With Ireland’s flagship jump racing festival only days away, Punchestown Racecourse has today announced a major three-year sponsorship deal with global professional services firm KPMG.

The newly titled €125,000 Grade 1 KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle takes place on the opening day of the sporting highlight, Tuesday 25th April, and will raise the curtain for no less than twelve grade one contests across the five-day programme.

KPMG is no stranger to the jump racing scene since teaming up with the all-conquering Rachael Blackmore as brand ambassador in 2021. This deal builds on KPMG’s role as a partner of the 20×20 initiative to help elevate women’s sport and dedication that already includes ongoing sponsorships of Irish golfer Leona Maguire, the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and the Dublin Ladies Gaelic football team.

“Today’s announcement is an extension of KPMG’s support for Irish sport and homegrown talent,” said KPMG Managing Partner Seamus Hand.

“We are proud to have Rachael Blackmore as our brand ambassador and it’s inspirational for many to see her and other Irish athletes compete and win on racing’s biggest stages.”

“We look forward to the return to Punchestown for the grand finale of the season, and we are delighted to be part of this occasion.”

“We are delighted to welcome this announcement of what is now the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle,” added Janet Creighton of Punchestown.

“This race boasts an all-star line-up of previous winners including Hurricane Fly, Faugheen and Jezki who all went on to achieve great things – it truly is a key indicator for excellence.”

“We appreciate that KPMG consider and curate the events and individuals that they choose to support. That translates as a commitment to building relationships which is an approach that we share so we really look forward to working alongside the KPMG team over the next three years and beyond.”

The 2023 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April. A programme of 40 races and a prize fund of over €3.3 million attracts the best of Irish and British racing talent. For full information on one of Ireland’s favourite sporting, social and corporate hospitality events please visit www.punchestown.com