A report by a Kildare Hunt Club member that says Punchestown lacks the financial infrastructure to make it a viable business has been described as "very damaging" to the racecourse.
Accountant and member Nick Bullman has told the Hunt Club, which oversees the track, that "without extended credit or substantially increased revenues, Punchestown will cease to be a going concern". He also said that if the track's debts are not reduced, "it is hard to see how Punchestown can survive as a business in its current form".
His comments were revealed in the current edition of the Farmers Journal which also recorded that the track has received an Irish Horseracing Authority loan of £1.3 million and an IHA grant of £1.9 million, partly on the back of Punchestown not being able to stage its festival meeting last season.
The foot-and-mouth crisis, and difficulties with drainge that led to failure to pass a Turf Club inspection, are also mentioned in relation to Punchestown's financial position but Bullmans's comments are vehemently disputed by the track's management.
A source said yesterday the management view of the report is that it is "utterly inaccurate and potentially very damaging". He added that the management are extremely confident of a successful lead up to next year's four-day festival and beyond.
Sackville remains as low as 10 to 1 second favourite for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup despite finishing only third of four in his first start of the season at Punchestown yesterday.
Last season's star novice did not jump particularly fluently and was under pressure from four fences out in the two mile Dunstown Wood Chase.
However, those who had opposed the 11 to 10 favourite in the market with either Grimes or Alcapone were left shell-shocked as the complete outsider, Zayta, refused to give up the lead she had held from the start and galloped on to a 12-length success.
Zayta, which is owned by the Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, refused to jump off at Gowran the previous week but her trainer Jessica Harrington was not surprised with the victory.
Frances Crowley was not too disappointed with Sackville who could race again over two miles on his next start, possibly in Navan's Fortria Chase. Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase and Down Royal's Champion Chase are also options for Sackville.
The favourite in the apprentice handicap made no mistake, however, as Newhall ran out a ridiculously easy winner under rider Emmet Stack.
"She loves this ground and that's her fourth handicap win this season. We might chance the Leopardstown November Handicap with her next," said trainer Francis Flood.
In contrast the odds-on Ursa Minor had to get the full Mick Kinane treatment to get home by a length from Virtuous Image in the opener. The success put Kinane on the 73 winner mark, just two behind leader Pat Smullen.
