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Hunt: Good Day at the Races - Ipswich Town News

Four Town players — Stephen Hunt, Cole Skuse, Jay Tabb and Paul Anderson — enjoyed a day’s racing at the Cheltenham Festival last week.

The quartet headed there for an overnight stop after the 1-0 win at Yeovil and the following day they enjoyed hospitality provided by Paddy Power and BP.

Hunt was one of thousands of Irishmen in attendance and laughed: "By the time we got to our hotel after Yeovil it was midnight and most of them didn’t know their own names.

"I had a good day’s racing on the Wednesday — my tips were on fire. It’s something different and it’s something I enjoy. We all had a really good time.

"I like to get down there every year if I can because it helps me relax and gets me away from football for a day. I have about two or three outings a year that I like to do and going to the races is one of them. I won’t be doing it again until the season is over.

"I’ve actually known Paddy Power for a while. I did a gig for him two years ago for the Euros and he’s been in my house in the summer time for a cup of tea with his family.”

Meanwhile, Hunt has bought a gastro pub near his home in Rosslare and added: "I really like the area and enjoy it there but people will think I’m mad now that I’ve got the pub because it could be quite stressful.

"Hopefully I can do a good job of it and my staff will be like me in terms of being hard-working and providing a good service. The quality of food is going to be vital.

"The days are gone when you just put a toasted sandwich on the menu and everyone still turned up, especially in Ireland where the times have been tough. There’s a lot to do, like finding a good chef and a good manager.

"The chef’s the important one because I want the place to be renowned for its food. But it’s over there and I’m here to play football — I’m still a long way from retiring.”

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