Opening Day of Punchestown 2018

Punchestown 2018 kicked into full gear yesterday and our new Chief Experience Officer, Stephen Maher, was there to capture it all.

Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday….#intokildare @intokildare #punchestown2018 #punchestown #punchestownraces #horseracingireland #goracing #kildare #ireland #presspass #mediapass

A post shared by Stephen Maher Kildare (@stephenmaherintokildare) on Apr 24, 2018 at 9:46am PDT

Press pass in hand, Stephan had a prime trackside position to see all the action and was given an up-close look at the competitors in the parade ring.

Before the first race, Stephen decided to gird his loins and place a bet. He must have seen something in the eyes of his horse as it passed in the parade ring, because his luck was in and a hefty €10 bet landed a whopping €60 return.

Well….I decided I’d have a bet. Then that lost so I tried again. #intokildare @punchestownraces @goracing.ie #themilkybarsareonme #goracing #punchestown #punchestown2018 #horseracingireland #winneralright #kildare #racing #pickanumberanynumber

A post shared by Stephen Maher Kildare (@stephenmaherintokildare) on Apr 24, 2018 at 10:17am PDT

 

With his winnings burning a hole in his pocket, Stephen made his way to the Punchestown Shopping Village where over 40 exhibitors from Ireland, the UK and France showcase their wears in a marquee.

It’s not just horses and suits…Plenty of shopping here at Punchestown too. #punchestown2018 @punchestownraces #intokildare @intokildare #horseracingireland @goracing.ie #goracing #kildare #shopping

A post shared by Stephen Maher Kildare (@stephenmaherintokildare) on Apr 24, 2018 at 9:26am PDT

Laden down with shopping bags, Stephen returned to the action to soak up the atmosphere of the final race of the day.

Great atmosphere. Last race. My horse started at the front. Crashed out somewhere along the track. Win some, lose some. Came out with more than I went in with though so I won’t complain.Be safe : Bet small 🙂 #gambleaware #intokildare #horseracingireland #horses #horseracing #punchestown #ireland #kildare #equine @intokildare @goracing.ie #goracing @punchestownraces #punchestown #punchestownraces #punchestown2018 #punchestownracingfestival

A post shared by Stephen Maher Kildare (@stephenmaherintokildare) on Apr 24, 2018 at 12:44pm PDT

The opening day of the Punchestown festival looked like great craic, but as Stephen said, “Is it ever any other way?”

Thanks to @intokildare and @punchestownraces for arranging today. Great craic at the races but sure is it ever any other way? . . #intokildare #punchestownraces #punchestown2018 #punchestown #horseracingireland #horse #racing #equine #jockey #winneralright #winner #goracing #letyourselfgo #ireland #tourism #horseman #equine #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseracing #start #gate #sports #startinggate #horses #horse #horsepower #horsestagram #horselover #horsepic #

A post shared by Stephen Maher Kildare (@stephenmaherintokildare) on Apr 24, 2018 at 2:03pm PDT