PUNCHESTOWN ON TV

WAS Robert Hall trying to move in on Tracy Piggott’s pitch? “Today’s all about fun, about fashion,” he said. Not as far as Leon Blanche from BoyleSports was concerned: “It’s all about the mare,” he countered referring to Vroum Vroum Mag.

Looking extremely fashionable, Tracy again assumed the role of weatherperson, saying how nice it had been 10 or 15 minutes earlier. Well, you’ve got to believe her.

Colm Murphy was interviewed by Andrew McNamara before the first live race but, unfortunately, his runner the favourite, Marlbrook, was pulled up injured after jumping the first. Quite a few times in replays. Don’t think that would have been aired so quickly, or frequently, on Channel 4. We even got to see Marlbrook being driven away in the horsebox.

Following another success for Willie Mullins, Ted told how the Supreme Horse Racing Club, owners of the winner, Avant Tout, operate. “Some are in all of them, some of them are in some of them.” That was helpful. He then spoke about Martin Molony who Robert had said was champion jockey 70 years ago. “He was a wonderful rider,” said Ted, “though I never saw him ride.”

Tom Lee took a tour through the shopping village, trying on a fur coat. “The Irish ladies love fur.’’ Some – maybe. Paintings and knickers also caught Tom’s attention. New Zealand knickers no less. We don’t know if Jane Mulrooney had such long distance attire on but she looked really smart and deserving of the great prizes she won as best dressed lady.

You’re only getting used to one accent when another joins in, Andy Mc, giving way to Davy Russell who discussed the Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) and Vroum Vroum Mag. “A big plain old divil,” said Russell pre-race. “She’s a grand old type ... she’s a plain old mare,” stated Ted post-race with trainer Willie Mullins – yes him again – calling her “An old pet.” I’ve got pets but none like Vroum Vroum Mag. Ted was right when, in reference to Rich Ricci, he asked Robert Hall: “Is he not one of the luckiest owners?”

In the Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) again it was a mare, Jer’s Girl, trained by ace farrier Gavin Cromwell, who was centre screen. Ted assured us that she would be “minded like a pet mouse”. More pets. “Lovely head on her, lovely ears on her ... She’s feminine looking, a great head on her.” Hopefully, Vroum Vroum Mag was well out of earshot.

Ted was effusive in his praise for Cromwell, J.P. McManus, and everyone else. Mentioned anyone and everyone. There was no one around it seemed to spoil his day.