Punchestown bid to attract foreign raiders

PUNCHESTOWN racecourse is introducing a range of incentives to boost the appeal of its National Hunt Festival this spring outside Ireland.

Free accommodation for owners and trainers plus travel allowances and what amounts to appearance money for unplaced runners in the major races are key elements of the package available throughout the meeting which runs from April 29 to May 2.

The Festival begins three days after the end of the British jump season at Sandown, and according to Janet Williamson, Punchestown’s marketing director, the allure of that fixture was something they had to address.