Punchestown Festival 2010
The Irish National Hunt season draws to a close with the five day Punchestown Festival that starts tomorrow Tuesday 20th April. For those going across the Irish Sea from England these five days are a marathon. The atmosphere at Punchestown is unique, very relaxed, great facilities and exceptionally good value for money. The admission charges are 30 euros and for senior citizens only 18 euros. The racecourses in England should take note if they want to attract more customers to go racing.
The feature race on Tuesday is the Boylesports.com Champion Steeplechase run over 2 miles. Twist Magic with Tony McCoy on board will probably be favourite for this, but I am hoping Sizing Europe (pictured) can take the step up to this class and become a fancy for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham next March.
The feature race on Wednesday will be the Punchestown Guiness Gold Cup worth 225,000 euros and run over 3 miles 1 furlong. I wonder if Denman and Barbers Shop will turn up for this ? The going might be too quick for Denman. The same applies to the giant Joncol, whom I am sure will not be risked on good ground. With his frame he needs it soft or heavy.
Thursday has the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle run over 3 miles as the feature. Perhaps I will give Cousin Vinny another chance here.
Friday has the Rabobank Champion Hurdle as the feature. Hurricane Fly will reappear for this and Dunguib will be stepping up from novice class to take on the big boys.
The meeting draws to a close on Saturday with the Airshow 100 Champion 4 yo Hurdle as the feature.
All the news from the course can be found by clicking on Punchestown.
For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".