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February 15, 2010

Punchestown Upgrades Customer Facilities

Punchestown racecourse today announced plans to invest €300,000 in customer facilities in advance of the 2010 Irish National Hunt Festival.

The facility upgrades are part of Punchestown’s commitment to delivering excellent value for money and enhancing the raceday experience for all patrons. The investment plan will see improvements in the public areas including the catering and bar facilities, the Owners and Trainers bar and the reserved enclosure at the Festival.

One of the most significant areas of investment will be in the main public catering venue, the Dobbins Food Hall, which will undergo a complete revamp with both  “front and back of house” improvements. An estimated €150,000 will be spent upgrading and purchasing new catering equipment, fitting a streamlined service area and the complete renovation of the 200 seater dining section. In addition the display and “prep” areas will be improved to further facilitate Dobbins ability to deliver simple, fresh food that will be prepared, cooked and served daily.

Dynamic changes are in store for the Punchestown Festival Reserved Enclosure which will be trackside for the first time in 2010. This is an obvious improvement given that the viewing facilities are quiet literally on the final straight whilst being in close proximity to numerous bars including the all new Champagne Bar which will serve a selection of reasonably priced champagnes, wines and Festival cocktails.  

Elsewhere on the track the various public bar facilities will also benefit from upgrades with decor, furnishing, efficient service and clearer signage being a priority.

Following on from the success of last years later start times the first race during the Festival will go to post at  3.30pm and final race at 7pm (Tuesday to Thursday) and 7.30pm on Friday with 8 races on the card. Saturday’s Family Day will commence at 2.30pm with the now famous Diageo Punchestown Private Sweepstakes race bringing down the Festival curtain in fitting fashion.

Commenting on the development plans Punchestown General Manager Dick O’Sullivan said “Value for money is the name of the game and in order to meet, and hopefully exceed the public’s expectations we are focusing on the key areas of food, drink and surroundings. We are confident that the thousands who come through the Punchestown gates will be impressed with the improvements and will have a great Festival experience at the right price”.

The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th April. Tickets: Reserved Enclosure €40, General Admission €30, Student and Senior Citizen €18, Group Packages from €29pp.

Punchestown’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday 17th February. Admission €10 and €6 for Students/Senior Citizens. First race 1.55pm.