Watch Punchestown Gold Cup Day 2026: RTE2 Coverage with Jane Mangan, Richard Pugh and Star Pundits Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty & Davy Russell

The Punchestown Festival reaches its thrilling crescendo on Wednesday 29 April 2026 with Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day, headlined by the prestigious GR1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup at 18:05 over 3 miles 200 yards. Irish racing fans can catch every heart-pounding moment live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player in HD, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this highlight of the UK and Ireland racing calendar. While UK viewers often turn to channels like ITV or Sky Sports Racing for major jumps festivals, this day's broadcast is spearheaded by RTÉ, bringing the action directly from County Kildare to global audiences[1][7][10].

Leading the RTÉ team as presenter is the accomplished Jane Mangan, a familiar face in Irish racing media with a career spanning decades. Formerly a racing journalist and now a respected broadcaster, Mangan's sharp insights and engaging style have made her a staple at major festivals, including previous Punchestown editions where her interviews with top trainers and jockeys add invaluable context.

Providing the race calls is main commentator Richard Pugh, renowned for his precise and passionate delivery. Pugh, who honed his skills calling races across Ireland and the UK, brings excitement to every fence and finish, his experience evident in high-stakes events like the Cheltenham Festival.

The punditry lineup is a who's who of jumps racing royalty, guaranteeing expert analysis throughout the seven-race card starting at 14:30. Ruby Walsh, one of the most successful National Hunt jockeys ever with over 2,500 wins including four Cheltenham Gold Cups, retired in 2019 to become a leading analyst. His brotherly connection to trainer Ted Walsh and candid previews have earned him accolades, making his takes on the Gold Cup unmissable[3]. Joining him is fellow legend Barry Geraghty, a two-time Grand National winner and three-time Cheltenham Champion Jockey, whose post-retirement punditry on RTÉ and ITV blends tactical nous with humour. Davy Russell, still active but offering preview expertise here, boasts multiple Cheltenham Festival triumphs and a 2018 Irish Grand National victory, his rider's eye promising spot-on assessments of the day's novices and chases[6].

On-the-ground reporting falls to Brian Gleeson and Katie Walsh. Gleeson, son of legendary trainer Octavian Gleeson, delivers paddock reports with insider knowledge, while Katie Walsh—sister to Ruby and daughter of Ted—combines her riding career (over 300 wins) with broadcasting flair, fresh from successes like the 2023 Cheltenham Foxhunters'.

The card builds to the 18:05 showpiece, the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup worth €300,000, pitting staying chasers in a test of stamina on yielding ground. Earlier highlights include the 14:30 Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Chase, 15:05 Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final (€100,000), 16:15 GR1 Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, 16:50 GR1 Race And Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race (featuring hot favourite The Mourne Rambler at 6/4), 17:25 GR3 Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Steeplechase, and 18:35 GR3 Weatherbys GSB Irish EBF Mares Flat Race[1][4][5][6][7].

Punchestown's Day 2 often delivers dramatic finishes, with the Gold Cup frequently crowning end-of-season champions. Last year's renewal saw intense battles, and 2026 promises similar with form horses clashing post-Cheltenham. Viewers on RTÉ Player enjoy on-demand replays, perfect for global fans missing the 15:30 UK start time.

For deeper dives into these stars, explore RTÉ Racing Hub, detailing team backgrounds and past Punchestown calls. Whether you're trackside or streaming, this RTÉ broadcast elevates the Punchestown Festival 2026, blending elite racing with unparalleled expertise. Don't miss the Gold Cup showdown—tune in at 14:30 for full coverage[1][2].

Article generated: 29 April 2026, 15:31 GMT