State Man for Punchestown farewell

Champion hurdler's lap of honour at Premiere Weekend

Published: Mon 9 Nov 2026, 12:44 PM

Champion hurdler to take a final lap of honour in front of Punchestown fans ahead of the William Hill Morgiana Hurdle on Saturday, 21 November.

Punchestown and William Hill will pay tribute to one of the greatest hurdlers of his generation when State Man returns to the track for a final lap of honour ahead of the William Hill Morgiana Hurdle, at Punchestown Premiere Weekend on Saturday 21st November.

Following the recent announcement of his retirement, the occasion will provide racing fans with a fitting opportunity to celebrate a horse whose remarkable career has been defined by class, resilience and an extraordinary lasting legacy through charity.

A model of consistency throughout his illustrious career, State Man retires with a phenomenal record of 12 Grade 1 victories, six of which were achieved at Punchestown. His roll of honour places him firmly among the greats of jump racing.

It is particularly fitting that his final public appearance will take place at Punchestown, where his Grade 1-winning journey began in April 2022 with success in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle. He returned later that year to land what is now the William Hill Morgiana Hurdle before adding further Grade 1 victories in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The 2023/24 season was an exceptional one, as State Man completed the prestigious Morgiana Hurdle, Cheltenham Champion Hurdle and Punchestown Champion Hurdle treble. He became the first horse since the legendary Hurricane Fly in 2012/13 to achieve that remarkable feat.

For jockey Paul Townend, who has partnered State Man throughout his career, the occasion will be especially poignant. The pair have enjoyed an outstanding partnership, sharing many of the biggest days in the sport. Townend regards State Man as one of his all-time favourites, a testament to the special bond they have developed and the horse’s remarkable qualities both on and off the track.

Townend singled out State Man’s 2025 showdown with Constitution Hill at Punchestown as a particularly special occasion, reflecting on the extraordinary reception the horse received from the record-breaking crowd.

He said: “The reception he got at Punchestown was incredible and it was probably because of the build-up to the showdown between ourselves and Constitution Hill when they were both coming back from Cheltenham falls to redeem themselves. People really got behind him that day and it was a huge performance.”

Post-race, owner Joe Donnelly also summed up the emotion of the day, declaring: “This is my best day ever as an owner.”

Marie and Joe Donnelly, have been tremendous Punchestown supporters over the years. Great patrons of the arts, the Donnellys have thoughtfully combined their passion for art with their love of horse racing through an exceptionally generous contribution to the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund. Their donation of State Man’s prize money has helped fund the PKRF State Man Arts Therapy Programme, supporting dialysis patients in Tallaght, Wexford, Waterford, Galway and Portlaoise hospitals. It is a remarkable legacy and one that ensures State Man’s name will continue to make a difference long after his racing career has come to an end.

Andrew McCleave, Head of Marketing for William Hill Ireland, commented: “William Hill Ireland are delighted to be part of this special event ahead of our first year sponsoring the Morgiana, given State Man’s association with the prestigious race. State Man has provided countless special moments for racing fans. His achievements on the track have secured a very special place for him in the history and with the people of Punchestown”.

William Hill and Punchestown look forward to welcoming State Man back on day one of the Punchestown Premiere Weekend to celebrate an exceptional career with a final lap of honour in the parade ring at around 1.50pm ahead of the 2026 William Hill Morgiana Hurdle. Racing fans are encouraged to attend to give this much-loved champion the hero’s send-off he so richly deserves.”

The Punchestown Premiere Weekend takes place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November. The grade one double header weekend features the William Hill Morgiana Hurdle on Saturday and the John Durkan Memorial Chase on Sunday. A limited €35 two-day ticket is available until Sunday 15th November. Pre-book day tickets are €20 or €25 on the day. Senior and students are €20 on the day. All children under 14 race for free

STATE MAN – GRADE 1 ROLL OF HONOUR

12 Grade 1 victories | 6 at Punchestown | 2 William Hill Morgiana Hurdles

Date Racecourse Race

29/04/2022 Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle

20/11/2022 Punchestown Morgiana Hurdle

29/12/2022 Leopardstown Matheson Hurdle

05/02/2023 Leopardstown Champion Hurdle

28/04/2023 Punchestown Champion Hurdle

25/11/2023 Punchestown Morgiana Hurdle

29/12/2023 Leopardstown Matheson Hurdle

04/02/2024 Leopardstown Champion Hurdle

12/03/2024 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle