Preview: Weekend racing action

It's the final day of the Punchestown National Hunt racing festival. There is a small but select field in the Grade 1 Mares Champion Hurdle at 3.50.  The Henry De Bromhead trained Tellmesomethingirl was unlucky when brought down at Cheltenham when travelling well behind the leaders. Hopefully she can gain compensation in this afternoons race.

Across channel, its the first British Classic of the year the 2000 Guineas is due off at 3.40pm in Newmarket. 15 are declared to contest the race over one mile. In form English trainer Charlie Appleby holds a strong hand in the race courtesy of Coroebus and the probable favourite Native Trail. The trainer has yet to taste success in this classic however. There are three Irish challengers Boundless Ocean, Luxembourg and Point Lonsdale.

Sligo (Flat) 1.40pm.

Hamilton (Flat) 1.30pm.

Newmarket (Flat) 1.15pm.

Salisbury (Flat) 2.10pm.

Waterford trainers Pat Flynn (Rips Dream) and Henry De Bromhead (Notwithstanding) both have runners on Sligo's all flat card. At Newmarket it's the turn of the fillies in the 1000 Guineas. There are four Irish entries in the fourteen strong field. Aidan O'Brien has two runners while Jessica Harrington and Ger Lyons have one runner apiece.

There is an eleven race card for patrons to enjoy in Kilcohan Park this evening (Saturday) with the opening contest underway at 7.50pm. The card features the final of the Waterford Track Supporters A4 event (Race 6), four first round heats of the Burgess Bucks at Stud 0N2 Novice Stake (Races 1,2,3 and 4) and two semi finals of the RCETS App S4/S5 325 Yards sprint competition (Races 9 and 10).

Via the live inter track link, patrons can also view the action from Shelbourne Park. where an 11 race card is down for decision..