A G U I D E TO O U R TOWN

TH E 2018 PU N CH E STOW N FE STIVAL24 - 28 APR I L

E N J OY T H E T R I P A N D E X P E R I E N C E T H E B E S T J U M P R AC I N G T H AT I R E L A N D H A S TO O FFE R

P U N C H E S TOW N .CO M

G O WH ER E CHAM PI O N S G O

The five day Punchestown Festival always produces top quality racing but the 2017 renewal can only be described as vintage. The Coral Punchestown Gold Cup produced what was the race of the season with the current champion Sizing John, former champion Coneygree and the brilliant Djakadam jumping the last upsides and battling to the line. If a certain beer brand did horse races that was undeniably a shining example!

A massive 60% of the races came down to the narrowest of margins with winning distances measuring under one and a half lengths. Nose, short head, and neck featured across results pages throughout the industry. On the topic of narrow margins, who will ever forget the nail biting championship battle between the formidable Willie Mullins team and young gun Gordon Elliott. With record levels of prize money the race isn’t over until they cross the line as they say.

Social media platforms were alight with those taken aback by the thrilling sporting action taking place at the home of Irish racing.

Furthermore, many were reeling not be experiencing the event for real and pledged not to miss the next showdown in Punchestown. This brochure is your guide to Punchestown 2018. Be there in person to share the experience.

B O O K YO U R P U N C H E S TOW N 2 018 V I S I T I N T H R E E S I M P LE S T E P S :

1. Book your tickets or hospitality package: The earlier you book the more you save. We have ticket promotions and hospitality packages on offer right now. Please visit punchestown.com or call the team on +353 45 897704 who will be happy to chat through your Punchestown 2018 options

2. Book Flights or Ferry: Punchestown is very conveniently located for both Dublin International Airport and the major ferry ports. Full details on page 8

3. Book Accommodation: To make the most of the Festival we would always recommend staying locally. Check out page 6 for details

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T U E S DAY 2 4 A P R I LB OY L E S P O R T S C H A M P I O N C H A S E DAY

The opening day of the festival is one for the real racing fans with three brilliant grade 1 contests featuring the Boylesports Champion Chase. Festivities get underway throughout the enclosures with live music, great food and wonderful style.

W E D N E S DAY 2 5 A P R I LCO R A L PU N CH E STOW N G O LD CU P

The jewel in the crown of the entire event and possibly the Irish jump racing calendar. The Punchestown Coral Gold Cup takes centre stage on day two. The 2017 renewal was billed as the race of the season with Gold Cup hero Sizing John, the Willie Mullins trained Djakadam and British raider Coneygree jumping the final fence in unison.

T H U R S DAY 2 6 A P R I LL A D B R O K E S C H A M P I O N S TAY E R S H U R D L E DAY

Stamina is the name of the game on day three with runners and riders lining up for the Ladbrokes

centrepiece. The original racecourse sale, the Goffs Invitational, takes place after racing in the winners enclosure.

F R I DAY 2 7 A P R I LB E T DAQ C H A M P I O N H U R D L E DAY

The penultimate day of the Festival is considered by many to be the social highlight of the event. On the track current, past and potential champion hurdlers meet in the BETDAQ feature whilst the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady is unveiled on the main stage.

S AT U R DAY 2 8 A P R I LA E S F E S T I VA L FA M I LY DAY

Festival Saturday is the ultimate wrap party for the Irish jump racing season. Festival goers of all ages travel from every corner of Ireland and beyond to celebrate the achievements of Irish jump racing. The racing fans of tomorrow are entertained in the Junior Jockey Club Fun Zone whilst the season champions are crowned in the winners enclosure.

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WH EN WO U LD YO U LI K E TO J O I N U S?

T H E 2 0 1 8 P U N C H E S TOW N F E S T I VA L 24 - 2 8 A P R I L

T I C K E T T Y P E T U E W E D T H U FR I SAT

Flexi Ticket £37 £37 £37 £37 £37

Flexi Ticket Reserved Enclosure £46 £46 £46 £46 £46

Reserved Enclosure Ticket £37 £37 £37 £46 £37

General Admission Ticket £28 £28 £28 £37 £28

Super Party Pack £37 £39 £39 £46 £40

Party Pack £28 £30 £30 £37 £30

THAT ’ S TH E TI CK ET

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FLE X I T I C K E TAs the name suggests this is flexible and can be used on the day of your choice

R E S E RV E D E N C LO S U R EAccess to the paddock, newly refurbished grandstand bars, cafes and terraces, shopping on Main Street. New for 2018 will be the Hunt Stand housing the Corinthian Restaurant, Bollinger Champagne Bar, Festival Bar and the famous Punchestown Sky Bar with live entertainment. The reservedenclosure is the social hub of the festival.

G E N E R A L A D M I S S I O NAccess to the paddock, grandstand, newly refurbished bars and cafes and shopping on Main Street.

PA R T Y PAC KTailored for groups of ten people or more, the Party Pack is considered an ideal starter kit for a memorable day at the races. The Party Pack includes: Admission, Racecard, £5 match bet, £5 beverage voucher. Super Size your Party Pack for around £9pp to gain reserved enclosure level access.

The great news is that racing at Punchestown is still a fraction of the price compared to similar events in the UK. We run early bird offers until the end of February each year. Check out our ticket packages.

P U N C H E S TOW N 2 018 T I C K E T P R I C E S

The following sterling prices are a guide only and were correct at time of print based on the exchange rate. The price charged at booking will be based on the rate that day.

Famous for atmosphere, personal service, delicious dining and beverage options, Punchestown has long been a favourite destination for corporate and private functions. Again the price of our packages compares very favourably with similar sporting events which allows you to elevate your visit to the next level.

D I N I N G AT P U N C H E S TOW N 2 018 I N C LU D E S :

T H E WATC H H O U S E AT PA N O R A M I C £1 3 8 P P

Set on the first level of the stand with the most fantastic views of the track, guests will enjoy a delicious four course a la carte lunch served to your table by our experienced team. This will be followed by a sweet and savoury afternoon tea. Tote and bookmaker facilities are in the venue. A guest tipster service will be available.

T H E P U N C H E S TOW N PAV I LI O N £1 2 0 P P

Excellent trackside location just metres from the final fence where guests will be treated to a wonderful four course lunch and afternoon tea. The reserved enclosure location

lends itself to a brilliant aprés racing entertainment programme. Tote and bookmaker facilities in the venue. A guest tipster service will be available.

L A TO U C H E R E S TAU R A N T £1 3 8 P P

New to the Punchestown collection in 2017 this venue performed beyond all expectations. La Touche is located on a first floor level overlooking the famous Punchestown winners enclosure. The stylish décor, specially designed menu with French influence, extensive wine and champagne list and exceptional evening supper have truly set La Touche as a stand out hospitality venue.

T H E CO R I N T H I A N £1 5 8 P P

We are delighted to introduce a new flagship venue at Punchestown. The Corinthian will be located on the first floor of the new Hunt Stand overlooking the final furlong of the famous track. This elegant venue, in both style and service, will boast a menu that showcases local, seasonal produce over a seven course tasting experience throughout your raceday. This is a very special venue and package.

D I N N ER I N TOWN

* P L E A S E N O T E T H AT S T E R L I N G P R I C E S A R E G I V E N A S A G U I D E O N LY A N D W I L L B E C H A R G E D AT T H E E XC H A N G E R AT E O N T H E DAY O F B O O K I N G

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Please do not hesitate to contact Erica and Laura on the hospitality team who would be delighted to chat through your Punchestown dining options: Phone +353 45 897704 or email info@punchestown.com

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STAY I N O U R TOWNT H E TOW N S A N D V I LL AG E S S U R R O U N D I N G P U N C H E S TOW N

H AV E A N A B U N DA N C E O F WO N D E R FU L P L AC E S TO S TAY D U R I N G YO U R V I S I T.

At Punchestown we work with some carefully selected hotel partners to complete your festival experience.

K I LL A S H E E H OT E L

Tel: +353 45 879277 Visit: killasheehotel.com

Located just two miles from the track this 4* luxury country house hotel is set in 280 acres of gardens and parkland. Killashee has 141 beautifully appointed bedrooms including 25 luxury suites. There are casual and more formal dining options available in The Bistro and Turners Restaurant. Guests can also enjoy the hotel leisure facilities & spa.

LO U I S F I TZG E R A LD H OT E L

Tel: +353 1 4033300 Visit: louisfitzgeraldhotel.com

Modern and conveniently located, The Louis Fitzgerald hotel is an ideal base for the Punchestown Festival. The hotel offers excellent all-inclusive Festival packages at very reasonable prices. Located just 25 minutes from Dublin airport and with easy access to Dublin city centre, guests can enjoy the best that the city and countryside can offer.

T H E K C LU B H OT E L , S PA & G O LF C LU B

Tel: +353 1 6017200 Visit: thekclub.ie

This famous 5* world resort member hotel is located about a 20 minute drive from Punchestown. The K Club is steeped in history and was home to the 2006 Ryder Cup and more recently to the 2016 Irish Open. Each of the bedrooms have been individually designed with some boasting wonderful views of the river Liffey. Dining at The K Club is a real pleasure with the Byerley Turk and River Room options.

T H E 2 0 1 8 P U N C H E S TOW N F E S T I VA L 24 - 2 8 A P R I L

With a reciprocal programme of over 62 fixtures in Ireland and the UK including many high profile meetings and savings of up to £170 across the calendar it is a must have for the racing fan.Enjoy admission to all Punchestown fixtures, a new exclusive members bar, complimentary tickets for friends

and an invite to our annual reception day to launch the season. Prices start from around £140 for seniors and £200 for full membership.

To learn more about the Punchestown Members Club contact Hilary: Tel: +353 45 897704 Email: info@punchestown.com

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J O I N TH E B E ST CLU B I N TOWN

G O TO TOW N FO R FR E E

P U N C H E S TOW N C LU B M E M B E R S E N J OY A H O S T O F B E N E F I T S A N D SAV I N G S T H R O U G H O U T T H E Y E A R .

We are delighted to continue our free admission policy to participating UK racecourse members on the opening day of the festival each year.

If you are a member of a racecourse in the UK please bring your valid membership badge to gain admission to the Boylesports Champion Chase day on April 24th.

S I M P LY P R E S E N T YO U R BA D G E AT T H E A LLO C AT E D T U R N S T I LE TO G A I N E N T RY.

T H E FO LLOW I N G U K R AC ECO U R S E S H AV E A R EC I P R O C A L A R R A N G E M E N T W I T H P U N C H E S TOW N

BangorCarlisleCartmelCheltenhamChepstowDoncasterExeterFfos LasHamilton ParkHaydock Park

HexhamHuntingdonKelsoLeicesterLudlowMarket RasenMusselburghNewburyNewmarketNottingham

SalisburySandownStratfordTauntonUttoxeterWarwickWincantonWorcester

U K V I S I TO R S G U I D E 2 018 P U N C H E S TOW N . C O M

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G ET TI N G TO O U R TOWN

N A A S S H U T T LE S E RV I C E

Direct bus transfer from Naas town to the racecourse available on Naas high street.

P U N C H E S TOW N I S LO C AT E D I N T H E FO OT H I LL S O F T H E D U B LI N W I C K LOW M O U N TA I N S I N CO U N T Y K I LDA R E

It is about a 45 minute drive from Dublin. Rather than spending time in traffic we would always recommend that visitors stay in the local area where we have super restaurants, pubs, shopping and sporting activities. The town of Naas is

just two miles away from the racecourse.

R A I L

Irish Rail Visit: irishrail.ie

Naas / Sallins station is the closest to the racecourse. A shuttle service is available to Naas and on to the racecourse.

COAC H T R A N S FE R FR O M D U B LI N C I T Y C E N T R E

Marathon Travel Tel: +3531 4755010 Visit: bushiredublin.net

Marathon Travel provide a coach transfer service from Dublin city centre to the racecourse.

FLY

Ryanair Visit Ryanair.com

Ryanair are the official airline partner to the Punchestown Festival.

Direct routes include:BirminghamBristolCardiffEast MidlandsEdinburghGlasgowLeeds Bradford

LiverpoolLondon GatwickLondon LutonLondon StanstedManchesterNewcastle

SA I L

Dublin City PortDun LaoghaireRosslareLarne

1 hour1 hour2 hours3 hours