“CRIMINAL” is how Punchestown racing manager Richie Galway described the prospect of having top-class racing in sunshine at the venue all next week but with the public unable to enjoy it.

“The track and the enclosures are looking fantastic,” he reported. “This is our showcase meeting and we have tried to prepare for it as we normally would. Punchestown has been popular with walkers since Covid struck and we have had a lot of positive feedback about that, but we now have to close off the facility to the public until after the Festival.

“We are also operating a Covid testing and vaccination centre here and that will continue under the HSE all through next week.”

The going on the hurdles and chase courses was described as good to yielding yesterday. “We have been watering extensively throughout the dry period,” Galway said. “You are talking about 100 acres, as we have five hurdle tracks and two chase courses to get us through the week.

“It’s a massive undertaking but Sean Ryan, Jim Ryan and the team are hugely experienced and we are in good shape. The forecast is quite settled and we are ready to water throughout the week and provide nice, safe jumping ground.”

The going on the banks course is good to firm and it “not viable” to water it, Galway said.

Special arrangements have been put in place for the British visitors. “We have had brilliant support from Dr Jennifer Pugh in allowing us to put a ‘British bubble’ in place. “We already have a purpose-built stableyard for British runners, so that part was easy. Killahsee House Hotel is providing a confined accommodation zone and there will be a transport service operating between the hotel and the racecourse all week. We want to keep it safe but also make our visitors feel as welcome as the Irish were made to feel at Cheltenham and Aintree.”

Due to Covid-19, the usual charity race has been shelved this year but two other races have been added to make it an eight-race card each day.

On Wednesday a statue of Sizing John will be unveiled. Funded by the Potts family, the statue celebrates the chaser who won the Irish Gold Cup, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Punchestown Gold Cup in 2017.