The Punchestown festival opened yesterday with the hype of Sprinter Sacre drawing a bumper crowd of 20,000 to the venue and many more tuning in to watch the Irish debut of Nickey Henderson’s all time great. While the crowd were given an unexpected thrill, thanks to the challenge of the superb Sizing Europe in the Boylesports.com Champion Chase, ultimately the glory was to go, as always, to Sprinter Sacre.
Today sees the jewel in the crown of the meeting, with the Punchestown Gold Cup featuring Sir Des Champs and Long Run amidst a strong eight horse field that contains 19 grade one wins. Davy Russell rides Sir Des Champs and he goes off as favourite, with Ladbrokes offering 2/1.
The Gold Cup goes off at 5.30, but before that there’s a full day of action surrounding the feature event, and plenty worth watching.
Wednesday - Day Two Punchestown Festival Schedule
3.40pm - Martinstown Series Hurdle
4.20pm - Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle
4.55pm - Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle
5.30pm - Tote Punchestown Gold Cup
6.05pm - Betdaq Champion INH Flat Race
6.40pm - Guinness Handicap Chase
7.15pm - At The Races INH Flat Race
Image: Davy Russell on Sir Des Champs
©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
