Meath racing figures in Punchestown documentary

A number of Meath racing figures contribute to 'Punchestown - Seeing Out the Distance', a documentary on of the most special weeks in the Irish racing calendar, the Punchestown Horse Racing Festival. Revolving around the 2011 festival, it contains footage from several cracking races and a guided tour of the famous LaTouche Banks Course. There are interviews with leading owners, trainers and jockeys, both from Ireland and the UK. Also included are visits to Willie Mullins' and Jim Dreaper's training yards. Not to mention the fashion, style, celebrities and pundits. Cleverly put together, blending the past and present it really captures the essence of Punchestown. Backed up with wonderful archive footage and photos, contributors delve into the past - back when races were over banks and stonewalls and when the first VIP visits were Royal. Having had a close association with the military it portrays Captain Laurence Oates (Antarctic explorer) whose horse won the Grand Military Cup in 1905. Also, the programme looks back at many memorable moments including the late legendary trainer Paddy Mullins' first win, great horses that graced its grounds (including Arkle and Istabraq) and the 'Match Race' between Buck House and Dawn Run. Meath contributors to the documentary are Paddy Woods, Noel Meade, Paul Carberry, Barry Geraghty and Jim Dreaper. Dick O' Sullivan, General Manager, Punchestown Racecourse, said: "We feel the public is really going to enjoy 'Seeing Out The Distance' on TG4, the programme gives a wonderful insight into the festival and captures beautifully the tradition and excitement of the Punchestown Festival. We're very grateful for the support from everybody involved in this project and a special word of thanks to Michael O' Rourke and all the marketing team at HRI." Broadcast on TG4, Saturday 24th November at 9.20pm, and available on TG4 player for world wide viewing www.tg4.ie until 15th December 2012.