Lots already signed for next year's PKRF race

Even though the dust has hardly settled on the track after Saturday's running of the Punchestown Charity Race for the 28th consecutive year, there's a large list of applicants for next year's one, writes Brian Byrne.

With more than €1.4m raised since the foundation of the race by kidney transplant and dialysis activist James Nolan, he's exceptionally proud of the commitment of amateur riders to the event.

Some 24 of them took part in last Saturday's event, which was won by Mr Boss Man with Ian Haughan on board, followed in by Trudie Smith on Daisy's Gift, and Deirdre Hogan on Shingari.

The money raised is all used for research and support for renal illness, and a significant amount has already been given towards the development of a new Renal Unit in Temple St Children's Hospital in Dublin. The Unit will open in September.

James — pictured here with his wife Emma and many of the jockeys — reminds everyone to consider carrying a kidney donor card, and to discuss the issue with their families.