Sara Jane's race will show robust life after kidney transplant

A woman who received a kidney transplant in November 2021 will be one of the 25 jockeys in this year's 'Kidney Race' which traditionally ends the annual Punchestown Festival, writes Brian Byrne. Sara Jane Tracy was donated the kidney by her godfather Alex Tracy in an operation at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital. 

From Kill in Co Kildare, Sara Jane says Alex's selfless act marked the end of a challenging 5-year wait on the transplant list. "It catapulted me from severe illness to robust health," she says, adding that she's now committed to giving back to those who face similar challenges.

There were 74 applications from people for the 25 places in the 2024 race, initiated by James Nolan of Kilcullen more than three decades ago after his sister Catherine gave him the Gift of Life by donating a kidney to him. With the 33rd running imminent on Saturday 4 May 2024, the Punchestown Charity Race has raised more than €1.8 million for the various kidney-related projects supported by the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund.

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