Punchestown claimed an increase in attendance of 30% on the opening day of the Festival meeting yesterday. We look below at some of the reasons why racing is on the rise again amongst the public and the corporate world.
The sun shone but many would have gone anyway to see the first Irish appearance of Sprinter Sacre, being hailed as one of the best jumping horses in a generation, if not more.
Over 1,000 people thronged the pre-parade ring to see him before he entered the main arena where crowds were ten deep.
This was an attraction beyond the norm, akin to seeing Messi at the Aviva Stadium or Michael Phelps at the National Aquatic Centre.
The sport of racing has long attracted many within the business world because of the glamour but also, and more importantly because of the time spent with clients on a day out.
A big match has a very single focus and limited time before or at half time in which to engage. Racing is broken into seven episodes or acts on any given day, all of which offer the opportunity to have a bet, a wander among the crowd or a close up view of what remains one of the most dangerous participation sports we have.
A glance through the thick race programme yesterday revealed a veritable who’s who of business from Ryanair, our largest brand that only engages in sport through racing; through to Boylesports, Rabobank, Guinness, Bord na Mona, the Herald and many more.
Pesident Michael D. Higgins was there to soak up the atmosphere as well as many from other sports including soccer, rugby and boxing. Kilmacud Crokes GAA club were hosting one of their major fundraisers of the year and today their place has been taken by Longford GAA who will pack not one but two hospitality areas with loyal supporters.
Sprinter Sacre and his jockey Barry Geraghty won the big race but racing itself was an even bigger winner on a day when it was seen in the very best of lights.
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