Punchestown Three Day Event cancelled

The 2008 Three Day Event at Punchestown Racecourse has been cancelled.

A number of factors have influenced the decision, including the redevelopment and improvement works to areas in the centre of the racecourse.

Following summer activities in Punchestown which resulted in damage to the ground on portions of the event course, the executive have used the opportunity to upgrade and repair the areas concerned.

Dick O’Sullivan, manager of Punchestown Racecourse expressed regret at the cancelling of the event, but reiterated Punchestown's commitment to equestrian activities.

“We are very grateful to Gillian Kyle for her work in running the Three Day Event at Punchestown in the recent past and there is now a very good relationship there which we plan to build going forward,” said O’Sullivan.

“I would stress that this is a temporary sabbatical and we are very committed to the return of the Three Day Event to Punchestown.”

Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland Joe Walsh said that while he was disappointed that the event was not going ahead, it was important to start planning for 2009.

“We will be meeting with Punchestown and Eventing Ireland shortly to start planning for 2009 and to examine the possibility of applying to host the 2011 European Championships,” he said.