Forecast good for Punchestown's Cottage day

Niall Cronin

WITH a positive weather forecast for tomorrow officials at Punchestown are confident that the Boylesports.com Tied Cottage day will go ahead without any problems and with the addition of the Dan Moore Memorial Chase from tomorrow's abandoned Fairyhouse fixture.

Racing Manager at Punchestown Richie Galway is confident that there will be no late hiccups ahead of their final big meeting prior to the Festival in April and is pleased with how the track has held up over one of the wettest periods in some time.

"I think we are alright for Sunday's meeting," Galway told the Herald. "It is very heavy and we are delighted to take the Dan Moore and help out there when we can but that doesn't make us any more confident because if we can race we can race."

Galway admitted that there would have been some concerns earlier in the week but as the forecast has changed he is feeling confident that the track will envisage no problems.

"The forecast for today improved from what was initially forecasted and Saturday is a good day.

"But among the very heavy showers that we have got, there has been good drying wind so that was a help."

With a high-profile card that includes Sizing Europe and possibly some exciting novice hurdlers and in close proximity to the Cheltenham Festival, Galway is aware of just how important the meeting is to so many.

Tough

"It's obviously the end of a tough summer and a tough winter so the ground is very heavy but the main thing is we are raceable and people know what to expect and what they'll be racing on, they are just pleased we are able to race."

With Sizing Europe's run in the Tied Cottage set to be a vital Cheltenham prep race for him, Galway has been in regular contact with trainer Henry de Bromhead (pictured) and it would appear he is fairly certain to run the former Champion Chaser.

"I spoke to Henry yesterday and the impression I got was that he will be declared and once we are racing and once he is happy once he has a look at it, Sizing Europe will run."

Galway concluded: "The Pertemps Qualifier is an important race for people, the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle looks a good race and the Cross Country Chase will be as fascinating as ever and now we have the Dan Moore as well so all in all it is a good day's racing."