The 2023 Punchestown Racing Festival, one of the most highly anticipated events on the Irish Racing Calendar takes place annually in April. This year we announced a sponsorship deal with Punchestown Racecourse, the newly titled KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle took place on Tuesday, 25 April in front of a bumper crowd.
The two-mile championship grade 1 race attracted a top-quality field of 19 entries including Cheltenham festival hero Marine Nationale. Congratulations to Trainer Willie Mullins and Jockey Paul Townend who led Facile Vega to victory on the day.
Other entries included Cheltenham Stars Diverge, Il Etait Temps and Hunters Yarn part of a strong Willie Mullins contingent that also included Ballymore one-two, Impaire Et Passe and Gaelic Warrior. Meanwhile Gordon Elliott had five entries – American Mike, Amir Kabir, Doctor Bravo, Found A Fifty and Irish Point, whilst Henry de Bromhead entered a strong trio to include Inthepocket, Magical Zoe and the talented Arctic Bresil.
This announcement is a further extension of KPMG’s support for Irish sport and homegrown talent. We are delighted to be part of this occasion.
Supporting women in sport
We're no stranger to the jump racing scene since teaming up with Rachael Blackmore as brand ambassador in 2021. This agreement builds on our role as a partner of the 20x20 initiative to help elevate women’s sport and dedication that already includes ongoing sponsorships of golfer Leona Maguire and the Dublin Ladies Gaelic football team.
