PUNCHESTOWN takes centre stage this week with five days of top-class horse racing to get stuck into.
When is the Punchestown Festival 2026?
The Punchestown Festival is staged across five thrilling days.
- Racing begins on Tuesday, April 28 and concludes on Saturday, May 2
- On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, the first race is at 2.30 and last race at 6.35
- On day four – Thursday – the first race is at 3.40 and last race at 7.40
When is the Punchestown Gold Cup?
Here’s the fixtures for the week, including Wednesday’s Gold Cup day.
- Tuesday, 28 April: William Hill Champion Chase Day (Opening Day)
- Wednesday, 29 April: Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day
- Thursday, 30 April: Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day
- Friday, 1 May: Boodles Champion Hurdle & Ladies Day
- Saturday, 2 May: SBK Festival Finale Day & Family Day
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our .
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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