THE best was served last at Punchestown last Sunday when 15 stud and stable staff members from around the country had their first racecourse ride in the Up The Yard Challenge.

Established in 2017, the race is unique in its criteria - participating riders cannot have ridden in a race or point-to-point previously.

Sunday’s winning rider Emma Gilligan is featured on page 7 but, as the old saying goes, they were all winners and they certainly brought plenty of supporters with them, which added to the atmosphere on the day.

Leona Hughes, sponsorship manager at Punchestown and the organiser of the Up The Yard Challenge, said: “Busloads of stable staff came to support the riders, and their families. The riders all get free tickets to distribute and during the day we encourage racegoers to stay on for the race.

“Most of these riders are riding four or five lots a day and are very capable in the saddle. They have fitness, experience and horsemanship, and this was their chance to shine on the racecourse.”

In a reversal of roles, it’s not unusual for professional jockeys to lead up runners in the Challenge Race. Patrick Mullins and Rachael Blackmore have been the ‘groom in charge’ in recent editions and rising star Carl Millar led up Sunday’s winner, The Goffer.

The Goffer is owned by Alan Snow - who also owns runner-up Samui - and both horses are a shade better than what you’d expect to see in a race with no prize money, but that’s not unusual for this event.

Last year’s race was won by The Very Man, who went on to win the Shergar Stayers’ Cup at Ascot last summer.

The Goffer won the Grade A Leopardstown Chase in February 2023 and went to finish fourth a month later in a red-hot Ultima Handicap Chase won by Corach Rambler. Based on last Sunday’s run, The Goffer looks one to follow this spring again.

Prizes for the riders were provided by Barberstown Castle, the Killahsee House Hotel, and Connolly’s Red Mills.

Weatherbys Ireland sponsored the stablestaff canteen for the day and the Irish Jockeys Association provided breakfast for the winning yard.

Other contributors were Uniquely, QuinnBet, Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, Ryans Cleaning, Frontline Security and BBA Ireland.

Leading amateurs Aine O’Connor, Finny Maguire and Harry Swan provided a track walk for all riders before the race.