THERE was a real buzz at Punchestown before, during and after the charity race last Saturday. The 25 participating riders all brought plenty of supporters and the grandstand was almost as full as it had been for any of the top races during the week.

First past the post was Paul Bell, a mechanic from Kilcullen, Co Kildare. He was on board the Gordon Elliott-trained Stuzzikini who had won a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan just eight days earlier, so was well-backed.

A talented footballer for his local GAA club, Paul had never sat on a horse before July 2021. He rode in the charity race last year but was determined to have another go.

Speaking to us midweek, Paul said he was still recovering from his exertions. “I managed to play a league game for Kilcullen on Tuesday night. We won but my legs didn’t last the whole match.”

Recalling Saturday’s events, he added: “Things were quiet in the weighroom before the race. I think a few of the riders were nervous until Danny Mullins came in and told everyone to relax, they’d be grand.

“There was a big crowd around the parade ring before the race. I was being led around by Jack Madden and he said there was more watching than were there for the Gold Cup!

“Things happen quickly at the start and last year I found myself too far back. Mouse O’Ryan and Gordon told me not to miss the start, so I made sure I was up in the first four or five. Once we settled down, I knew my horse was fit, he’d stay, and he loved the ground, so I had no problems.”

One of the first to congratulate Paul was his near neighbour and Racing TV presenter Fran Berry. Paul explained: “I started riding out in 2021 for Mark Gittins but the horse I was due to ride in the 2022 charity race went lame, so I asked for help from Fran Berry, who lives just a few doors down from me.

“Kevin O’Ryan also lives near by and, between them, they put me in touch with Gordon Elliott who provided me with a horse for last year’s race. On the day I wasn’t happy with my performance so I wanted to try again this year. Ironically, I was probably less fit this year but I knew more about race-riding.”

So, what next? Will Paul be filling in for Jack Kennedy? He laughed: “I haven’t got the call yet anyway! I might keep up the riding out but I think I will follow Davy Russell’s example and retire on a winner. Even though Gordon has given me a horse for the race both years, I have never even been to his yard. It was Boots and Slippers Madden who got me started riding and I would like to thank them as well.”

The aim of the race is to raise awareness of organ donation and, afterwards, all the riders joined race organiser James Nolan in a private box upstairs where they were introduced to some organ transplant recipients.

“They told us their stories and it really brought home to us how important it is to carry an organ transplant card,” Paul says.

Race organiser James Nolan is also from Kilcullen and he said: “It really was incredible, the scenes inside and outside the parade ring, both before and after the race. The buzz and sheer sense of excitement was unbelievable. In my 32 years running the race I never experienced anything like it. I was thrilled.

“I feel so privileged and lucky to be part of the Punchestown Festival. I was happy that we were able to play our part and add something to the Festival that created such an incredible atmosphere. The phone has not stopped ringing since Saturday and it is great.”