Punchestown Racecourse, widely regarded as the heartbeat of Irish jump racing, is bringing its prestigious five-day festival to an exciting close on May 3rd, 2025. Since kicking off on April 29th, the event has drawn fans from across the country and beyond, all eager to witness high-stakes action, thrilling finishes, and moments that capture the spirit of the sport. As the final day approaches, anticipation is running high with a packed card featuring eight races that promise to deliver a memorable conclusion to this iconic festival.
The day’s program gets underway at 2:30 PM, offering a dynamic mix of races across various formats, including hurdles, chases, and a bumper race. There’s also a cross-country event to ignite early excitement and a special charity race to cap off the evening with purpose and passion. Each race has been thoughtfully scheduled to keep the energy building throughout the afternoon, offering something for both purists and casual racegoers.
Kicking things off will be an exhilarating cross-country challenge covering over three miles, setting the tone for the spectacle ahead. Not long after, the field will stretch out for a stamina-testing chase that spans nearly four miles, with a hefty reward on the line, ensuring fierce competition. By mid-afternoon, attention will turn to one of the standout highlights of the day — a Grade 1 hurdle event exclusively for mares, where top-class talent will battle it out over more than two miles for a substantial prize.
As the festival pushes into the late afternoon, another major handicap chase adds depth to the lineup, featuring experienced contenders vying over a three-mile journey. Not to be outdone, the next Grade 1 contest welcomes promising four-year-old hurdlers, who will compete in a tightly run two-mile race, offering a glimpse at the next generation of stars. The action continues with a high-stakes handicap hurdle just before 5:30 PM, where long-distance specialists will test their mettle over an extended three-mile course.
Before the day draws to a close, a flat bumper race adds variety to the lineup, giving spectators a chance to see emerging talent in a different racing format. Finally, the festival ends on a note of goodwill and community spirit with a charity race supporting kidney research. This final event, run over nearly two miles, provides a heartwarming and exciting finish to what has been a captivating week of racing.
With entertainment and racing thrills in abundance, Punchestown is set to offer a grand farewell to the National Hunt season. Families and fans of all ages are expected to gather in celebration, with attractions like the Junior Jockey Club Fun Zone ensuring a lively atmosphere off the track. Meanwhile, the crowning of the season’s champions will add a ceremonial flourish to the day, marking achievements from both horses and humans who’ve made their mark this year. Whether you’re there for the sport, the spectacle, or the stories, the finale promises an unforgettable end to an already spectacular festival.
