Lunchestown
Racing festival stocking up to keep 100,000 punters watered and fed
SUNNY spells and showers may dominate Punchestown as visitors look forward to champagne, pints and gourmet food at the racing festival.
While the weather won’t be great, the welcome will be warm and this year will see improved food, drink and service at the Co Kildare site.
More than 17,000 hospitality clients from 795 companies, 158 of which are Uk-based, will enjoy delicious seasonal menus prepared and served by 60 chefs, 420 catering staff and 280 bar staff.
Catering for this many fans means three tonnes of fresh vegetables, over 60 kilos of artisan cheeses and 15,000 portions of petit four desserts and canapes will be enjoyed over the five days.
Punchestown CEO Conor O’neill said yesterday: “This year’s festival has a great buzz about it with an extra celebratory feel as the champions return to the home of Irish jump racing.
“We have rolled out some major changes in response to customer feedback with the event layout and entertainment programme better than ever.”
Throughout the pavilions, bars and enclosures the atmosphere builds with live music, street theatre and DJ sets running alongside shopping village and full entertainment programme.
The Bollinger Best Dressed competition is one of the most prestigious style challenges on the racing calendar with finalists chosen across the first four days progressing to the final on Ladies Day on Friday.
Open to all, the fresh take on race day style encourages entrants of all ages to be creative, sustainable and brave in a bid to win the “money can’t buy” prize to Paris and The Bollinger Chateaux in the Champagne region. Following feedback, a separate gents prize will be presented this year.
As one of Ireland’s largest events, the Punchestown Festival is big business, bringing a massive boost to the local economy, with more than €60million generated through tourism, leisure and associated spends.
The event also plays a significant community role, working alongside local GAA clubs and charities to generate funds through volunteer schemes and fundraising initiatives.
The Punchestown Kidney Research Charity race, in its 33rd year, has raised close to €2million and is joined this year by Cara Rescue, Samaritans, and three local national school funds.
More than 100,000 punters are expected to arrive from throughout Ireland, the UK, Canada and even as far as Australia.
Stars of the show include the recently crowned Champion Trainer in Britain Willie Mullins, jockey Rachael Blackmore and trainers Henry de Bromhead and Gordon Elliott. The first two days will start at 2.30pm this year.
As for the all-important weather, a Met Eireann forecaster advised punters to keep their brollies handy. He added: “Rain for a time today, generally clearing northwest through the morning with bright or sunny spells and showers for the rest of the day.”
Ticket prices have dropped to just €30 early in the week and are €40 for Friday and Saturday with concessions for seniors, students and families.