Football legend Alex Ferguson was the star attraction at Punchestown festival yesterday, saying: “I always get a good reception in Ireland.”
The former Manchester United boss – often called the best football manager of all time – had a horse running in the big race of the day, the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.
But while his entry Clan des Obeaux came second to hot favourite Allaho, Ferguson was in fine form at day two of racing at the famous Co Kildare track.
He told the Irish Mirror in the parade ring: “It’s my first time here and I’ve enjoyed it. They’ve looked after us very well.
“I’ve never been here before. It’s been nice – it’s a nice day. We couldn’t come last year because of Covid.”
Having arrived by helicopter to the racecourse, the Scotsman was surprised at the geography of the place.
“I was actually quite surprised. I thought Punchestown was near Dublin, I didn’t realise it was in the country.”
Ferguson was there with another Premier League manager, Sam Allardyce and was seen chatting with trainer and broadcaster Ted Walsh.
Allaho was the toast of the track after jockey Paul Townend rode him to a resounding victory. The 6/5 favourite pulled clear by 14 lengths to romp home first past the post of the three-mile chase.
Trainer Willie Mullins said afterwards: “He’s some engine. I just hoped he could do what he did there today. I was a bit worried he could only do it over two and a half (lengths) but now he can do it over three and he’ll be more mature next year. He’s only eight.”
Meanwhile, there was plenty of fun and fashion on the day, with attendance figures up by more than a thousand on pre-pandemic times.
With Punchestown back for the first time since 2019, famous faces mixed with racing fans around the parade ring.
Fashionistas flocked to the Bollinger tent for the Best Dressed Lady competition, which was won by Longford woman Oniesta Owens in a stylish outfit she had bought for Punchestown 2020, which was cancelled due to Covid.
She finally got to wear the green dress with cream overcoat - and it was Winner All Right in the fashion stakes.
Oniesta, 40, now goes forward to the overall Bollinger Best Dressed of the festival week.
She said: “I’m astonished. I was just having dinner and was picked out of the audience. It means a lot to me.
“I found this lovely dress in Fabiani boutique in Longford, and I got the coat there too. The headpiece is Leonora Ferguson and the shoes I bought in Sorrento at the weekend.”
Style judge Mariettta Doran explained why the look was so impressive. “She just looked so confident and comfortable. Great colour scheme. It’s very simple. One word – winner, winner, winner. This outfit has everything.”
Fashion guru Marietta notices a change in style as racegoers emerge from two years of restrictions.
“Ladies – and guys too – are happier to be out and there’s a lot more more style. We’re dressing more for ourselves – that’s what we’re embracing.”
Horsewoman Kate Harrington was also delighted to be out racing again, with her mother, trainer Jessica Harrngton, winning in the third race with her horse Crosshill.
Jockey turned broadcaster Kate recalled getting three days off school for Punchestown as a child growing up in Co Kildare.
She said: “It’s brilliant to see Punchestown is back and the bit of glitz and glamour. Jessica is delighted.”
Model mum Yvonne Connolly – who attended with boyfriend John Conroy and author friend Cecelia Ahern - also had fond memories of the place.
Yvonne, a keen rider, said: “I used to come to the pony club here every year as a kid. It’s a great place. There’s nothing like Punchestown – it’s a great festival.
“The atmosphere and feeling this year is just superb. Everyone appreciates it. I had Jessica Harrington’s winner. I trained with Jessica and anytime she comes up on the card, I throw a few quid on. I try and go for a connection.
“I’m upstairs with Cecelia and we’re having a great day.”
The mum of three ex-wife of boyband star Ronan Keating said she valued Punchestown all the more after almost dying in a series horse-riding accident just before Covid.
She said: “I had a bad accident. I got kicked by another horse while I was on a horse. I have three plates in my face and 100 stitches. I broke my arm.
“Because it happened just before Covid, I was probably the only person who was glad to wear a mask.
“It was traumatic. But I am lucky to be alive. It was life-changing. It was a near death experience for me and I am glad to be here.
“Since them I have got back on the horse. And I have had more accidents. I dislocated my shoulder and broke a wrists and fractured a rib.”
There was more craic in the 2FM Roadcaster onsite, when the 2 Johnnies interviewed champion jockey Rachael Blackmore.
She told the lads she loved Punchestown, saying: “You can feel the crowd coming down the last when you’re in with a chance.
“People recognise me a bit more now, which is all positive.”
She added: “It’s great to see so many young people interested in the sport. It’s a wonderful sport – it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, which is something the racing industry should be very proud of.
“If you’re good enough you’re given a chance. Nina (Carberry) and Katie (Walsh) were there when I started and they rocked it. They are a great inspiration for me. I was in the room at the same time.”
The Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle was won by Willie Mullins' horse The Nice Guy.
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