PUNCHESTOWN NEWS:IRISH INVADER'S victory yesterday maintained Ruby Walsh's seven-winner lead (130-123) over Davy Russell in the race for the jockeys' championship but it also took the champion rider to within three of a remarkable double century of winners between Ireland and Britain.

Walsh has had 67 seven winners in Britain this term and the cross-channel season also winds up at Sandown tomorrow where the Irishman is expected to compete.

Walsh managed to reach the 200 mark over both countries last year.

Attendance levels took a tumble on day three of the Punchestown Festival with yesterday's crowd total of 17,240 down over 2,600 on last year's corresponding figure.

However, bookmaker betting took an even more dramatic dive with an overall tally of €2,777,003 down a massive €1,144,615 on the corresponding figure in 2007.

The total included €539,948 in the feature hurdle, the Grade One Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle.

Turnover also fell significantly with the Tote as a figure of €898,966 was down €208,000 on last year when there were eight races.

Today is Ladies Day at Punchestown and the track authorities are banking on a bumper crowd to boost the overall attendance levels.