Trainer Joseph O’Brien made history at the Punchestown festival, when his first ever runner in the Mongey Communications La Touche Steeplechase came out on top.
Busselton ridden by JJ Slevin added the iconic La Touche cross country (4m 1f) long distance race; to his Melbourne Cup and Irish Derby accolades.
Whereas, Grade One winning Jockey Jody McGarvey (34) announced his retirement today at Punchestown.
An immensely popular figure in the weighing room; McGarvey has long been closely associated with JP McManus's runners and rode a trio of Grade 1 winners for him, each of which was trained by Willie Mullins.
"I've been a lot luckier than a lot of people” explained McGarvey. “I didn't really want to stop riding, but the opportunities were getting thin on the ground”.
“I wanted to go out when I felt I was still riding well and I've had a few winners in the last couple of weeks and I'm leaving the game without a chip on my shoulder”.
“I'm looking forward to the next chapter. It's sad to finish riding as I love it but I was never going to be a jockey forever and I'm grateful."
The feature race; the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) went to Teahupoo in Brian Acheson's Robcour colours for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Sam Ewing.
For the third day in succession, the crowd’s year on year comparative figures were up! 20,228 attended today compared to last year’s festival Thursday total of 18,289.
Tomorrow is Ladies Day, Saturday is Family Day. The indications are extremely positive for the team at Punchestown.
