After race at Punchestown Sat, 2nd May, 2026 (1st)  it was a nice buzz and was special to do it on our own horse trained at home. Punchestown has a very special place in the heart of the Durkan family and John was very much embedded in the racing industry. For a Durkan family member to get across the line at Punchestown, whether in a charity race or another race, is special. I have ridden in the Corinthian Challenge and twice in this race. I actually have a picture on the wall at home of myself as a 16-year-old with three-and-a-half stone of lead riding in another charity race in Ballinrobe. I'm at the other end of the scale now though. He had trouble settling last year so we took him back a bit and fair play to Gary Bannon (assistant trainer), who wanted to keep him for a novice for next season, by coming here. This was a pipe opener for him and it worked out well in the end. Gary and all the lads in the yard do a tremendous job and we've had 20 winners this year, which is phenomenal for a small yard. William Durkan