A TRIP to the Punchestown Festival while school is out, if only for half a day, can live long in the memory of every child growing up in Kildare. For some, it leaves a lasting impression which can lead to them making a career out of racing and Carbury trainer and former amateur Philip Dempsey is no exception.

The trainer, who hopes to have one or two runners at the Festival this week, vividly recalls his early visits there as a child in the 1970s.