PUNCHESTOWN. In one word it is possible to conjure up the finest images of National Hunt racing, something that has been a feature at the Co Kildare track for more than a century and a half.

Home to the five-day National Hunt Festival in late April, it stages many of the best jump races competed for each season. Most of the greatest hurdlers and steeplechasers in Irish racing history have galloped over the undulating track, and the venue is also home to Ireland’s only cross-country banks course.

This week sees the curtain rise on the newest season of racing, with a two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. With 15 days of action until the Festival meeting draws to a close next April, the course is set to be the focus of many titanic battles as owners, trainers and jockeys eye its main prizes on their way to championship titles.

Seven of those days take place before the end of the current calendar year, including the opportunity to have a knees-up on New Year’s Eve. There is a winter festival in November, while the John Durkan Memorial Chase is a feature of the mid-December fixture. Then there is the much anticipated build-up to April.

While racing takes centre-stage and the name Punchestown is most closely associated with the sport, the easily accessible venue is home to a growing number of non-racing events. Utilising the facilities at Punchestown has seen it become a major concert and events centre, hosting many national and international shows.

This is made possible by the sheer size of the venue which can provide parking for up to 17,000 vehicles, enjoys excellent access from Dublin airport and seaports, and is easy to reach from all corners of Ireland. The impressive Event Centre can hold major indoor shows, while a range of other pavilions and rooms throughout the racecourse can host groups of every size.

It is not just racehorses that are at home in Punchestown. With stabling in two areas available for 165 horses at one time, two all-weather arenas and a hunter trials course, sport horse enthusiasts will find a warm welcome at Punchestown, where regular show jumping competitions are staged.

The Kildare Hunt Club is inextricably linked with Punchestown and it was under their aegis that the first race meeting took place on April 1st, 1850. It was to be four years before the first two-day meeting was held, the precursor of the now Festival meeting. Even then songwriters and artists were immortalising ‘princely Punchestown’. In the mid-20th century it was designated as the National Centre for Equestrian and Field Sports of Ireland, and today its position as a leader in National Hunt racing is unrivalled.

Behind the scenes at Punchestown is a small but hugely dedicated team working on and off the track. Since 2003 Dick O’Sullivan has guided Punchestown through some rocky seas, ensuring its survival and growth.

Racing matters are in the hands of Richie Galway, while Shona Dreaper hails from one of racing’s most famous families. Hilary Cahill, Stacey Forde, Janet Creighton, Erica Elliott and Phil Bent are other well-known team members.

This week Punchestown announced that there will be no increase on ticket prices for the up-coming season with tickets on normal days remaining at €12, or a reduced €8 for senior and students. Feature race days on Sunday November 20th, Sunday 11th December 11th and Sunday February 5th will carry an admission charge of €15 and concessions at €10.

Tickets for the 2017 Punchestown festival, April 25th to 29th, are now on sale with a buy two get a third free ticket offer for a limited time. All details are on www.punchestown.com