Punchestown: Cold comfort for most as ‘carnage’ continues

Leona Skelly from Clane, the best-dressed lady at Punchestown races last night, described her green ensemble as “dressy winter” and it was an appropriate description for the weather.

A biting northerly wind bent the flagpoles and left racegoers huddling for what shelter they could find. To compound their misery, a shower of hail rattled off the tents after the main race.

In such circumstances it was impressive that 16,978 punters turned out for the third day of the festival, just 400 down on last year.

Among those present was former Ireland international footballer Tony Cascarino who, despite being a regular visitor to the festival, said he was not really into the horses. He has a golfing date with Ray Houghton and Ronnie Whelan on Saturday.

Cascarino predicted Ireland would emerge from their group in the European Championships this summer.

“I spoke to some of the current squad and they’re all excited about the Euros – not long now,” he said.

“Italy have the worst team they’ve had in 60 years so, yes, we’ve a lot to look forward to.”

Bleak evening

It was a bleak evening for the punters, as it has been all week. The heavily backed even-money favourite, Alpha Des Obeaux, could only manage third in the feature race, the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle.

The race was won by English raider One Track Mind at 10/1, much to the delight of his trainer Warren Greatex on his second visit to Punchestown.

The first three days of the festival were “carnage” for punters, according to Nicola McGeady from Coral.

Only Quantativeeasing in the FBD Cross Country Chase, the favourite at 9/4, made the punters any money yesterday.

Superstar

Willie Mullins’s superstar Douvan justified his billing in the Ryanair Novice Steeplechase. The two-times Cheltenham winner cantered home, but at 2/9 was no use to punters nursing their losses.

This is a horse that cannot stop winning. “He’s a delight to watch, and I get to watch him every day,” said Mullins, not known for overstatement. Douvan’s owner, Rich Ricci, responded : “He’s some taxi.”

Douvan’s rider Ruby Walsh could not stop smiling either. His mount Shaneshill fell at the last in the feature race but he made up for it in the Ryanair.

Last year 28,000 punters turned up for ladies day and a similar crowd is expected today. The forecast is not much better. It will remain cold with rain and hail expected.

It is hard to believe it is May Day on Sunday.