Final preparations will be completed today for the Punchestown National Hunt Festival near Naas in county Kildare.  The five day meeting gets underway on Tuesday, attracting an estimated crowd of 100,000.  20,000 of these are expected to be overseas visitors and research last year by NUIM Maynooth estimated the value of the event to the local and national economy as being in the region of €60 million.
There will be crossover benefits between sponsors of other sporting events with Boylesports enhancing their racing sponsorship on the opening day by hosting members of the Republic of Ireland soccer team and hosting a penalty shoot out competition with Sean St Ledger, Simon Cox and Keith Andrews.
The Coast Best Dressed Lady event will offer a total prize fund worth €20,000 with the overall winner receiving an international shopping spree.  The winner will be selected by a panel of judges including Louis Walsh, Pippa O’Connor and Gillian Quinn.
Punchestown developed a joint promotional campaign in recent years with as many as 21 racecourse in the UK, including Cheltenham and this was rewarded with a spend last year of €25 million on accommodation, food, drink and entertainment away from the racecourse.
Monday’s Main News Stories
Punchestown prepares to welcome 100,000
Helly Hansen signs three year deal with Killarney Adventure Race
Moral Hazard for sponsors in Bahrain
Image rights row in Kenyan soccer
Chinese Racing, eFlow sponsorship in focus, 100 days to the Olympics in Sport for Business Weekly – New Issue out now
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