoring was something I’ve always intended to do and now we’ve made it happen. We look forward to enjoying a Punchestown race day from a different angle when the Oak Lodge Landscapes Chase gets underway”.

Punchestown Sponsorship Manager Leona Hughes welcomed the Oak Lodge Landscapes news: “Cathal, Samantha and the Oak Lodge team are a wonderful addition to the Punchestown sponsorship profile and we look forward to partnering with them as they step into a sponsorship role here. Local business and community is a fundamental part of the Punchestown ethos and it is all the more special when the people involved have a personal connection to this special place. We thank Oak Lodge Landscapes for the wonderful support and look forward to working alongside them to provide a memorable Punchestown experience”.

The Punchestown Winter Festival takes place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November. In addition to the grade one Unibet Morgiana Hurdle and the grade two Oak Lodge Landscapes Craddockstown Chase there is an excellent support card of listed, graded and cross country action on offer across the two days. Racegoers of all ages are catered for with complimentary children’s play area for families however, those that may have outgrown the face painting stage can enjoy delicious dining, live music and bus transfers to Naas after racing. With a keen focus on value, the home of Irish jump racing is offering discounts and complimentary race cards for those who book in advance on www.punchestown.com

The first race goes to post approx 12 noon Saturday and 11.45 Sunday. gates and public dining venues open one and a half hours before racing.

**ENDS**

For further information please contact:

Shona Dreaper,
Punchestown Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: +353 (0) 45 897704 or email info@punchestown.com