Thousands cheered amateur jockeys fundraising at Punchestown

Winning jockey Camilla Sharples and Amir Kabir.

The 31st running of the PKRF Charity Race took place at the 'Comeback' Punchestown National Hunt Racing Festival on Saturday 30th April in aid of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF). 

The crowds stayed on in their thousands to cheer on the 25 amateur riders in the final race of Ireland’s National Hunt Racing Festival and even the rain could not spoil this special day for all of the jockeys. There was a tangible buzz of excitement before the race that was matched by relief and joy after the race. "Despite the weather we had a huge crowd cheering us on last Saturday," says James Nolan from Kilcullen, who established the race more than three decades ago. "It was amazing to see the huge support Kilcullen man Paul Bell received from Kilcullen people, and also from St Laurences, Suncroft and other local clubs." 

The race was won by Camilla Sharples on Amir Kabir for Gordon Elliot, with local favourite Leona Hughes second and Aisling Noone third. Winner Camilla acknowledged the huge support that Gordon Elliot gives to the PKRF race every year and said winning was the thrill of a lifetime. 

Punchestown’s Leona Hughes with Andrew James Nolan.

Leona Hughes, who works on the team at Punchestown Racecourse, had a very vocal support group. She was elated to finish second and she was thrilled to see Punchestown Racecourse continue to support the The Charity Race and in turn promote Organ Donor Awareness. Aisling was also very happy to be third and said that it was amazing to see all 25 of the jockeys receive such a huge applause when they returned to the parade ring after the race in recognition what they had all achieved — especially local Kilcullen GAA star Paul Bell 

James stressed how important it was to thank all the owners, trainers, jockeys and supporters who made the 31st running of the PKRF Charity Race such a phenomenal success. All funds are not in yet, but he expects the event to have raised well in excess of €50,000 on Saturday. 

Kilcullen’s GAA star Paul Bell.

To Punchestown Racecourse and the 'Dream Team' that work there he also expressed his thanks for the 'unbelievable support' over the past 31 years."Congratulations to Camilla Sharples on her great win yesterday and to everyone who took part in our Kidney PKRF Charity Race."

Lastly, James thanked all the Dialysis and Transplant patients who were at Punchestown to support the Kidney Race. "They are what the Charity Race is all about and they provide the inspiration that keeps the Charity Race going every year."

In 2022 PKRF is looking forward to partnering with the Irish Kidney Association to set up a Pilot Peer Support Program to help kidney patients and their families. "We will set up a support network for those who are starting out on the road to Dialysis or looking at the possibility of a life-saving kidney transplant. This network will enable people to reach out and connect with a trained volunteer, to discuss their concerns about dialysis and transplantation."

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