Reflecting on a special Punchestown festival as Its On The Line brings up the Champion Hunters Chase hat-trick

There was a great atmosphere among the big crowds at Punchestown last week.

As an amateur, it's always a real thrill to ride at the major festivals. Punchestown is a special place for me and my colleagues because of the number of opportunities we're given in bumpers, the Champion Hunter Chase, the Ladies' Cup, and the Bishopscourt Cup. Besides all that, there's the La Touche and the cross-country race on the final day, two races open to professionals but regularly won by an amateur rider.

My highlight was winning the Champion Hunters' Chase for the third year in succession on Its On The Line. I have to thank Emmet Mullins and his team for producing him in fantastic shape.