Road to the Irish National and/or Punchestown

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Bobbyjo

At the Start
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Feb 18, 2005
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Just a thought that struck me there watching Quiscover Fontaine win. Mullins has a load of novice chasers this year - he spoke recently about trying to get a run into them all - and I'm sure that some of those who have slipped under the radar will end up at Fairyhouse or the Betfair race at Punchestown, two races where Mullins has a really good record. It's just one to watch when the entries come out but I would expect that something like The Midnight Club, who runs in the next at Clonmel, and has been underwhelming this term, could well be laid out for the Irish National and get in off a featherweight. I suppose this is one of those threads that can be revisited at the time....
 
Could easily see The Midnight Club line up in the 4 mile chase at Cheltenham. Quiscover Fontaine jumps really well and could be a Powers Gold Cup horse.
 
I would want to see The Midnight Club run at Cheltenham first (if he does of course!) then it could be interesting. Does Quiscover Fontaine have any entries beforehand?
 
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Punchestown to invest €300,000 into upgrading facilities
(© Healy Racing Photos)
Punchestown racecourse today announced plans to invest €300,000 in customer facilities in advance of the 2010 Irish National Hunt Festival.

The facility upgrades are part of Punchestown’s commitment to delivering excellent value for money and enhancing the raceday experience for all patrons. The investment plan will see improvements in the public areas including the catering and bar facilities, the Owners and Trainers bar and the reserved enclosure at the Festival.

One of the most significant areas of investment will be in the main public catering venue, the Dobbins Food Hall, which will undergo a complete revamp with both “front and back of house” improvements. An estimated €150,000 will be spent upgrading and purchasing new catering equipment, fitting a streamlined service area and the complete renovation of the 200 seater dining section. In addition the display and “prep” areas will be improved to further facilitate Dobbins ability to deliver simple, fresh food that will be prepared, cooked and served daily.

Dynamic changes are in store for the Punchestown Festival Reserved Enclosure which will be trackside for the first time in 2010. This is an obvious improvement given that the viewing facilities are quiet literally on the final straight whilst being in close proximity to numerous bars including the all new Champagne Bar which will serve a selection of reasonably priced champagnes, wines and Festival cocktails.

Elsewhere on the track the various public bar facilities will also benefit from upgrades with decor, furnishing, efficient service and clearer signage being a priority.

Following on from the success of last years later start times the first race during the Festival will go to post at 3.30pm and final race at 7pm (Tuesday to Thursday) and 7.30pm on Friday with 8 races on the card. Saturday’s Family Day will commence at 2.30pm with the now famous Diageo Punchestown Private Sweepstakes race bringing down the Festival curtain in fitting fashion.

Commenting on the development plans Punchestown General Manager Dick O’Sullivan said “Value for money is the name of the game and in order to meet, and hopefully exceed the public’s expectations we are focusing on the key areas of food, drink and surroundings. We are confident that the thousands who come through the Punchestown gates will be impressed with the improvements and will have a great Festival experience at the right price”.


The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th April. Tickets: Reserved Enclosure €40, General Admission €30, Student and Senior Citizen €18, Group Packages from €29pp.

Punchestown’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday 17th February. Admission €10 and €6 for Students/Senior Citizens. First race 1.55pm
 
I would like to go to Punchestown one day. Just to experience the atmosphere and see how different it is to a British racecourse
 
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