Punchestown have announced an increase in ticket sales for this year’s National Hunt Festival, which will take place on May 3rd to 7th.  

Total bookings for 2011, including corporate hospitality, are up 12% on 2010 figures with almost three weeks remaining before the Festival.

All 37 races at the five-day meeting are fully sponsored by Irish based companies as well as the Best Dressed Lady competition.

Research commissioned by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Failte Ireland in 2008, determined that some €60 million was generated, for the local economy, by those travelling from the UK alone. The Festival creates over 2,000 full and part time jobs locally during the event and so is of huge economic value.

Dick O’Sullivan, General Manager of Punchestown said; “We are very proud of the Irish National Hunt Festival and the caliber of racing it now offers.

“The last few years have been tough for everyone but the team has worked tirelessly to make this event what it is today. Like everyone, we have had to adapt substantially to get to this position and the fact what we are fully sponsored again this year speaks volumes in terms of the platform we can offer our sponsors.

“With record levels expected to attend again from both Ireland and the UK, and pre sales of tickets already up 12% on last year, we are creating value for race goers, so we encourage people to come along, enjoy the racing and be part of something Ireland can truly be proud of”, added O’Sullivan.