Punchestown

His conqueror in that renewal, Fastorslow looks likely to do battle once more, having also beaten Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown earlier this season.

I remember schooling him one day in Punchestown after racing and Paul just said 'close your eyes and trust him'!

Six-time Grade 1 winner Shishkin is another possible cross-channel challenger and Nicky Henderson has enjoyed plenty of success at Punchestown over the years.

Last season’s Irish National winner Burrows Saint started this season in great shape, with a staggering victory at Punchestown hurdles.

Meanwhile, Irish racing bowed to the inevitable on Wednesday with an announcement that the five-day Punchestown Festival, which was due to open on 28 April, has been cancelled as a result of the lockdown to combat coronavirus.

The fixture at Southwell, which has an 'all-weather' surface, was also cancelled, along with the Irish meeting at Punchestown which was hit by 27mm of rain and flash flooding.

The Punchestown Festival is a must in the social calendar!

This year, former Kildare footballer John Doyle was the Relay ambassador, and the main event was held over 24 hours at Punchestown Racecourse, from 1pm on 6 July to 1pm on 7 July.

TUESDAY plays host to a superb card at Punchestown and the Rated Novice Chase looks a fascinating race.

Who won the 5:30 at Punchestown on Thursday?