Raising funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys
The inaugural Berney Bros. Huntman’s Challenge will take place before racing on Sunday 20th November at Punchestown Racecourse to raise funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys.
Huntsmen from 11 different packs will take part in a demonstration cross country challenge over one and a half miles including part of the famous Punchestown banks course. There will be a parade including introduction to each challenger prior to the demonstration.
Each huntsman must raise a minimum of €500 for the Irish Injured Jockeys to take part in this invitational event. The pre-demonstration parade will commence at 11.30am in the parade ring followed by the Berney Bros. Huntsman’s Challenge at 11.55am. Special thanks to Tom Berney of Berneys Kilcullen who are official sponsors of the event.
Following the demonstration challengers, guests and hunt supporters are invited to a reserved bar area where they can enjoy a great day’s racing featuring the Grade 1 stanjames.com Morgiana Hurdle.
Chris Francis, co-founder and huntsman with the Kildare Foxhounds said “There is a strong and obvious link between national hunt racing and hunting so this seemed like an ideal opportunity to showcase the Irish half bred, the sport of hunting and some horsemanship skills whilst raising funds for a great cause. This is year one of the Berney Bros. Huntsman’s Challenge and all going well we hope to build on the event for the future. All and any support from hunt members will be welcome on the day and we look forward to a decent level of competiveness!”
Tickets are available from each participating huntsman, www.punchestown.com or on the day at the racecourse. Admission €15. Under 14 race for Free. Senior and Student concessions.
Hunts taking part in the inaugural Berney Bros. Huntsman’s Challenge are:
Ballymacad Foxhounds – Kevin Donohue
Kildare Foxhounds – Chris Francis
Leitrim Harriers – James Mee
Louth Foxhounds – Alan Reilly
Kilkenny Foxhounds – Peter Cahill
Westmeath Foxhounds – Niall Mahon
Meath Foxhounds – John Henry
Fingal Harriers - Chris Smith
Edenderry Harriers – Joe Moore
Laois Foxhounds – Dermot Hannify
Ormond Foxhounds – Dennis Sullivan
