King to Star at Punchestown's Autumn Opening Meeting Kicking King, Ireland's chasing hero, is set to make his seasonal reappearance in the inaugural running of the Daily Star Listed Steeplechase at Punchestown on Thursday, October 20th. Last seasons King George, Gold Cup and Guinness Punchestown Gold Cup winner will bring a thrilling start to the new season at Punchestown. The Daily Star Chase is one of four listed races at the opening Autumn meeting which have a cumulative value of ?127,000. Kicking King will use this new race as a stepping stone on the million bonus trail. Following a course walk at Punchestown, his trainer Tom Taaffe commented 'The Daily Star Chase at Punchestown is the ideal starting point for Kicking King. The ground is in great condition and there is just the right amount of time between this new race and Haydock.'The new Autumn opening meeting at Punchestown will also feature the Listed Diffusion Event Management Hurdle (?32,000), the Listed Total Events Rental Novice Steeplechase (?32,000) and the Listed Grabel Mares Hurdle (?30,000) which are sure to add spice to an already exciting meeting. Many new sponsors have come on board to support the meeting and Paul Cooke, Chief Executive of the Daily Star, delighted with Kicking King's involvement in the race said 'Kicking King's participation in the Daily Star Chase has really added to the profile of this new sponsorship. We pride ourselves on being Europe's ?top' racing tipster and also on the loyal support we receive from our racing fans. We look forward to continuing our association with racing and with Punchestown into the foreseeable future.'Delighted with the support of the Autumn Meeting, Dick O'Sullivan, Manager of Punchestown stated 'Kicking King's appearance in the Daily Star Chase will really set the ball rolling for top class racing that will follow throughout Punchestown's 05/06 season. Four listed races featured at the opening meeting and three Graded races at the Winter Festival on November 19th and 20th including the Irish Field Novice Chase and the Morgiana Hurdle will ensure a very high standard of racing from the outset. We have had a long summer break and have used this to our advantage both on and off the track.'
