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HAI Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival 2010

A huge crowd of hunt supporters turned out for the HAI Punchestown day on Tuesday. Not only were they treated to a great day’s racing but also a spectacular parade of both the Ward Union and Woodstown Harriers. This took place between the fifth and sixth race on the main straight opposite the stands and was covered on live TV. The Wards were led by huntsman Pat Coyle assisted by Darren Cambell and amateur whip Kieran Ryan. The Woodstown were led by huntsman Stephen Farrel assisted by John Widger (riding a coloured stallion) and Eamonn Kent.It was ironic that as thousands cheered the two hunts Minister Gormley was introducing legislation in the Dail to ban the Ward Union Stag Hounds and end a tradition that runs for over 150 years. RISE had their own stand and enjoyed huge support gaining many thousands of signatures for the campaign Further photos can be viewed by visiting Photo Gallery