Fantastic weekend in prospect at Punchestown

Solwhit and Hurricane Fly among all star cast at Punchestown

- Solwhit and Hurricane fly go head to head

- Sizing Europe continues campaign at Punchestown

- Dunguib appearance

- Christmas Market, Entertainment and Dining value

- Free €5 Ladbrokes Voucher

The Dobbins and Madigans at Punchestown Hurdle is set to be a thriller as Solwhit and Hurricane Fly go head to head in their seasonal debuts at Punchestown this Sunday, 15th November.

Both horses signed off last season in exciting fashion when landing their respective championship hurdle races at the 2009 Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival. The Charles Byrnes trained Solwhit de-throned 2009 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Punjabi in a tight finish in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle while the Willie Mullins’ five-year-old Hurricane Fly landed the novice equivalent in great style.

Commenting on Solwhit’s reappearance trainer Charles Byrnes said “Solwhit is just ready for his first run of the season but will come on for the race. The going should be alright for him as he won on similar ground at the Punchestown Festival”.

Race specialist Noel Meade who has landed this contest on six occasions will be represented by Muirhead and Donnas Palm with Clopf, Sublimity, Jumbo Rio, Whiteoak and De Valira completing the field of nine.

Sunday’s Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase has attracted an entry from Sizing Europe who is fresh from his recent Punchestown victory. Among his rivals is the Tom Mullins trained Fosters Cross who will be stepping up in class but has scored on all three of his latest starts. Also lining up in the two mile contest is Noel Meade’s Narquois and Liam Burkes Major Finnegan alongside China Rock, Dancing Tornado, Beau Michael, Coolpotts and Hotel Hilamar.

Henry De Bromhead, trainer of Sizing Europe said “We are looking forward to Sizing Europe’s run this weekend. He obviously loves Punchestown and performs well there and we hope this continues…”

The opening day of Punchestown Winter Racing Festival, Saturday 14th November, features a spectators favourite in the form of the Risk of Thunder Cross Country Chase not to mention the appearance of Dunguib in the two mile Ballymaloe Relish Hurdle.

Aside from the top class racing this weekend, Punchestown are offering extra value to the raceday experience with racegoers who pay the €18 admission cost will receive a €5 Ladbrokes voucher at the turnstile. A children’s entertainment programme will be available free of charge not to mention the appearance of Santa Claus in the Christmas Shopping Village where race goers can pick up some great value gifts.

Dobbins and Madigans continue to deliver excellent food and drink at very competitive prices with the Panoramic package costing just €59 per person and all main courses in the Dobbins Food Hall priced at under €10.

First race Saturday 14th November 12.15pm, First race Sunday 15th November 12.35. Admission €18, OAP & Students €10, Children FREE