A monsoon has fallen across the country last night with 20mls recorded at our own Cullentra Stables and 19ml here at Punchestown. Our first runner to test their metal is HIGHLAND CRYSTAL in the fillies academy hurdle. She is a beautifully bred filly from the family of Envoi Allen and can hopefully take well to the ground and will be ridden by Jordan Gainford.

Another young horse having his first run for us is MODE AVION in the 3yo hurdle. This gelding has already won a flat race over in France and could be a little bit ahead of a few of these. We hope he can take well to this as his homework has been good. Danny Gilligan has been booked to ride.

KOKTAIL BRUT starts his season here in a maiden hurdle. He was a nice horse last season who didn’t do too much wrong. He is a nice sort who can hopefully go quite far this season with Danny Gilligan booked to ride.

Rounding off the day is JONNY CARROL in the red mills auction maiden hurdle. This race has attracted a very small field. He has had two starts in maiden hurdles to date and is a nice looking sort that needed a bit of time. Sam Ewing has been booked to ride.