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.