Cork’s Jody Townend is crowned Champion Lady Rider for the sixth season at Punchestown

The curtain came down on the 2025/26 jumps campaign at the end of another stirring Punchestown Festival last Saturday when the titles for all six champions were presented.

Cork’s Jody Townend was crowned Champion Lady Rider for the sixth year in succession and capped her title with a Grade 3 success during the week. 

“Winning the Ladies Hurdle on Ollie La Ba Ba for Eoin McCarthy at the Listowel Harvest Festival last September gave me a great kick," Townend said: 

The Punchestown Festival has always been very lucky for me – I’ve had a winner at the festival five of the last six years so it was great to keep the tradition going and get the win with Even Tho on Wednesday. 

"Willie Mullins, his owners and everyone in Closutton give me unbelievable support as do my family – my dad, brother Paul and sister Caroline.”

Jack Kennedy was crowned Champion Jockey over jumps for the second time. 

Just as when he gained his first title in 2024, this race also came right down to the final day.  

Kennedy, 27, had three wins to spare over County Cork rider Darragh O’Keeffe, the final score 102-99.

Kennedy rode 12 Grade 1 winners during the season at home and abroad, the final one arriving on Western Fold on Tuesday at Punchestown.  

A thrilled Kennedy said: “It's every jockey's dream to be crowned champion jockey, so to win it for the second time is unbelievable. 

"To ride over 100 winners on horses such as Skylight Hussle, Romeo Coolio, Teahupoo and Brighterdaysahead is never lost on me. 

"I have to give huge credit to the support network around me - Gordon, his owners and everyone at Cullentra for the unbelievable opportunities to ride all these wonderful horses along with all the outside trainers and owners who have supported me throughout the season. 

"Special mention to Dr Jennifer Pugh and her medical team along with physiotherapist Gavin Egan and strength and conditioning coach Wayne Middleton from Irish Injured Jockeys. 

"Finally, I have to sincerely thank my family who always have my back and are there through thick and thin."

Willie Mullins won the Champion Trainer crown for the 18th successive year and 20th in all. 

The peerless Closutton, County Carlow maestro saved his very best until final, decisive week to thwart his rival, Gordon Elliott, based at Cullentra in County Meath.

Mullins was the meeting’s leading trainer winning six of the 12 Grade 1 races staged. 

Mullins said: “Twenty championships are hard to fathom, but it’s all down to the wonderful horses our owners send us and the incredible team in Closutton. 

"When we started training horses, Jackie and I never dreamed of this level of success. We feel very lucky to be training lovely horses for great owners. 

"From myself, Jackie and Patrick to David Casey, Paul Townend and all our team, it's a huge team effort from everyone.”

Wexford’s Eoin Staples ended the season the Champion Conditional Jockey. This was an honour that went right down the wire, although the County Wexford rider was unable to take his final booked mounts after a fall on Thursday. 

Staples had a buffer of three winners over his nearest pursuer Michael Kenneally from County Cork, the tally 33-30.

Patrick Mullins received the Champion Amateur trophy for the 18th time with 34 winners. 

During a season when he crossed 900-winner mark, he rode Grade 1 winners at home and at the Cheltenham Festival.

JP McManus collected a sixth successive Champion Owner trophy and his 23rd in all over his time as one of the most storied figures National Hunt racing has seen.  

McManus said: “To be crowned champion owner is a huge honour for my family and me. 

"This season, my family and I have had brilliant days at the races with lots of special memories, especially at Punchestown this week. 

"I have to express my sincere gratitude to all the trainers, jockeys and stable staff and all who play a huge part in our success.”  

Summing up, Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “What a terrific jumps season it has been, one with so many great moments and subplots throughout. 

"I would firstly like to congratulate all our champions who have been honoured for their achievements.  

"I also wish to acknowledge the huge contribution made by all our owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and racecourses during the season. 

"Their combined enthusiasm, talent and resources make Irish jumps racing the remarkable success it is.”