The 2018 Punchestown Winter Festival is upon us – this Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November. Racegoers can expect to see many of last season’s equine stars make an appearance over two days of quality racing where the GR1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle is the feature contest with an increased prize fund of €100,000 up from €85,000.
But another feature of this weekend’s feature will be the Ballymore Vintage Fair, a new ‘take’ on Christmas crafts and giftware, with the emphasis on vintage. Indeed, The Very Vintage Market organised by various groups in Ballymore Eustace challenges you to get into vintage mode and dress accordingly.
For the Best Dressed Vintage Lady, there’s a mega prize from Jenny Vander. Proprietor Gail Kinsella is generously donating a vintage 1950’s brooch (photographed here), along with a €100 Gift Voucher for the eclectic boutique located at Drury Street, Dublin.
Opened first in 1974, the shop offers a wonderful array of antique jewellery, accessories and clothing. Gail took over the business in 1993 and I can only say the shop is a must for those who love classic, dateless, vintage clothing.
A Very Vintage Winter Market and Live Music
The Very Vintage Christmas Market will take place in Madigan’s Bar on both Saturday and Sunday of the Winter Festival. The market will showcase artisan, vintage and unique wares and crafts so there’s plenty of Christmas shopping to be done!
On Saturday 17 November, the Ballymore Concert Band will add to the atmosphere with a performance from 2pm. Adding to the vintage theme will be Blessington Vintage car Club who will display a selection of vehicles.
There will be live music in the Budweiser Sports Lounge after racing each day.
GR1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle
A total of 14 are entered for the weekend highlight at the preliminary entry stage and they include Gigginstown House’s Samcro, Punchestown Festival BETDAQ Champion Hurdle winner Supasundae and the Henry de Bromhead trained Identity Thief. Of course no running of the Unibet Morgiana would be complete without a strong team from champion trainer Willie Mullins who will bid for an eighth consecutive and ninth overall win in the race. Closutton stablemates make up half of the preliminary entries and are headed by last year’s winner Faugheen along with Melon, Sharjah, Wicklow Brave, Mr Adjudicator, Saldier and Laurina.
Supasundae’s trainer Jessica Harrington hopes to make the Unibet Morgiana his season debut “ Supasundae is on target for the Unibet Morgiana. It is quite a while since we won the race with Moscow Flyer so we are certainly due another shot at this stage!”
Punchestown welcome Betway as the new sponsors of the GR2 €44,500 Betway Craddockstown Novice Chase on Saturday 17, a card that also features the €30,000 Frontline Security Grabel Mares Listed Hurdle.
The Punchestown Winter Festival is also the first opportunity of the season to catch the thrills and spills of the famous cross country track when the EMS Copiers Risk Of Thunder Steeplechase opens the card on Sunday, 18 November.
Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge 2018
Whilst graded and listed action will be the focus for racing fans, the Punchestown Winter festival will also play host to two very special challenge events. The second running of the Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge will be the final contest on Saturday 17 where 16 contenders will go to post. The Up The Yard concept was launched in 2017 as a gesture of gratitude to all those working, hands on, each day in yards and studs throughout the country. Each rider has taken part in an official assessment in RACE as part of the UTY qualifying process.
For the 2018 running of the event, Punchestown welcome Midland Travel as sponsor of the winning rider prize. Midland Travel specialise in group and sporting trips. www.midlandtravel.ie The first rider across the line will jet off for a well-deserved week in the sun with 4* accommodation, flights, transfers and more included.
The 2018 Huntsman’s Challenge
Alarm clocks will need to be set for an early but very worthwhile start on Winter Festival Sunday when the third running of the Berney Bros Huntsman’s Team Challenge takes place before racing. This event raised over €10,000 for the Irish Injured Jockeys in 2017. The centre piece Berney Bros. Huntsman’s Cross Country Challenge demonstration will take place over a one and a half mile section of the famous Punchestown course. An introduction parade of challengers will commence at 10.45am in the parade ring prior to the demonstration at 11.15am.
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