TG4 will screen a 30-minute preview of the Punchestown Festival on Saturday at 9.15pm. It will also be available on the TG4 player (tg4.ie/player) and catch-up services.

Denis Kirwan presents the magazine-style preview that includes features on the battle for the Irish jump jockeys’ title between Paul Townend and Jack Kennedy and the Punchestown rematch between dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow.

The show also pays a visit to the Co Wexford base of trainer Richie O’Keeffe, whose 12-year-old Vital Island has run 19 times over the Punchestown banks course and will bid for back-to-back wins in the iconic La Touche Cup.

There’s also a feature on the Full Circle series, designed to give smaller trainers a chance to win a big prize on the opening day at the festival. Analysis is provided by Donn McClean and Daragh Ó Conchúir.

“It has been another extraordinary year for Irish National Hunt racing and TG4 is delighted to look ahead to one of the highlights of the Irish sporting and social calendar,” said Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, head of sport with TG4.