Punchestown Begins!

The season may have finished, but we have the Punchestown Festival to look forward to and today is the first day of the 5 day festival and there are 3 Grade 1’s on the opening card. The supreme one-two Slade Steel and Mystical Power meet again and go head to head in the Champion Novice Hurdle scheduled at 3:40pm. Champion Chase winner Captain Guinness takes on the Mares’ Chase second Dinoblue, in the William Hill Champion Chase scheduled at 5:25pm. The Irish jockey's title is also going to the wire at Punchestown this week as Jack Kennedy and Paul Townend go head to head. Jack Kennedy takes lead at the moment on 122 with Paul Townend on 115 so I'm sure the festival will play a huge part in the final result.  

Sad news for the racing world became known on Sunday evening that the Seven Barrows team lost one of their stars – Shishkin, from a tragic accident, which happened in his box. He became a very popular character for the Seven Barrows team and indeed to the public and they were looking forward to take on Galopin Des Champs at Punchestown. I used to work for Nicky Henderson a few years ago and we always thought he could be special as a youngster and he was an extremely talented horse on his day and my thoughts go out to all of his connections.

Fergal O'Brien announced yesterday that Johnny Burke would be taking over the role as stable jockey to replace Paddy Brennan who has now retired. He has been riding a lot recently for the team and so the news didn't come as a shock to me. I think Johnny brings a huge amount of experience and will only help strengthen the team of jockeys that Fergal already has. Johnny is set to start his new role on Saturday at Uttoxeter. 

Other than racing at Punchestown, there is three cards for the flat, which are Yarmouth, Brighton and Catterick. Nottingham was scheduled for today but has been abandoned due to the track being waterlogged. 

Last night in the football, Leicester took on Preston in the championship league and after help from Jamie Vardy scoring a double, Leicester took the win 3-0. Tonight there is UEFA Champions league action with Bayern Munich taking on Real Madrid, which kick-off at 8pm. In the Championship, Coventry City take on Ipswich Town, which also kicks off at 8pm.

Why do seagulls fly over the sea?

Because if they flew over the bay, they would be bagels!

Happy Tuesday!