By EDDIE SCALLY
After what has been a fantastic five weeks for Irish Jumps Racing with a total domination at the Cheltenham Festival & a spectacular first five home in the Aintree Grand National all attention now switches to the season ending Punchestown Festivals where many crowns will be put on the line & some Kings or Queens will be crowned.
Without question the biggest name in jumps racing presently is Rachael Blackmore, on the back of a leading rider title at Cheltenham Rachael then became the first female ever to win the Grand National on the Henry de Bromhead trained Minella Times. Her achievements cannot be overstated, and Rachael will try everything to end this already wonderful year with a first Irish jumps Jockeys title as she battles out a tight finish with current champ Paul Townend. Paul picked up an injury at Fairyhouse a few weeks back, but I am hopeful he will have recovered in time for the 2021 Punchestown Festival. This setback has given Rachael a chance and currently Paul leads by 8.
In the amateur ranks an even more thrilling battle is taking place between Jamie Codd & Patrick Mullins who at time of print are currently tied at the top of the leader board, both have the backing of large trainers & owners which will make this battle one to savour as I think it could go down to the very last ride of the festival.
On the track the action will be as exciting as ever all be it with the lack of the usual huge crowds to cheer home the winners. Racing gets under way on Tuesday April 27th & runs until Saturday May 1st. My selections for the week are as follows:
TIPS
Tuesday
4:15 – Appreciate It
5:25 – Chacun Pour Soi
6.30 – Monkfish
Wednesday
5.20 – Vanillier
5.55 – Al Boum Photo
6.30 – Sir Gerhard
Thursday
5.25 – Sire Du Berlais
6.35 – Envoi Allen
Friday
5.25 – Honeysuckle
6.00 – Bob Olinger
