Punchestown Races get under way near Naas next week and racecourse management are forecasting that attendance will break through 100,000 for only the third time since records began.
This would echo the increased crowd seen at Fairyhouse for the Boylesports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday and indicates a concrete example of how optimism is returning to the market.
Corporate entertainment bookings are up by 12%, with 15,000 being part of business related packages mainly from Tuesday through Friday.
Pre-sale tickets have increased by 32% on last year, including an uplift of 20% in terms of bookings from overseas, mainly the UK.
New Sponsors
There are new sponsors involved at the five day meeting which gets runs from Tuesday through to Saturday.
Bibby Financial Services are first time supporters of the highlight Gold Cup on Thursday. “Sport and Business go hand in hand in Ireland and we are delighted to be associated with this prestigious event,” said managing director, Ronan Horgan.
Ladbrokes, the Racing Post and Boylesports are the other premier sponsors while Land Rover are running a style contest for racegoers and AES are supporting the family day on Saturday.
In total no less than 726 companies of every shape, size and sector will be involved in sponsorship, entertainment or as vendors at this years festival.
Impact on local economy
“Year on year we endeavour to build on previous achievements and exceed the 100,000 attendance mark,” said racecourse General Manager Dick O’Sullivan. “Not only does that signify the success of our event but the impact it has on the local economy is massive. The numbers speak for themselves this year and sales show the interest is huge.”
