Punchestown Festival 2017

The 2017 Festival runs froms Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April 2017.

12 Grade 1 races, 1 brilliant atmosphere!

The Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival is one of the highlights of the Irish sporting and social calendar. The special combination of thrilling sporting action, brilliant live entertainment, delicious food and drink, family fun, dazzling glamour or casual comfort is unequalled thanks to the unique Punchestown Festival atmosphere.

Racing: The Punchestown Festival is considered the grande finale of the jump season with top class horses, trainers and jockeys from both sides of the Irish sea converging on the Kildare venue to settle scores and confirm reputations. The quality of racing is unrivalled with a total of 12 Grade 1 contests taking place. Punchestown is proud to be the home of Irish National Hunt Racing and host the famous La Touche Cup, a spectators favourite run over the cross country course. It's a "must see" for any racing fan.  
  
Tuesday: BoyleSports Champion Chase Day 
The opening day is a feast for racing fans with three Grade 1 races including the feature BoyleSports Champion Chase. In addition there are two other Grade 1's, The Herald Champion Novice Hurdle over 2 miles and the Growise Novice Chase over 3 miles. There are 7 races this day. First race 3.40pm and the last race is at  7.15pm.
 
Wednesday:  Punchestown Gold Cup Day  
The highlight of the chase calendar with the Grade 1 Punchestown Gold Cup. This day also features the hotly contested Attheraces.com Irish Champion Bumper,The Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle over 3 miles and the Weatherbys GSB EBF Mares Flat Race (Listed Race). First race 3.40pm and the last race is at 7.15pm.
 
Thursday: The Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day  
There are two Grade 1 races including the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle and the Ryanair Novice Chase over 2 miles not to mention the famous La Touche Cross Country race on day three of the festival. First race 3.40pm and the last race is at 7.15pm.
 
Friday: The BETDAQ Champion Hurdle day  
The jewel in the crown of the Festival. A favourite with race goers, locals and socialisers alike. This day gets the largest crowds and has a real party atmosphere. The quality of racing is fantastic with the best two mile hurdlers battling for the champion title.First race 3.40 last race 7.45pm
 
Saturday: The AES Festival Family Day  
Since its introduction as a Festival day the Saturday has become the second biggest day of the entire event festival. The focus is on youth with the Champion 4 year old hurdle being the feature race. The Junior Jockey Fun Club is also available that day with pony rides, face painting, bouncy castles and so much more. A favourite with groups, locals and families. First race 2.30 last race 6.45pm.
    

Festival Race Times (Subject to minor changes)

 

Dress Codes

There is no dress code at Punchestown. So dress up or dress down, it's up to you. Those attending hospitality pavilions tend to wear smart casual but most wear suits. However, how often do you get a chance to get dressed in your finest?

 

For information see www.punchestown.com

 

 

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