THE team at Punchestown continues to bask in the success of a standout Festival, which attracted a record attendance of 136,651; up 15.5% on last year.

Given time to reflect on what led to such a triumph, CEO Conor O’Neill commented: “Obviously, the weather played its part; it was absolutely fabulous and I think it helped elevate the festival. It’s a pity you can’t guarantee it, because it makes such a difference.”

Oftentimes, bigger numbers can put a strain on facilities, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case at Punchestown. Confirmation of high-profile horses such as Constitution Hill, sold-out hospitality and healthy advance ticket sales, particularly from the UK, predicted a strong turnout, O’Neill explained. “We made plenty of provisions and put plans in place and, actually, on the Thursday night of the Festival, we brought in additional infrastructure.

“We built a whole additional area up in the northern enclosure with additional bars, food facilities, screens, toilets, et cetera, and that certainly paid dividends come Friday, when we were delighted with the crowd that came through the gates.”

While the dry weather may boost attendance, it can prove a problem on the track itself, as O’Neill acknowledged. “I think the real heroes of the week were our team out on the track,” he noted. “I was very proud of the job that they did; to provide such perfect racing ground with those conditions throughout the week was an absolute credit to them.

“We started watering our track just after Cheltenham. It was obviously crucial that we had a base in it, and we didn’t let it get away from us at any time.”

O’Neill returns to this topic when asked what other tracks could learn from this year’s Festival. “I think the most important aspect for Punchestown, and indeed for every other racecourse going forward is the availability of water,” he says. “It’s one thing putting it on, but I think it’s so important now, particularly with the changes in seasons, that racecourses have the availability of water to be able to produce the ground that people are now expecting for racing.”

Always evolving

The attitude of the Punchestown team also appears key to their success, judging by O’Neill’s comment: “I’d be the first to say that to some degree, you’re never happy because you’re always trying to improve. We don’t always get everything right, we do make mistakes, but I think the important part is that if you’re not willing to try it, you won’t evolve.”

Significant changes made from the 2024 Festival paid dividends this year, according to O’Neill. “We took away the reserved enclosure completely, and I think particularly this year, that certainly helped, because it allowed people to flow freely through the site.

Price cuts

“We reduced our ticket prices as well, to try to offer value for people coming racing, particularly those who come on numerous days. I think that came to fruition even more so this year. It probably took a year to cement and I suppose one of the other big changes, which seemed to really come to the fore this year, was the earlier start times.

“In 2024 we came back to the traditional start time of 2.30pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday, and we extended that to the Thursday this year as well. The UK audience certainly benefited, particularly those that come in and out in a day, or were only staying one night.

“Earlier start times also helped local restaurants and bars. I certainly think there was a more festival atmosphere than I’ve seen in many years, particularly in Naas throughout the week of the festival, which is very important.”

Punchestown’s involvement with the local community has always been integral to its popularity, but a recent focus for the team has taken them further afield. “The UK element is such an integral part, and it’s fundamental that we continue to grow that,” O’Neill says. “The Albert Bartlett Triple Crown series was a huge initiative, and that certainly boosted it, but right across the board, we did a very comprehensive campaign at racecourses throughout the UK over the winter period.

“It certainly enhances the appeal from various levels. You’re renewing rivalries from the big spring festivals, which gives you the best racing possible and helps to attract UK clients across the water. Media rights is such an important aspect of a racecourse’s income and to have UK horses and jockeys involved enhances that appeal, particularly for the UK market.”

O’Neill acknowledged the assistance of the Curragh racecourse with accommodating an overflow of the 66 UK runners throughout the week, before expressing his delight at the visitors’ success. “I think it was very important for racing as a whole, that when the UK horses came across, that they had some success as well. There were eight winners throughout the week, which believe it or not, is the same amount of UK winners that were at Cheltenham this year.”