"I hope to get a few quid out of it!" Punchestown bookmaker talks about 2023 Festival

NOBODY knows racing better than a bookmaker. 

Ray Mulvany travels all around Ireland and the UK to race meets but nothing beats Punchestown. 

“It's fabulous. It's where our bookmakers want to be, in the big festivals, whether it be Galway Listowel, The Curragh, Punchestown, is second to none, I go to Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, all the big meetings, all the festivals.

“But certainly Punchestown is a big weekend in our calendar," he said.

As the sun shone down on the Kildare track, punters flocked to the catch a glimpse of some of Ireland's greatest race horses who will compete in the 3m chase. 

“Well, you want to be busy, and when you're in Punchestown, you get the good horses running. The Gold Cup winner is here today, Galopin des Champs, he’s odds on, looks a winner. People want to see him running. 

“They want to see all the superstars running. And there's a great atmosphere, great festival, lots of social activity here for all the punters and all the patrons. It's a really, really good event or good five days.

“Everyone enjoys it. I hope to get a few quid out of it, but that's bookies hope to do. But I hope no one gets hurt, and I hope everyone enjoys themselves," he added.