Ruby Walsh has been named as an official Brand Champion for the Punchestown Festival taking place between the 26th and 30th of April.
Born and raised only a few miles as the crow flies from the famous venue, Punchestown has been the stage for many highlights of Walsh’s illustrious career, including his farewell to the saddle in 2019. Now it is said that his new role at the home of Irish jump racing will extend beyond that of brand ambassador, consultant, expert or advisor.
He will work alongside the Punchestown team as they continue to improve, enhance and safeguard the future of the iconic racecourse.
“For me Punchestown is home and there’s nowhere like home,” he said.
“From the festival in spring to the launch of the national hunt proper in the autumn, I always seem to be at Punchestown whatever the season. This is more than a passion project and I will focus on areas that I consider to be key to the quality and appeal of racing such as attracting more UK runners to the festival and throughout the season. It’s a fantastic track with brilliant prize money and great hospitality for connections.”
“In 2023 Punchestown celebrates 200 years. Obviously whilst I won’t be around to see it I’d like to make a contribution and play my part in safeguarding the home of Irish jump racing for another 200 years.”
“Ruby has proven himself to be as capable on the ground as in the saddle when it comes to strategy, policy and the general awareness of the realities of balancing the commerciality of racing as a product whilst respecting the tradition and heritage of the game and the contribution of those who invest in it,” said Conor O’Neill, CEO at the racecourse.
“With an incredible network of contacts and a career that has spanned 24 years, 213 grade one wins, 12 jockey championships and success in Ireland, the UK, Japan, Australia, France and the United States qualifies Ruby as somewhat of an expert in our eyes.”
His first outing under this new guise will be to promote the Festival at this week’s Randox Grand National Meeting at Aintree.
