This afternoon sees the start of the five day Festival at Punchestown with the first race due off at 3:40pm.

The weather is forecast to be mainly dry today with only the odd light shower. The going is Good to Yielding on both the Hurdle and Chase courses while the Cross Country Banks course is described as Good to Firm.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins has a strong team of runners for the opening session including four of the seven favourites.

Ruby Walsh returns from injury to partner Mullins' pair of Cheltenham Festival winners Yorkhill and Vautour The Champion jockey sustained a hairline fracture of his wrist at Aintree eitghteen days ago.

There are nine British trained runners today including Southfield Royale in the Grade One Growise Champion Novice Chase which will attempt to give Irish born Neil Mulholland a first training success on home soil.