By LeeAnn Day-Whistler at www.famousracehorses.co.uk
The setting of Punchestown Racecourse in Naas, County Kildare is enough to take your breath away. Like a well-loved secret it is hidden deep in the heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred country in 450 acres of beautiful landscape. It is a premier grade, right-handed, undulating track with chase, hurdle and flat courses.
A good secret is hard to keep to yourself and it is no surprise that Punchestown Racecourse has been known as the home of National Hunt Racing in Ireland since 1827.
At the end of April each year thousands flock there to attend The Irish National Hunt Festival. Following on after The Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree Grand National it offers national hunt fans a last chance to see some of the major stars of the season before they are put away in green paddocks for their summer holidays.
The Festival runs for five days, with eight races a day, and a total of eleven Grade 1 races over the course of the Festival. But no one goes there just for the racing. The friendly and fun atmosphere attracts the whole family. The racing even starts later in the day, to allow workers to attend, and it is said that some local schools let students out for a day! There is live entertainment and events that run over the course of the festival, including the ever popular Best Dressed Ladies Competition!
Moscow Flyer on parade.
Photos by Tracy Roberts
Reports
You have to be there to experience the ‘craic’ but here is a brief photographic glimpse of the week that captures some of the spirit of the Festival. Hope you enjoy it!
To see photos of the Open Day highlights
please click here
Five days of fantastic racing - with memorable winners and presentations.
To read reports from each day click the links below:
Punchestown Festival 2009 Day 1:
Punchestown Festival 2009 Day 2:
Punchestown Festival 2009 Day 3:
Punchestown Festival 2009 Day 4:
Punchestown Festival 2009 Day 5:
