The Punchestown Gold Cup lived up to the billing. There isn't much between Kemboy, and Al Boum Photo. Kemboy just about found enough on the day. Then Ruby went and retired. Nice to go out on a high. He was a rare talent. We move on. On to Friday. The sports fan gets very little time for reflection.

Looks a highly competitive card. The Punchestown Champion Hurdle, despite being shorn of the Espoir D'Allen, looks a hot renewal.

3.40pm: The KFM Hunters Steeplechase

A curiosity of a race. One for minimum stakes. Alpha Male won the race last year. He seems in poor form at the moment, but is still preferred.

Selection: Alpha Male 11/8

4.20pm: The EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Steeplechase (Grade A)

Probably best to concentrate on those at the head of the weights. Hardline disappointed in the Arkle. He's generally a reliable performer. He enjoys a big class edge on most here. Real Steel is feared. Poker Party is a likeable type. He's also progressive, and a big run wouldn't surprise.

Selection: Hardline 7/1

4.55pm: The Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Mares Handicap Steeplechase (Grade B)

Moyhenna appeals as the best handicapped mare in this race. She has failed to complete the course in two of her last three starts. She's just been a bit unlucky, and is actually possessed of a very solid fencing technique. She will take some pegging back here, and looks the best bet on the card. Barra should come on for here Fairyhouse return. She's feared most.

Selection: Moyhenna 13/2

5.30pm: The Grade 1 BETDAQ Punchestown Champion Hurdle

More questions than answers here. Buveur D'Air was disappointing at Aintree. I don't think the interference he suffered was the difference that day. Apple's Jade showed a lot of heart at Aintree. She was ultimately disappointing though. This is a big ask for her, though returning to a right handed track can help. Melon is a horse I'd oppose in a walkover. Supasundae is probably the one to side with. He won this race last year, and didn't look far off his best at Aintree. The drop in trip isn't ideal, though the better ground will help.

Selection: Supasundae 5/1

6.05pm: The Grade 1 Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle

Hard to get away from City Island. He's such an accurate hurdler. That jumping technique, allied to plenty of boot in beween the flights, saw him run out a comfortable Ballymore winner. Trainer Martin Brassil sees the horse as a staying prospect. He may be right, but the horse travels really well. Sams Profile ran well in the Ballymore too. His habit of missing the odd hurdle holds him back. With a cleaner round tomorrow, he can chase the Island home.

Selection: City Island 11/8

6.35 pm: The Star Best For Racing Coverage Champion Hunters Chase

Burning Ambition looked sure to collect in the Aintree Foxhunters. He doesn't seem to find much for pressure, and without Derek O'Connor in the plate this time, is passed over. Ucello Conti stuck on well at Fairyhouse. This will be his fourth Spring festival though. Despite a poor effort at Cheltenham, defending champion Caid Du Berlais is feared. Stand Up And Fight gets the nod. As a seven year old, his best days should be ahead. He was probably disadvantaged by track position at Cheltenham. Freshened up since, he can make amends here.

Selection: Stand Up And Fight 7/2

7.10pm: The SalesSense International Novice Hurdle

A trappy heat. I wouldn't pay jockey bookings too much heed. The Fairyhouse run of Cash Back looks the best form on offer. Mister Blue Sky, Cash Back's conqueror that day, ran a perfectly respectable race earlier in the week. Breaken looked to have a big engine in Linmerick. He will need to settle, and jump, better here though. Dunvegan hasn't progressed as I thought he might. He's back in calmer waters here. A bold show wouldn't be a shock.

Selection: Cash Back 9/2

7.45pm: The GVA Donal O'Buachalla Property Advisors INH Flat Race

Those that have run under rules don't set an exacting standard. Longhouse Poet probably cost his new owner a few quid. Derek O'Connor, who rode him to victory in his sole point, retains the ride here. 

Selection: Longhouse Poet 9/2

Watch the Punchestown Festival live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player, Friday (4pm) and Saturday (2.50pm)