Punchestown racing manager predicts ‘ideal jumping conditions’ for five-day festival start

The organizers of the festival in Galway announced on Monday evening that despite the forecast of 5-10mm of rain overnight and into Tuesday, the festival is likely to start on good to yielding, or yielding ground. There is some uncertainty about the exact amount of rain, but it would have to reach the top end of the forecast to make the conditions worse than yielding. O’Neill expressed excitement about the upcoming season at Punchestown, noting that it would be a fitting end to a fabulous season.

He also mentioned the notable presence of UK-based runners, upholding a longstanding tradition at the festival. However, he also shared the sadness felt after the news about Shishkin, expressing sincere sympathies to everyone connected with him. The festival is all set for a fantastic five days, with significant international participation and an underlying sense of loss due to recent news.

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