RACING: The Horse Racing Ireland chairman, Denis Brosnan, is one of three new nominees to the board at Punchestown racecourse, writes Brian O'Connor.

The HRI chief executive, Brian Kavanagh, and Michael Osborne were also last evening nominated to fill the vacancies on the board of the controversial racecourse.

Nick Bullman has been ratified as the new chairman of Punchestown.

Brian Kavanagh said after yesterday's HRI meeting: "All sides have agreed to look forwards rather than backwards as regards the festival in April.

"Up to 17 sponsors have been confirmed for the festival and there are on-going discussions with others."