On Saturday at Punchestown, 25 completely amateur riders will have their chance to compete on one of the biggest stages in National Hunt racing when they take part in the annual charity race, which traditionally brings this year’s Punchestown Festival to a close.

The race was founded by James Nolan, the recipient of a kidney transplant, with the funds raised going to the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund. This will be the 32nd renewal of the race and the proceeds for last year’s contest went over €50,000.

All the riders will receive a special license to ride in the race as a once-off and have undergone strenuous training at RACE Academy near the Curragh, while also regularly riding out in their spare time. They also have to organise their own horse to ride in the race and raise their own funds for the charity.

A primary school teacher, a nurse, a beauty therapist and a butcher are among the 25 occupations of this year’s participants.

Main action

The main action at Punchestown this week has so far gone as expected, with Willie Mullins dominating the big races. On Saturday he will be crowned champion trainer for a 17th time, with his dominance still to show any signs of abating.

The main beneficiary has been Paul Townend who will be crowned champion jockey for a fifth time.

The pair will hope to secure further Grade 1 successes on Friday with State Man in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle. State Man already has three Grade 1 wins this season and only found the mighty Constitution Hill too good in the Champion Hurdle.

Mullins and Townend will also likely team up with Lossiemouth in the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle on Saturday. The Triumph Hurdle heroine will be very difficult to beat.

The one Grade 1 Mullins and Townend don’t look to have a particularly strong hand in is the Mares Champion Hurdle, which could go to British raider Love Envoi.

Harry Fry’s mare put up a valiant effort in defeat against Honeysuckle and with that star mare now retired, she could get her moment in the sun now.