Punters, prizes, and penalties on the card for Punchestown

Organisers expect a €60m windfall for the local economy over the coming days as the Punchestown festival comes under starters’ orders.

Speaking before the start of the racing meet, which starts today and runs until Saturday, the event’s general manager, Dick O’Sullivan, said organisers were “ready, waiting and eager” to put on a show.

And while the main event will be the horse-racing itself, the chance to take part in a penalty shootout against some of Ireland’s likely Euro 2012 squad and a best-dressed lady competition are expected to draw a record crowd.

“All indications are very positive,” said Mr O’Sullivan. “We have music, food, fashion, entertainment, great facilities, a super children’s and families’ programme.

“The Punchestown festival is something the whole country can look forward to and, with our prices as competitive as they are, anyone can come along to enjoy the occasion.”

Up to 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which was first held in 1823, and NUI Maynooth has said a predicted “record” number travelling from Britain are expected to help push spending above the €60m mark.

Besides the racing — which will see trainers such as Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, and Philip Hobbs go nose-to-nose with Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins among others — Euro 2012-bound Irish soccer stars Simon Cox, Sean St Ledger, and Keith Andrews will be taking part in a penalty shootout with fans.

If sport is not your thing, then celebrities such as models Pippa O’Connor and Gillian Quinn, Miss Universe Ireland Roz Purcell, and X Factor judge Louis Walsh, will cast their expert eyes over the best- dressed lady competition.

* Further details available at www.punchestown.com