RECORD €3.6 MILLION PRIZE FUND ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL
Five Handicaps up from €50,000 to €75,000
Introduction of Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Bonus Series
Update on Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series
Media Release: March 2026 – With just eight weeks to the upcoming Punchestown Festival the home of Irish jump racing today announced a record-breaking total prize fund of €3,600,000 for the 2026 renewal, taking place Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May.
This consecutive increase of funds marks the highest level of prize money in the Festival’s history. The increase further reinforces the racecourse of the year’s position as the premier Irish jump racing fixture and a seasonal target for the best of Irish and British racing.
The continuous growth in prize money is part of a long-term strategic plan to keep Punchestown ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive Irish and UK racing calendar. By investing in record-level funds, the Festival rewards current participants, attracts future talent, and supports the wider racing and breeding industry.
The 2025 Festival highlighted the importance of this investment, with 19 different winning trainers and 30 winning owners, demonstrating the depth and competitiveness of the fields. Each season a concerted effort to focus on a particular category has benefited a cross-sector of races. In recent years, the mid-level handicap hurdlers benefited from the introduction of the €100,000 Albert Bartlett Final which has met and fulfilled the objective with syndicates and partnership’s enjoying their moment in the Punchestown Festival spotlight. This series has also greatly assisted in restoring numbers of UK visitors with 66 overseas runners and eight UK trained winners in 2025.
The Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Bonus Series is set to add an exciting new dimension to the 2026 Punchestown Festival, with a remarkable bonus valued at €100,000 on offer. This initiative offers a €50,000 bonus to the first horse that wins a designated qualifier (12 in total) and subsequently is the first of those qualifiers to capture a Grade 1 at the 2026 Punchestown Festival. In addition, Matchbook will reward existing Matchbook users with €50,000 worth of free bets. Leading contenders to land the bonus include Leader D’allier, How’s Hannah, Koktail Brut & The Passing Wife.
Punchestown Racing Manager Richie Galway discussed the on-going strategy: “Punchestown has always set the standard in offering some of the most competitive and rewarding racing in Ireland. With a record prize fund, we are reaffirming our commitment to excellence and ensuring the Festival continues to attract the very best horses, trainers, and owners from Ireland and the UK. We continue to work closely with the HRI team who support our shared aims with regard to improvements of Festival prize money and racing programme”
Key Prize Money Increases for 2026
Five €75,000 handicaps up from €50,000:
- 2m Handicap Hurdle (150=11st 12lbs)– The Killashee Hotel (Tuesday)
- 2m Handicap Chase (150=11st 12lbs) – Frontline Security (Thursday)
- 3m Handicap Hurdle (145= 11st 12lbs)– The Conway Piling (Thursday)
- 3m Handicap Chase (0-150) – Palmerstown Pat Taaffe (Saturday)
- 3m7f Handicap Chase (Rated 0-145) (Saturday)
- 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
The record prize fund ensures that the Punchestown Festival continues to reward excellence and whilst attracting the biggest names in jump racing, the programme provides opportunities for all disciplines and levels to have stage time at the most prestigious jump racing festival in Ireland.
The 2026 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May 2026. 12 Grade one races close on Wednesday 8th April with a further four races closing on 20th April.
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Runners and riders for 2026 1xBet Grand Nationa Trial
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
Irish Cancer Society Named Beneficiary of 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race at Punchestown
Media Release 19 January 2026: Punchestown Racecourse has confirmed that the Irish Cancer Society will be the chosen charity for the 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race, following a collective decision by the participating riders. The charity contribution is a new initiative this year and all funds raised will go directly to supporting the Society’s vital cancer care, research and support services across Ireland.
The popular charity race for Irish stable and stud staff will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd February 2026, after the final official race on the card at Punchestown. Each of the 16 selected riders is required to raise a minimum of €500, with every euro donated benefiting the Irish Cancer Society.
Glenda Ryan, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Cancer Society, welcomed the announcement:
“We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as the beneficiary charity for the 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race. The commitment shown by these riders, who already work tirelessly behind the scenes of the racing industry, is truly inspiring. Every donation raised will help to fuel our vital services and our groundbreaking cancer research. The generosity of the riders and supporters at the 2026 Up The Yard Challenge Race will help us to ensure that no one in Ireland has to face cancer alone.”
Now firmly established since its launch in 2017, the Up The Yard Challenge Race was created to recognise and celebrate the riding talent within yards and studs nationwide. Many of the participants ride out daily and play an essential role in the racing and breeding industries, and the initiative offers them a rare opportunity to compete at one of Ireland’s most prestigious sporting venues.”
Punchestown Sponsorship Manager and event organiser Leona Hughes said:
“Anyone working in this industry knows the standard of horse knowledge, handling and riding talent that exists in yards and studs across the country. These people are up at dawn, producing the very best equine talent that we see on the racecourse. This race is about giving them their moment on a major stage. Choosing the Irish Cancer Society as the beneficiary adds an extra layer of meaning to what is always a very special day.”
The 2026 Up The Yard Challenge in aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place on Monday 2nd February at Punchestown Racecourse. Full details of race riders and conditions can be found on www.punchestown.com/news-info/
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Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on freephone 100 200 700, or email supportline@irishcancer.ie
The 2026 Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd February.
Please attend to support the brilliant people who do so much behind the scenes.
2026 Up The Yard Riders:
| Name | Nominating Yard | |
| 1 | Marchel De Courcey | Gordon Elliott |
| 2 | Shane Costello | Norman Lee |
| 3 | Abbie Clancy | Marie Harding |
| 4 | Aaron Doyle | Liam O’Brien |
| 5 | Lexie Kenrick | Martin Brassil |
| 6 | Rebecca Stack | Sonny Carey |
| 7 | Jack Jaswant Singh | Eamon Delaney |
| 8 | Fergus Gallagher | Eddie & Patrick Harty |
| 9 | Katie Walsh | Terence O’Brien |
| 10 | Paul Coady | David Harry Kelly |
| 11 | Cait Dooley | Liam Cusack |
| 12 | Sophie McDonnell | Mark Molloy |
| 13 | Hannah Rafferty | Dick Brabazon |
| 14 | Natalia Kubacka | Willie Mullins |
| 15 | Ciara Maguire | Conor O’Dwyer |
| 16 | Simona Nevidalova | Paul Nolan |
What’s New for 2026?
- A streamlined field of 16 riders only – no reserves will be selected.
- Nominees may have previously ridden in a charity race but must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points.
- Riders will collectively select a charity, and each participant must raise a minimum of €500.
- All selected participants must complete a one-day charity race assessment at RACE in Kildare, coordinated by Punchestown.
Rider Criteria & Nominations
- Riders must be 18+.
- Maximum weight 12st (with 5lb allowance for mares).
- Must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points in any jurisdiction
Punchestown Tuesday December 9 transferred to Thursday December 11
Following the cancellation of the Punchestown meeting scheduled for today, Tuesday December 9 due to an orange status wind warning, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced that this meeting will now take place this Thursday, December 11.
Declarations and rider bookings stand for this meeting, and the time of the first race remains at 11:50am.
Punchestown Racecourse is delighted to confirm the return of the Up The Yard Challenge Race for Irish stable and stud staff on bank holiday Monday, 2nd February 2026. Now firmly established since its launch in 2017, the race continues to shine a spotlight on the skilled riders who form the backbone of the racing and breeding industries.
The initiative was created to give yard and stud staff, many of whom ride out daily and play a crucial role in the sport, the chance to compete at the home of Irish jumps.
Punchestown Sponsorship Manager and event organiser Leona Hughes said:
“Anyone working in this industry knows the standard of riding talent that exists in yards and studs across the country. These riders are up with the dawn, producing young horses, and keeping the whole operation moving. This race is about giving them their moment on a major stage. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the buzz of the Punchestown straight with a crowd behind you, now is the time to get your name in.”
The 2026 running will take place after the final official race and will be contested over approximately one mile and seven furlongs. Yards and studs nationwide are invited to submit nominations by Monday 15th December 2025.
What’s New for 2026?
- A streamlined field of 16 riders only – no reserves will be selected.
- Nominees may have previously ridden in a charity race but must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points.
- Riders will collectively select a charity, and each participant must raise a minimum of €500.
- All selected participants must complete a one-day charity race assessment at RACE in Kildare, coordinated by Punchestown.
Rider Criteria & Nominations
- Riders must be 18+.
- Maximum weight 12st (with 5lb allowance for mares).
- Must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points in any jurisdiction.
- Nominations must include name, date of birth, contact number, and nominating yard, with trainer sign-off.
- Submit nominations by Monday 15th December 2025 to Leona Hughes at lhughes@punchestown.com
Full List Of Riders:
| Name | Nominating Yard | |
| 1 | Marchel De Courcey | Philip Rothwell |
| 2 | Shane Costello | Norman Lee |
| 3 | Abbie Clancy | Marie Harding |
| 4 | Aaron Doyle | Liam O’Brien |
| 5 | Lexie Kenrick | Martin Brassil |
| 6 | Rebecca Stack | Sonny Carey |
| 7 | Jack Jaswant Singh | Eamon Delaney |
| 8 | Fergus Gallagher | Eddie & Patrick Harty |
| 9 | Katie Walsh | Terence O’Brien |
| 10 | Paul Coady | David Harry Kelly |
| 11 | Cait Dooley | Liam Cusack |
| 12 | Sophie McDonnell | Mark Molloy |
| 13 | Hannah Rafferty | Dick Brabazon |
| 14 | Natalia Kubacka | Willie Mullins |
| 15 | Ciara Maguire | Conor O’Dwyer |
| 16 | Simona Nevidalova | Paul Nolan |
Punchestown Launch the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series for 2025–2026
€50,000 Bonus for Winning Connections Plus €50,000 in Free Bets for Matchbook users
Punchestown Racecourse, in partnership with Matchbook Betting Exchange, is proud to announce the launch of the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series for the 2025-2026 Jump Season.
This initiative offers a €50,000 bonus to the first horse that wins a designated qualifier and subsequently captures a Grade 1 at the 2026 Punchestown Festival. In addition, Matchbook will reward existing Matchbook users with €50,000 worth of free bets.
Matchbook offers users a premier horse racing betting experience and is industry renowned for best odds across Irish Racing. The Betting Exchange will sponsor 28 races at Punchestown this season including three graded contests. This marks one of the largest annual sponsorship commitments at the ‘Home of Irish Jumps’. The partnership also includes Day 2 of the Punchestown Premiere Weekend this Sunday, 23rd November, where Matchbook sponsor the GR2 Matchbook Betting Exchange Craddockstown Novice Chase. Based in Cork, the partnership is evidence of Matchbook’s commitment to supporting Irish Horse Racing.
Early Qualifiers Already Deliver Promising Contenders
The Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series is built around twelve targeted maiden hurdle and bumper qualifiers, each designed to showcase emerging talent on the road to later Spring Festivals including the 2026 Punchestown Festival.
The opening two qualifiers staged last week at Punchestown produced highly impressive winners in Koktail Brut and Sopelana, both of whom now become the first horses eligible for the €50,000 bonus.
Ronan McDonagh of Matchbook Betting Exchange, said:
“We’re extremely proud to launch the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series and deepen our involvement in Irish jump racing. The €50,000 bonus provides a meaningful, season-long target for connections, while the €50,000 in free bets allows us to reward our loyal Matchbook users. Punchestown is a world-class racing venue and supporting 28 races here including three graded events is a natural fit for us. We are particularly excited to sponsor the GR2 Craddockstown Novice Chase this Sunday as part of our Punchestown Premiere Weekend involvement.”
Leona Hughes at Punchestown Racecourse, said:
“The Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Bonus Series is exactly the type of creative, high-impact initiative that elevates our season. It not only incentivises connections but engages the wider racing audience as well. Early winners Koktail Brut and Sopelana have set the bar high, and we look forward to the exciting season ahead. We sincerely thank Matchbook for their substantial and exciting support, including their sponsorship of the GR2 Craddockstown Novice Chase this Sunday.”
MATCHBOOK 50/50 GRADUATION BONUS SERIES – QUALIFIERS
13 November
- 2m Matchbook Betting Podcast 3YO Hurdle – Sopelana (Cian Collins)
- 2m Matchbook Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle – Koktail Brut (Gordon Elliott)
9 December – Re-scheduled to 11 December
- 2m 4f 5yo+ Maiden Hurdle – Zanoosh (C A Murphy)
12 January
- 2m 4yo Only Maiden Hurdle – Kilmeaden (Donnacha Aidan O’Brien)
- 2m 4f 4yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle – Ill Raise A Glass (Martin Paul Fitzgerald)
- 2m 4f 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle – Shabby Hill (C Byrnes)
26 January
- 2m 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle – Leader D’allier (W P Mullins)
- 2m 4f 4yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle – Blue Velvet ( W P Mullins)
- 2m 4f 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle (Colts & Geldings) – The Passing Wife (Gavin Cromwell)
18 February
- 2m 5yo+ Maiden Hurdle
- 2m 6f 5yo+ Mares Maiden Hurdle (Not run under Rules of Racing)
- 2m Bumper (4yo Only)
For more information on the Matchbook 50/50 Graduation Series, please visit insights.matchbook.com.
ENDS
The Punchestown Premiere Weekend
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November
The Premiere Weekend is probably the biggest early season race meeting in Ireland with two days of top class racing featuring a grade one double header. On Saturday the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle will welcome the reigning and potential champion hurdlers. Sunday features the very prestigious Grade one John Durkan Memorial Chase whilst the supporting cast of listed, graded and cross country racing runs across the weekend. Throw in great bars, live music, free kids stuff, tasty food and free bus to Naas and your weekend is sorted.
TIMES
- First Race – 11.30 (Saturday) 11.43 (Sunday)
- Last Race – 3.25 (Saturday) 3.35 (Sunday)
- Gates – 10am both days
TICKETS – BOOK HERE
- €25 Two-day ticket offer ends 16th November
- Advance Tickets (9pm day before fixture) – €15
- On The Day – €20
- Senior/Student on the day – €15
- Family (two adults accompanying children) – €25
- Children 14 years and under – Free
TRANSPORT:
Free Naas Shuttle Bus Service
- Leaving Poplar Square Naas both days.
- From 10am to leave at 10.15 and 10.45 to leave at 11am
- Returns from 3pm.
- Walk-up. No booking necessary.
Return Dublin City Service
- Dublin City Return Service – €30 return from Wellington Quay – BOOK HERE
FOOD & FACILITIES
Dress up or dress down.
Make it special and pre-book our famous Race & Dine packages with truly delicious seasonal food and fantastic views of the action.
Keep it casual and enjoy tasty dishes in The Feedroom, Hay cafe or food trucks with a really good selection of hot or cold dishes and snacks along with great home bakes and great coffee. No booking necessary.
There are no enclosures at Punchestown. You can enjoy all the facilities except the private hospitality areas. We have great bars, cafes and plenty of seating and screens.
FAMILY FRIENDLY WEEKEND
- Win a Family Trip To Lapland – Details
- Santa Truck for Laura Lynn – Sunday 1.30 to 4pm in main enclosure.
- Santa Train will run around the enclosures both days.
- The Playroom is open both days for free children’s games with face painting and bouncies.
- Family Ticket €25 for two adults accompanying children – available on the day.
- All children under 14 race for free.
MUSIC, SHOPPING & MORE
- Live music Saturday evening
- Vintage car display Sunday
- Sophie Hunter Millinery
- Jason O’Ceannobhain Art
- Hollywood Flowers & Festive Gifts
- Agent 74 – Outdoor and Racing
- Irish Injured Jockeys – Christmas cards and Calendars
- Irish Guide Dogs – win a car!
- The Santa Truck for Laura Lynn
- Cara Girls Rescue
- Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace
Stars to Shine at Punchestown Premiere Weekend
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November 2025
Punchestown Racecourse is gearing up for an unmissable two days of top-class jump racing as the Punchestown Premiere Weekend returns on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. The highlight fixture will showcase the very best of Irish jumps racing, featuring the highly anticipated Grade One double header – the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle and the John Durkan Memorial Chase.
The Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, an integral early-season test for the country’s leading hurdlers, will take centre stage on Saturday. A new name is set to enter the fold following news that reigning champion State Man is out of action for the season due to injury. His absence will open the door to the next generation with entries featuring the unbeaten, Donnelly owned, Anzadam, the Gordon Elliott trained Galway hurdle winner Ndaawi, Aintree winner Salvator Mundi, Punchestown festival winner Irancy and the potential for a Lossiemouth reroute to Punchestown.
Sunday’s card is headlined by the John Durkan Memorial Chase, a race steeped in quality and history. This grade one contest over two and a half miles produced what was considered a race of the season last year with Fact To File galloping to victory. Ireland’s top trainers have entered a galaxy of stars at early closing stage with 44 grade 1 wins between them. Reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Inothewayurthinkin, reigning Punchestown Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, Grand National hero Nick Rockett, 2023 Durkan winner Fastorslow and last year’s race winner Fact To File form the foundation of an extremely talented cast.
Irish and British champion trainer Willie Mullins remarked on the importance of the Durkan chase: “I think this years Durkan will be the same in that all the ones you hope and expect to see will pitch up there including Fact To File who is in great shape. He was very good in the race last year and I imagine that’s where he’ll start again.
Mullins continued: “There’s few options as good for those horses and it’s a lovely big galloping track so it’s the obvious choice. They’re ready to go”.
Beyond the track, the Punchestown Premiere Weekend offers that friendly, fun atmosphere that Punchestown is synonymous with. Race goers of all ages can expect a raft of entertainment with free kids festive fun in The Playroom, a chance to win a trip to Lapland on Sunday along with the Laura Lynn Santa Truck visit. For the bigger kids there will be live music after racing, packed restaurants, shopping and buzzing bars with a free shuttle bus to and from Naas.
Conor O’Neill, Punchestown Racecourse CEO said: “We had a vision for The Premiere Weekend and now in it’s third year it has exceeded expectations. We’re proud to bring together racing fans, newcomers, families, and the racing community from near and far for what’s become one of the highlights of the winter calendar. The cross section of demographic is proof that quality sport, entertainment and facilities at the right price is appreciated and will be supported. We are all set for a very special weekend and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Punchestown”.
Tickets, hospitality packages, and full event details are now available at www.punchestown.com
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