Big day for Magee as stable staff take centre stage

It's a big day for stable staff at Punchestown on Saturday, a day that culminates with the 'Up The Yard' Challenge (3.55pm), a 1m7f Flat race confined to stable staff who have never ridden in a race or a point-to-point.

Among the 16 riders taking part is Louise Magee, who works for Gordon Elliott. She partners eight-time winner Taglietelle.

Magee, who rides out for Elliott and also travels his horses to meetings, has looked after many good horses, most notably the trainer's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Don Cossack.

The winner of the stable staff challenge race will pick up a €3,000 voucher for TRI Equestrian to be used by their team, while each rider will collect €100.

There is free admission for stable staff to the fixture, which will feature live music and activities for staff, including a team relay with wheelbarrow driving skills, a 'sing-along battle', a best-turned-out showdown in the parade ring and the Stable Staff National' – a test of accuracy and speed involving horse shoe tossing, an egg and spoon race and a hobby horse sprint.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com