Punchestown Host To Martinstown Final

Punchestown plays host to the Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle tomorrow (Saturday), and with 65 points to his credit already, Martin Ferris is assured of the leading rider title. Ferris currently holds an 18 points lead over his nearest pursuer Brian Byrnes, who finished runner-up in the series 12 months ago. Byrnes holds an eight point advantage over third placed Andrew Leigh, who in turn is two points clear of Sean McDermott in the popular series which is sponsored by J P McManus and backed by the Turf Club.

The race for the leading trainer title is a lot closer with Eric McNamara and Philip Rothwell locked in combat clear of their nearest rivals. McNamara, with 44 points to his credit already, is just two clear of Rothwell, who in turn is 13 points clear of joint third-placed Dessie Hughes and Tom Taaffe. With 26 points on offer tomorrow, there is certainly plenty to play for in the battle to land the trainer’s title.

The points scoring system is as follows: 1st 10 points, 2nd 7 points, 3rd 5 points, 4th 3 points and 5th 1 point.