The curtain came down on the 2025-26 jumps campaign at the end of another stirring Punchestown Festival on Saturday, when the titles for all six champions were presented. JP McManus collected a sixth successive Champion Owner trophy, his 23rd in all over his time as one of the most storied figures National Hunt racing has seen.
The champions are as follows:
Champion Jockey Jack Kennedy
Champion Trainer Willie Mullins
Champion Conditional Jockey Eoin Staples
Champion Amateur Patrick Mullins
Champions Lady Rider Jody Townend
Champion Owner JP McManus
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.”
Jack Kennedy is Ireland’s Champion Jockey over jumps for the second time. Just as when he gained his first title in 2024, this race came right down to the final day. From Dingle, Co Kerry, Kennedy, 27, had three wins to spare over Co 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. Willie Mullins won the Champion Trainer crown for the 18th successive year and 20th in all. The peerless Closutton, Co Carlow maestro saved his very best until final, decisive week to thwart his rival, Gordon Elliott, based at Cullentra in Co Meath. Mullins was the meeting’s leading trainer winning six of the 12 Grade 1 races staged.
Eoin Staples ended the season the Champion Conditional Jockey. This was another honour that went right down the wire, although the Co 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 Co 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.
Jody Townend is our Champion Lady Rider for the sixth year in succession and capped her title with a Grade 3 success last week.
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.”