Up The Yard Race has enormous potential

Sir, -

Following the seventh running of the Up The Yard Stable Staff Challenge Race at Punchestown on February 3rd, we wish to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude for the ongoing support that the initiative has received from the sponsors outlined below.

These partnerships have been invaluable in staging this unique and heartfelt event. Anyone that was here on the February bank holiday Monday will attest that the atmosphere and energy was fortifying. We, as an industry, have a vehicle here to do something really special.

This challenge race is so much more than just a token addition to the Punchestown calendar — it is a sincere celebration of the hardworking stable staff, who form the backbone of the racing industry.

The UTY Challenge should be the centrepiece in a day dedicated to the stable staff. There is great potential to bring together stable staff and auxiliary yard service providers, along with their families and friends from across the country. The challenge takes centre stage, but the supporting activities throughout the day creates community.

Perhaps there is an appetite to create a stable staff/ racing industry lifestyle event, where we could bring together support services with financial, mortgage, motor, health, parenting, legal, family and wellness advisors to be available on the day on course.

In a time where cost of living pressures are at the forefront, it is imperative that as an industry we provide practical, convenient support to our time-pressured workforce.

Bring the services to the track and provide convenient times to meet with discretion. Add to this a fun social aspect and family-friendly entertainment and there is a well-rounded event tailored for stable staff and their families. This is an initiative that Punchestown would be happy to host with the support of the industry.

Returning to the recent running of the Up The Yard Challenge, we would also like to take the opportunity to thank the raceday support team that remain on to fulfil roles for the challenge.

A brilliant commentary by Jerry Hannon will make memories for many. Our thanks to members of the IHRB, to IRIS for bringing us the sound and pictures, vets, doctors, Order of Malta, valets and more. Your time and effort is appreciated.

Finally, thank you once again for your unwavering support. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you to make this event such a resounding success.

Sponsors:

- Yours etc.,

Leona Hughes (Event Co-Ordinator)and the Punchestown Racecourse team