IT’S that time of year again for Ireland’s superb stable staff to show off their prowess in the Up The Yard Challenge. A total of 16 contenders and one reserve have qualified for the third running of the race challenge for stable and stud staff taking place at Punchestown on Saturday, November 16th, the opening day of the Punchestown Winter Festival featuring the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle.

This year’s wonderful prize is again very generously sponsored by Midland Travel, specialist in sporting and group travel. The successful challenger will enjoy a three-night stay in Paris. The prize includes direct flights, baggage, transfers and accommodation in a city centre hotel.

Very few deserve a relaxing break more than the hardworking stud and stable staff of Ireland!

Third title

The Gordon Elliott team will be bidding to land a third Up The Yard Challenge title with Candice Reusch hoping to follow in the footsteps of colleagues Louise Magee (2017 winner) and Camilla Sharples (2018).

Perhaps the ladies may lose their grip on the coveted title as eight gents are amongst the field for the 2019 renewal!

Riders will take on the challenge of riding over one mile and six furlongs on the flat and fulfil their dream of riding in a race. Good luck to all and have a great day.

Contenders are:

1. Barry Nolan – Paul Nolan

2. Sadhbh Morley – Noel Meade

3. Eimear Dunne – Johnny Murtagh

4. Gwen Browne – Jessica Harrington

5. Elaine O’Donovan – Eoin Griffin

6. Paul Lake – J.R. Finn

7. Candice Reusch - Gordon Elliott

8. Ian McDonnell – Dermot Weld

9. James Brown – William Austin

10. Rachel Gilheany – Tony Martin

11. Rozalyn Hogan – David Broad

12. Adam Fitzgerald – John Hanlon

13. Justin Hannafin - Willie Mullins

14. Cathal Connolly – Henry De Bromhead

15. Darren Lawlor – Seamus Fahey

16. Marie McCarthy – Sheila Lavery

R1. Brona Kelly – Dot Love

Visit punchestown.com

THIS should add greatly to the night when Irish comedian and writer Jarlath Regan (right) will present the trophies at the 2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare next Tuesday night, October 29th.

Jarlath has been performing stand-up for over 10 years, with multiple television credits including Tonight At The Palladium<, Russell Howard’s Good News and Stand Up Central, so you certainly won’t be short changed for great entertainment.

Having grown up on the Curragh and from a racing family, he knows his horses from his donkeys and conversations with Sir A.P. McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald, Ruby Walsh and Richard Hughes on his Irishman Abroad podcast are the stuff of legend.

Twenty-four finalists have been shortlisted for eight of the 10 award categories, which carry over €80,000 in prize-money.

Streaming will begin at approximately 9.15pm and can be accessed through www.studandstablestaffawards.ie.