John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase
The race was first run in 1968 and it was run over a distance of 2 miles until 1973. It has been run over the present distance since then apart from in 1993 and 1994, when it was run over 2 miles and 5 furlongs. The race was renamed in December 1998 in memory of John Durkan, an amateur jockey and assistant racehorse trainer who died of leukemia in January 1998.
Records
Most successful jockey :
- Ruby Walsh - Arvika Ligeonniere, Djakadam, Min
- Willie Mullins - Florida Pearl, Arvika Ligeonniere, Djakadam, Min, Allaho, Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior