HARD to believe but it was the 31st running of the charity race at Punchestown last Saturday in aid of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF). The crowds stayed on in their thousands to cheer on the 25 amateur riders and even the rain could not spoil this special day for all of the jockeys.

The race was won by Camilla Sharples on Amir Kabir for Gordon Elliot with local favourite Leona Hughes second and Aisling Noone third.

Camilla was quick to acknowledge the huge support that Gordon Elliot gives to the PKRF race every year and said winning was the thrill of a lifetime.

Support group

Leona Hughes, who works on the Punchestown team, had a very vocal support group. She was elated to finish second and was thrilled to see Punchestown continue to support the race. Aisling was very happy to be third and said that it was amazing to see all 25 of the jockeys receive such huge applause when they returned to the parade ring.

James Nolan from Kilcullen is the chairman of the local PKRF charity and he stressed how important it was to thank all the owners, trainers, jockeys and supporters that made the 31st running of the PKRF charity race such a phenomenal success. All funds are not in yet, but he expects all to have raised well in excess of €50,000 and wanted to thank everyone for all their amazing support.

Lastly, James wanted to thank all the dialysis and transplant patients that were at Punchestown to support the kidney race as they are what the race is all about and they provide the inspiration that keeps the race going every year.