The Premiere Weekend at Punchestown is the biggest early-season race meeting in Ireland, with two days of top-class racing featuring a Grade 1 double header at the home of National Hunt racing on the Emerald Isle.

They have two days of cracking action at Punchestown, with Grade 1s on both Saturday and Sunday, as we look ahead to the action at the Kildare venue on their Premiere Weekend.

When is it?

Premiere Weekend at Punchestown takes place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November.

First Race — 11:30 (Saturday) & 11:43 (Sunday)

Last Race — 3:25 (Saturday) & 3:35 (Sunday)

Gates Open — 10:00am both days

Tickets

Weekend advance tickets are priced at just €15.00 each from the Punchestown website, available to all and ending at 10pm the night before racing.

There is a range of suite options and dining, including a four-course lunch in the Corinthian Restaurant at €115.00 per person.

On the day, tickets are €20.00, with students/seniors admitted for €15.00 and family admission at €25.00 with two adults accompanying children.

Getting there

There is a free shuttle bus from Naas on both days, departing Poplar Square, returning after racing, with no booking required. A return bus to Dublin City Centre (Wellington Quay) costs €30.00 and must be pre-booked. Dublin Airport is just 28 miles from the racecourse at Punchestown.

Dress code, food & facilities

Dress up or dress down — there are no limitations at Punchestown. There are no enclosures at Punchestown, so punters can enjoy everything on offer.

Keep it casual and enjoy tasty dishes in The Feedroom, Hay Cafe or various food trucks with a really good selection of hot & cold dishes and snacks along with great home bakes and barista coffee.

Entertainment

There is live music after racing on Saturday evening, with a vintage car display taking place on Sunday. Sophie Hunter Millinery, Jason O'Ceannobhain Art and Hollywood Flowers & Festive Gifts will all be on site with stalls over the weekend and there is also the chance to win a family trip to Lapland.

Big race highlights

Saturday is headlined by the Morgiana Hurdle (2:10), a contest for elite-level two-milers, with Limestone Lad and Hurricane Fly the record three-time winners.

Willie Mullins has won it a record 13 times with the likes of Faugheen (2017), Sharjah (2018, 2021), Saldier (2019) and State Man (2022, 2023) among his recent heroes and he could saddle Lossiemouth this time with State Man out injured.

On Sunday, it is the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase (3:00) that headlines, as some of the best staying chasers in Ireland typically make their seasonal comebacks.

Min is the only horse to win the race three times, doing so from 2018-2020, and Mullins' haul of 10 wins is a record and includes successes with Florida Pearl (2001), Arvika Ligeonniere (2013), Djakadam (2015, 2016), Allaho (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2022) and Fact To File (2024).

The last-named won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March and seems really suited at this sort of trip, he is set to defend the crown for Mullins and top owner JP McManus now.