WHEN does the new jumps season really start?

Officially it began as soon as the Punchestown Festival ended in early May but most jump racing fans feel it only really gets going in the autumn when the flat season has gone and weekends are taken over by classy hurdlers and chasers, old friends we’ve missed for months.

If the criteria for establishing the ‘true’ beginning of the National Hunt season involves the quality of runners on show, then allow us to put the case for the Punchestown Premiere Weekend.

Last year four subsequent Cheltenham Grade 1 winners made their seasonal debuts at this two-day meeting, which takes place next weekend.

The quartet were Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior, Champion Hurdle heroine Lossiemouth, Ryanair Chase victor Heart Wood and Brown Advisory Chase scorer Kitzbuhel.

While that sinks in, here’s a few more big names who debuted at last year’s Weekend: Irish Gold Cup winner Fact To File, DRF Grade 1 winner Kaid D’Authie, Aintree Grade 1 winner Koktail Divin and the Aintree Grand National winner I Am Maximus.

Quite simply, no other autumn fixture can come close to matching that for a cast list.

These are two days of racing that need to be watched very carefully, a chance to see current and future champions in the flesh.

Next Saturday’s Grade 1 William Hill Morgiana Hurdle is the likely starting point for Lossiemouth. Her rivals could include William Munny (a close second in the 2025 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) and last season’s Grade 1 winner Talk The Talk. Gordon Elliott’s Grade 1 winner Mange Tout has the advantage of a recent run. What more can be said about last year’s Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase? Gaelic Warrior batting back to beat Fact To File was a standout moment of the season. The Gold Cup winner is on track to reappear at Punchestown next Sunday.

With Fact To File more likely to skip the race, the opposition will be headed by elite second season novices such as Kitzbuhel, Kaid D’Authie, Koktail Divin and Final Demand.

I Am Maximus and fellow Grand National winner Nick Rockett are also among the 15 entries.

The two Grade 2 novice chases over the weekend are also expected to attract all the best recent novice chase winners as well as some exciting chasing debutants.

It would be no surprise to see a star or two emerge from the two maiden hurdles or the two bumpers. Add in a few valuable handicap hurdle, a listed mares’ hurdle and even a cross-country chase. You’re going to need a big notebook for all these horses to follow.

Racing schedule

Saturday, November 21st

11:53 Sebden Steel Maiden Hurdle

12:28 Conway Piling Beginners Chase

13:03 Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2)

13:38 Ryans Cleaning Handicap Chase

14:10 William Hill Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1)

14:45 Total Event Rental Hurdle

15:23 Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle

15:53 Willis Towers Watson INH Flat Race

Sunday, November 22nd

12:00 Donohue Marquees Risk Of Thunder Chase (Cross Country)

12:30 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle

13:00 Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle

13:30 Colm Quinn BMW Novice Handicap Hurdle

14:00 Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle (Listed)

14:30 Matchbook Betting Exchange Craddockstown Novice Chase (Grade 2)

15:00 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1)

15:30 Keadeen Hotel INH Flat Race

Why you should become a Punchestown member

THE new Punchestown Refer-A-Friend Membership deal allows both existing and new members to save €15 each on their 2027 Punchestown membership. This offer will run for the month of November only.

To avail of this offer contact Emma at Punchestown to book your 2027 membership and nominate the friend that would like to join also. The nominated friend then contacts Emma and once both applications are made the deal is done.

Both memberships will be processed with a €15 discount each and their members pack will be distributed in due course.

The full membership price is €280 with a €55 discount for seniors, students and HRI-registered racehorse owners.

Being a Punchestown member gains you the following benefits:

  • Admission into all 22 racedays at Punchestown.
  • The most extensive reciprocal programme between Ireland and the UK with over 80 fixtures valued at over €2,000 .
  • A pair of complimentary tickets for the opening day of the 2027 Punchestown Festival, Tuesday, April 27th.
  • Membership badge for parking in the members’ carpark, conveniently located close to the turnstiles.
  • Admission into the dedicated Punchestown Members Club Bar.
  • Guest tickets for Premiere Weekend 2027.
  • Opportunity to participate in the annual Members Tipster Challenge.

    • Tel: 045 897704 (Emma)

    Email: info@punchestown.com

    Your chance to win a family trip to Lapland

    RACEGOERS at Punchestown next Sunday can win a family trip to Lapland.

    To enter you must be in attendance on Sunday, which is Enva Family Day.

    The €30 Enva Family Day ticket is available to purchase on the day. It covers admission for two adults plus children under 14. Families are encouraged to follow the candy cane trail to the Enva Christmas Family Fun Zone. There you can collect your golden ticket which you should complete and post in the Lapland Letterbox.

    The winner’s name will be announced after the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase and you must be onsite at the time of the draw to claim your prize.

    Children will also have the opportunity to visit the Santa Truck In Aid of Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, which will be open from 1.30pm to 4pm on Sunday.

    Activities include bouncy castles, face painting and a Santa letter station.

    Web: punchestown.com

    Take the bus

    A BUS service from Dublin’s Wellington Quay will depart from 10.30am sharp each day and return 30 minutes after the last race. The €30 ticket can be secured on the Puncehstown website.

    There is also a bus service running from Poplar Square (in front of Lawlor’s Hotel) in Naas at 11am both mornings. The cost is €5 and booking is not required.

    Best value tickets online

    GENERAL admission tickets for each day are available online for just €20 per day if bought in advance online. It will be €25 on the day.

    The €35 weekend ticket offer closes at 10pm this Sunday, November 15th.

    Seniors, students and families will enjoy concession prices on the day and all children under 14 years race for free.

    Dine at the races

    PUNCHESTOWN has long been a leader in racecourse catering. Due to demand, additional dining facilities have been created. Racegoers are invited to choose from Watch House and Corinthian trackside restaurant options. Menu prices range from €25 for children to €110 for adults, or you can consider hiring your own suite where catering can be provided to suit your occasion at €75 per person.

    Live music on Saturday

    TWO Guys Live will perform after racing on Saturday.

    The ever-popular duo are on their farewell tour and return to where it all began for their final racecourse appearance.

    Dec and Chris have travelled the world off the back of being great entertainers and appearing at Punchestown parties.

    December dates to note

    PUNCHESTOWN stages two meetings in December worth noting in your diary.

    On Tuesday, December 8th, Punchestown hosts what has become an unofficial Christmas gathering day where many studs mark the end of a busy sales season with a special group lunch package.

    This has also proved popular with local businesses. Spaces can be booked online or by contacting Punchestown.

    Punchestown’s New Years Eve Countdown with Tote Day is now well established as a free admission raceday.

    It attracts great crowds and boasts a lovely atmosphere, with good racing and festive treats for all on arrival.