Cash in on feelgood factor at Punchestown and we can start to woo back public

Next week's Punchestown festival brings the curtain down on a unique Irish jumps season, conducted entirely behind closed doors.

It's such a pity that this major social occasion in the Irish racing calendar has to occur without a live audience. This year, in particular, would have offered Punchestown a fabulous opportunity to capitalise on the positive energy generated by the collective Irish performances at Cheltenham and Aintree.

The general outpouring of admiration for Rachael Blackmore alone might have added thousands to the gate.