SATURDAY, November 18th should be a great day out at Punchestown when stable and stud staff compete in a race, the centrepiece of a celebration day for staff. Sixteen riders and four reserves have been selected for the inaugural running of the Up The Yard Challenge Race.

The day will incorporate live music, party food, inter-yard games, spot prizes, entertainment and of course free admission.

TRI Equestrian have generously sponsored prizes with the winning yard receiving €3,000 of vouchers for the staff and each rider will be given a €100 voucher for the Curragh-based store.

The criteria for nominees is that they must be 18 years and over, maximum race weight is 12 stone and must have not ridden under rules or in a point-to-point at any stage.

The riders and reserves are:

  • Marcel de Courcey – Tom Mullins
  • Ryan McKeever – Tracey Collins
  • Jan Kral – Shark Hanlon
  • Colm Hand – Dermot McLoughlin
  • Jamie Dwyer – Jim Dreaper
  • Louise Magee – Gordon Elliott
  • Morris Sweeney – Roger McGrath
  • Triona McLaughlin – Ballyhane Stud
  • Elaine Kelly – Ballylinch Stud
  • Dillon Phillips – Dermot Weld
  • Deirdre Hogan – Denis Hogan
  • Veronika Snajdrova – Dot Love
  • John Griffin – Jim Bolger
  • Ashley Hussey – Jessica Harrington
  • Katie Murphy – Eugene O’Sullivan
  • Jack Martin – Noel Meade

    • Reserves

  • R1 Cody Keogh – Garvan Donnelly
  • R2 Emma Brophy – Liam Cusack
  • R3 Stephen Thorne – Ado McGuinness
  • R4 Ciaran O’Dwyer – Gavin Cromwell

    • Who will be the fittest of them all?