PUNTERS TOWN
Racing bosses makes changes to festival after customer feedback
HORSE racing bosses have announced major changes to this year’s Punchestown Racing Festival.
The Co Kildare festival kicks off on April 30 until May 4 and attracts over 100,000 punters every year.
But organisers said that after receiving feedback, they have decided to make four changes this year.
Chief Conor O’neill said: “We say it time and time again that people make Punchestown, so it is those very people who have shaped and informed this plan and it is this plan that will help us deliver the best possible Punchestown experience we can to our customers who are the backbone of our business.
“Now we need support with feet on the ground and people through the gates.
“If it doesn’t work for the customer, it ultimately won’t work for Punchestown, so I hope we’ve got the balance right as we look ahead to welcoming friends old and new to the 2024 upcoming Punchestown Festival.”
The first two days of the 2024 Punchestown Festival will revert to a 2.30pm start from the current time of 3.40pm. A spokesman said: “Market research shows that around 70% of paying clients would ‘definitely or most probably’ like to see some of the festival days start and finish earlier.”
Following a full review of ticket pricing and products there will be a price reduction to €30 for the first three days and €40 for Friday and Saturday of the Punchestown Festival for advance purchased tickets.
There will be an additional €5 per ticket charge for on the day purchases excluding senior, student and family day concession tickets that can only be purchased on the day.
Group discounts apply and for larger groups and it is recommended that they contact the racecourse office directly in advance.
The original Flexi ticket will be replaced by the new Choice Ticket that can be used Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday. Senior, student DECISION and Family ticket concessions continue on a walk-up basis. The festival layout will undergo a refresh including the removal of the traditional reserved enclosure divide and the introduction of exciting new features around the parade ring enclosure.
The famous Sky Bar, Bollinger Garden, shopping and entertainment areas will remain as popular as ever with the Southern Enclosure accessible to all.
And racing bosses aim to deliver a selection of better quality food and drinks options with “efficient, friendly service in comfortable surroundings.” A spokesman said: “Whilst costs have increased across the board for product and services every effort has been made to minimise the impact on the customer.”
The five-day social and sporting highlight has a prize fund of over €3.4million.