Bring On The Punchestown Festival

This week brings us the Punchestown Festival and brings the jump season to an end with style as the jump seasons finest horses, jockeys and trainers make the journey to Kildare from both Ireland and the UK.

With 11 Grade 1 races, Punchestown is unrivaled for its heart pounding excitement and promises a week of top notch racing. The highlight of the festival is the famous La Touche Cup, run over the cross country course it is sure to thrill experienced and novice race fans alike.

The festival begins on Tuesday with Champion Chase Day and provides 3 Grade 1 races for you to enjoy; The Boylesports.com Champion Chase, the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle over 2 miles and the Growise Novice Chase over 3 miles.

Gold Cup Day is on Wednesday and as the name suggests hosts the highlight of the chase calendar, the Grade 1 Gold Cup alongside of the betchronicle Champion Bumper and the Grade A Handicap Chase over 2 miles 4 furlongs.

Thursday is World Series Hurdle Day and brings 2 Grade 1 races with it; The Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle  and the Ryanair Novice Chase over 2 miles not to mention the famous La Touche Cross Country race.

Friday traditionally expects the biggest crowd of the festival all going to enjoy the party atmosphere of Champion Hurdle Day.

The festival ends on Saturday with the AES Champion 4 Year Old Hurdle where you just might see a champion of the future compete. Saturday is also a great day out for the family with the Junior Jockey Fun Club entertaining the children with pony riding, bouncy castles and face painting.