Watch Punchestown Festival Day 3 on RTÉ: Jane Mangan Presents with Richard Pugh Calling the Action

The Punchestown Festival reaches its thrilling Day 3 on Thursday, 30 April 2026, with racing kicking off at 14:30 UK time and the spotlight race, the Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross-Country Chase, set for 15:40. Irish viewers and global fans can catch every moment live on RTÉ Player, RTÉ2 and HD, hosted by the charismatic Jane Mangan, with Richard Pugh delivering expert commentary. This premier Irish broadcast ensures comprehensive coverage of the stamina-testing card, headlined by high-class hurdles, chases and the unique cross-country spectacle.

Jane Mangan, a seasoned presenter with deep roots in Irish racing, brings her infectious enthusiasm and insider knowledge to the screen. Formerly a successful amateur rider, Mangan transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a familiar face on RTÉ for major festivals like Punchestown and Cheltenham. Her engaging style and rapport with guests make her the perfect host for this marquee event, drawing in both seasoned punters and newcomers.

Leading the call is Richard Pugh, RTÉ's main commentator whose career spans decades of calling some of National Hunt racing's greatest moments. Pugh's distinctive voice and pinpoint accuracy have made him a staple for Irish jumps fans, covering everything from Grand Nationals to Grade 1 showdowns with unflappable precision. His expertise will be invaluable as horses tackle the testing Yielding ground over Punchestown's demanding tracks.

Joining Mangan in the studio are a stellar lineup of pundits, each bringing battle-hardened insights. Andrew McNamara, retired top jockey with over 900 winners, including triumphs at Punchestown and Cheltenham, now shines as an analyst. His brother Davy Russell, a multiple Grade 1 victor and Cheltenham Festival hero with wins aboard beasts like Beef Or Salmon, offers rider's eye views. Lisa O'Neill, a rising star among female jockeys with notable successes in point-to-points and under rules, adds a fresh perspective on mares' races and emerging talent. For more on Davy Russell's illustrious career, explore his journey from Irish point-to-point prodigy to international superstar.

On the ground, reporters Brian Gleeson and Katie Walsh will deliver live updates and interviews. Gleeson, son of legendary trainer Octavian Gleeson, combines family heritage with sharp reporting, while Katie Walsh, sister to champions Ruby and Nina Carberry, boasts over 100 wins as a jockey and brings her experience from Aintree and Punchestown to the mic.

Day 3's card promises fireworks, starting with the 14:30 Specialist Group Novice Hurdle over 2m 90y, where runners like Colcannon and Fort Dino vie for €12,000. The 15:05 Close Brothers Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle follows, setting the stage for the 15:40 Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross-Country Chase—a 4m 1f test of endurance on mixed Yielding to Good to Yielding terrain, featuring stars like Vanillier and Busselton. Later highlights include the 16:15 Conway Piling Listed Handicap Hurdle, 16:50 Frontline Security Handicap Chase, 17:25 GR1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, and culminating in the 18:05 GR1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup over 3m 200yd.

RTÉ's coverage, available free via the Player app or TV, captures the essence of this UK and Ireland Racing gem, blending Irish hospitality with world-class action. Whether you're trackside or streaming from afar, Mangan's team ensures no beat is missed. Punchestown's unique banks and ditches in the La Touche Cup will test the mettle of cross-country specialists, with pundits previewing key contenders amid the festival's electric atmosphere.

For British fans, while RTÉ leads domestically, international streams may align with world feeds, but RTÉ remains the gold standard for authentic Irish insight. Tune in at 15:30 UK time for pre-race build-up, as this powerhouse panel dissects form on Yielding ground that could favour stayers. With McNamara and Russell's winning wisdom, O'Neill's modern take, and Walsh's paddock reports, viewers gain an edge in a day packed with €300,000 Gold Cup glory and handicap puzzles.

Punchestown Day 3 embodies jumps racing at its finest—stamina, skill, and spectacle—all elevated by RTÉ's elite broadcast team. Don't miss Richard Pugh's calls echoing over the Kildare hills.

Article generated: 30 April 2026, 15:30 GMT