HOLD on to your hats....

Following on from the massive success of the Huntsman’s Challenge at the Winter Festival last November, Punchestown racecourse announced that The Big Hunting Hooley will take place on the opening day of the 2018 Festival, Tuesday, April 24th next.

To celebrate the launch of the brand new Hunt Stand, Punchestown are offering half price €20 reserved enclosure tickets to hunt members and supporters for that date (April 24th). In addition, all participating hunts have the option to nominate a member to take part in the Hunt Parade prior to racing. There will also be a Best Turned Out prize on offer for members taking part in the parade.

The card on the opening day is packed with top quality racing, including three Grade 1 contests, while off course action includes brilliant live music and entertainment in the wonderful new Hunt Stand venues, so members are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes.

Looking forward to the celebrations, Punchestown general manager, Dick O’Sullivan, said: “Punchestown, National Hunt racing and hunting are so closely linked and we are marking this association by naming the new €4 million development The Hunt Stand. To this end it is only appropriate the hunt supporters and members of Ireland are the first ones to enjoy the new facilities and we hope that they will be impressed with the improvements that we have made. If the craic and atmosphere is anything like November’s Huntsman’s Challenge, it will be an absolutely brilliant day. The hunting crowd certainly know how to enjoy themselves!”

Hunt secretaries have been sent information about the day and to take part, all hunt members are asked to order their half price reserved enclosure tickets directly with their respective hunt secretary.

The 2018 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday to Saturday, April 24th to April 28th. For further information, please visit www.punchestown.com or call +353 (0) 45 897704.