THE Up The Yard Challenge Race for stable and stud staff will return to Punchestown on bank holiday Monday, February 2nd.

Now firmly established since its launch in 2017, the race continues to shine a spotlight on the skilled riders who form the backbone of the racing and breeding industries.

The initiative was created to give yard and stud staff, many of whom ride out daily and play a crucial role in the sport, the chance to compete at the home of Irish jumps.

Punchestown sponsorship manager and event organiser Leona Hughes said: “Anyone working in this industry knows the standard of riding talent that exists in yards and studs across the country. These riders are up with the dawn, producing young horses, and keeping the whole operation moving. This race is about giving them their moment on a major stage. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the buzz of the Punchestown straight with a crowd behind you, now is the time to get your name in.”

The 2026 running will take place after the final official race and will be contested over approximately one mile and seven furlongs. Yards and studs nationwide are invited to submit nominations by Monday, December 15th.

Just 16 riders will be taking part, with no reserves. Nominees may have previously ridden in a charity race but must not have ridden under rules or in point-to-points.

Riders will collectively select a charity, and each participant must raise a minimum of €500. All selected participants must complete a one-day charity race assessment at RACE in Kildare, coordinated by Punchestown.

Riders must be at least 18 and be able to ride at 12st (5lb allowance for mares).

Nominations must include name, date of birth, contact number, and nominating yard, with trainer sign-off.

Email: lhughes@punchestown.com

PUNCHESTOWN Racecourse will be featured in The Infinite Explorer on the National Geographic channel next Monday at 8pm. Presenter Professor Hannah Fry visited the track during the Festival and we hear that she was impressed.

National Geographic is available on both the Sky and Virigin Media platforms.

A CELEBRITY cast list will take part in the Treo Eile Christmas Show at the Emerald Equestrian Centre in Enfield, Co Meath, on Thursday, December 11th. Five leading trainers have entered teams as have several racecourses.

More details will be carried in next week’s edition but you can secure your tickets now by searching the web for ‘Eventbrite Treo Eile Christmas Show’.

OVER 500 items of racing memorabilia collected by the late Nick O’Toole will be auctioned today (Saturday) from 10am at Sean Eacrett Auctions in Ballybrittas, Co Laois.

The auction features rare photographs, signed silks, racecards and artefacts linked to some of racing’s greatest names, including Arkle, Nijinsky, Vincent O’Brien and Lester Piggott.

Web: seaneacrettauctions.com