The highlight of the Irish National Hunt season begins today with five days of World class racing at the Punchestown Festival.
Three Grade One races are held today with the Champion Novice Hurdle, the Champion Chase and the Champion Novice Steeplechase, the highlights of the first days action.
The main race today is the Champion Chase at 5.30pm, with Champagne Fever and jockey Ruby Walsh among the favourites for the race. Mallowney with the returning Davy Russell on board may cause Champagne Fever the most problems in the race.
Willie Mullins is expected to dominate the day's proceedings with Don Poli and Douvan expected to win the two remaining Grade One races of the day.
Oisin Langan spoke to Leo Powell of the Irish Field to look ahead of the festival's opening day and got some tips on the seven race card.
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