TATTERSALLS IRELAND RETURN TO PUNCHESTOWN IN GRADE 1 STYLE
Graduates of Tattersalls Ireland have an impressive strike rate at Ireland’s premier jump racing festival with a total of 28 winners in the last two runnings of the event. Of this tally 32% were grade 1 winners including two Boylesports Champion Chases in the form of Sizing Europe and Big Zeb, two Punchestown Gold Cup winners with China Rock and Follow the Plan and two Champion Bumper victories with Champagne Fever and Lovethehigherlaw. The announcement comes soon after Ireland’s most successful Cheltenham festival campaign which was also a triumph for Tattersalls Ireland with 13 of the festivals winners sold at the Fairyhouse venue.
2012 winner Dedigout trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Davy Russell holds off challenges from (l – r) Rebel Fitz, Lyreen Legend and Colour Squadron.
The Tattersalls Champion Novice Hurdle race itself boasts an inspiring role of honour with previous winners including the great Istabraq, Native Upmanship, Tranquil Sea, Nicanor and super mares Asian Maze and Glencove Marina. Last year’s renewal went to the Tony Martin trained Dedigout who was purchased at the 2009 Derby Sale. In addition, it comes as no surprise to learn that since 1995 the awesome partnership of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh remain the winning most combination of the race with five and six wins respectively.
Commenting on the announcement Roger Casey, Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland said “We are delighted to renew our association with Punchestown, Ireland’s leading National Hunt Festival through sponsorship of the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle on the Friday of this year’s festival. The Home of Irish National Hunt Racing is a good fit for Europe’s leading National Hunt Bloodstock Auctioneers; Tattersalls Ireland and no doubt this year’s race will be an exciting renewal”.
Dick O’Sullivan, Punchestown General Manager welcomed the return of Tattersalls by saying “It is great to see Tattersalls back at Punchestown. We work hard to produce races for the best national hunt horses in Europe and Tattersalls work hard to source the winners of those races so the fit is an excellent one. The Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle is a top quality contest each year and we look forward to the 2013 renewal”.
The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th April. Tickets available from €19pp on the Punchestown website.
The Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale takes place 27th and 28th June.