WHEN the cameras pan out over the vast expanses of Punchestown during a day’s racing coverage, it brings to mind the wonderful internationals held at the Co Kildare track, especially when these included roads and tracks and steeplechase phases.

There was nearly as much drama in one race on Sunday as in a five-star event as the field of 14 (one intended runner was withdrawn having got loose on the way down to the start) in the Sporting Life Beginners Chase was reduced to six finishers following a litany of mishaps. These began as early as the first fence where Ensel du Perche, ridden by well-known Ward Union follower, Keith Donoghue, fell, bringing down two other runners, Half Shot and Good Luck Hope.