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Eyes on the Prize As That Prize Guy Signs Punchestown Sponsorship

 

Media Release Tuesday 27th January: Punchestown Racecourse today announced That Prize Guy, the UK’s leading competition and prize platform, as the sponsor of the upcoming Bank holiday Monday race day on 2nd February.

The That Prize Guy Race Day will take place on 2nd February 2026, the final day of a blockbuster jumps racing weekend following the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The day’s action includes the PP Hogan Cross Country Chase over the famous banks course and concludes with the highly anticipated Up The Yard Challenge Race.

This is a first-of-its-kind partnership for Punchestown, bringing together the excitement of live jump racing with the innovative engagement approach of That Prize Guy. Known for creating dynamic competitions and interactive online experiences, That Prize Guy now joins forces with Punchestown to add a fresh dimension to a day at the races.

That Prize Guy, based in Northern Ireland, offers competitions open to everyone across the UK and Ireland. Participants have the chance to win amazing prizes at a low cost, with entry fees starting from 1p. Since launching over six years ago, That Prize Guy has given out more than £200M in prizes, raised hundreds of thousands for charities, and supported numerous local businesses.

Paul at That Prize Guy, said:
“Partnering with Punchestown is a unique opportunity. We’re excited to bring new energy to the day and create a different kind of experience for racing fans through our competitions and activations.”

Leona Hughes, Sponsorship at Punchestown, added:
“This sponsorship is something fresh and new for the Punchestown season.  That Prize Guy shares our focus on innovation and engagement, and together we’re delivering a Bank Holiday Monday that will stand out on the racing calendar.”

With this partnership, Bank Holiday Monday at Punchestown promises an exciting conclusion to the February bank holiday weekend, featuring thrilling racing, vibrant atmospheres, and engaging competitions both on and off the track.

For more information on That Prize Guy and their platform, visit: www.thatprizeguy.co.uk

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 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  

TICKETS – BOOK HERE

TRANSPORT:  

Free Naas Shuttle Bus Service

Return Dublin City Service

 

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 

MUSIC, SHOPPING & MORE

 

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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