THERE is speculation that this could be Dick O’Sullivan’s final year in charge of the Punchestown Festival.

Dick famously visits every box and tent every day of the Festival, says a few words, presses the flesh, adding the personal touch. In the Final Furlong Pavilion, the wine is flowing as Dick namechecks all the politicians and clergy in the room. “Bishop,” says Dick. “The hailstones have gone and the sun is shining thanks to your presence.” Legend.

MC Robbie Irwin grills Noel Meade and Leon Blanche for tips while in the betting ring, the mood is literally a bit cooler. “It’s always chilly on this side of the grandstand,” moans one layer. It’s 15 minutes before the Gold Cup, the biggest race of the week but there is hardly anyone placing a bet. “Look around, you could sit down and have a cup of tea here!”

The stands are packed for the big race and what a spectacle it provides, with three fine steeplechasers jumping the last almost upsides. The winner gets a fantastic reception – possibly more for Jessica Harrington than the horse. Together, they have won three Gold Cups in little over two months. “And it was the first time I had a runner in any of them – beginners’ luck!”

Robbie Power is getting used to these big race debriefs and offers an informed analysis of what happened on the track. “He wasn’t the same horse he was at Cheltenham today. He didn’t travel with his usual flow – it was hard work for him but he tried his heart out and he still won.”

As the trophies are presented, Dick O’Sullivan surveys the scene. “That was some race, eh? That’s our marketing done for next year!” Go mberimíd beo ar an am seo arís.