DAR Golf Construction Announced as Official Sponsor at Punchestown Festival

• Widening of the finishing straight by approx. 35 metres
• Drainage system includes 27,000 linear metes of sand slits, 3,500meters of piped drainage and 1,500meters of main carrier drains
• Repositioning and increased capacity to the water reservoir in front of the Grandstand
• Improve and grade the bend into the straight (not impacting on existing racing ground)
• Installation of a service road on the inside of the newly widened finishing straight
• Upgrade to the track crossing after the finishing line
• 80,000 tonnes of subsoil have been moved to facilitate the widening of the finishing straight (this ground has been raised by approx. 4 meters in places)
• 27,000sq meters of new track racing surface merged to the existing finishing straight
• Completion and lining of a new water reservoir (capacity will increase from 9,000m3 to 12,500m3)

• Phase 2: Blackhills Extension: A 650-metre extension at the Blackhills bend is underway, enabling greater flexibility in race distances and start locations while enhancing the overall racing programme.

Spillane’s Tower fresh for Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup test while Fact To File on target for clash with Cheltenham hero Marine Nationale in William Hill Champion Chase
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Robcour rematch between Bob Olinger and Teahupoo still on the cards in Ladbrokes Champion Stayers’ Hurdle
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Spillane’s Tower and Fact To File spearhead the JP McManus team on the opening three days of the Punchestown Festival, which gets under way next Tuesday, April 29th.
Entries for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are now confirmed, and the mouth-watering clash between Cheltenham Queen Mother hero, Marine Nationale and Ryanair Chase victor, Fact To File is still on the cards in the GRADE 1 WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE on the opening day.

Nine horses stand their ground, including last year’s Queen Mother winner, Captain Guinness, and Energumene, who scored in the Cheltenham two-mile championship contest in 2022 and 2023.
Energumene is also a three-time Grade 1 victor at the Punchestown Festival, and if lining up, will be pursuing his third William Hill Champion Chase¸ having doubled up in both his Cheltenham Festival-winning seasons before injury ruled him out of a Spring campaign last term.

Marine Nationale was a very comfortable winner of the Cheltenham Champion Chase this year for owner/trainer Barry Connell and the lightly-raced eight-year-old is the one they all have to beat this time round. However, Energumene’s Willie Mullins stablemate, Fact To File is an intriguing entrant for champion owner JP McManus. Racing manager, Frank Berry reports the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase winner at this venue to be tip-top shape but is fully aware of the calibre of opposition. “It’s the only entry he has there,” said Berry today. “I believe he’s in good form. It won’t be easy taking on the Champion Chase winner but we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on. It will be very interesting.”  Dual Grade 1 winner, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Solness also stands his ground, as does another Closutton inmate, Gaelic Warrior.

Susannah Ricci’s five-time Grade 1 winner also holds an entry in Wednesday’s GRADE 1 LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP and would be a fascinating participant following his triumph on a first attempt at three miles over fences in the Aintree Bowl. He is a dual winner at Punchestown, including in the Grade 1 Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, over the maximum trip at that level two years ago.

Yet another Closutton superstar, Galopin Des Champs has yet to add the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his illustrious CV and is among the octet still standing, having gone out on his shield when having his three-in-a-row Cheltenham Gold Cup bid foiled by the JP McManus-owned Inothewayurthinkin. The green and gold is likely to be represented in this high-class affair by Spillane’s Tower, who like Inothewayurthinkin, is bred by the owner’s wife Noreen. Spillane’s Tower sparked major celebrations when winning the Grade 1 Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase 12 months ago. After a cracker behind Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown last November, the Walk In The Park seven-year-old disappointed in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day and he hasn’t been seen in public since.

Trainer Jimmy Mangan revealed that they were ready to get saddled in Aintree when jockey Mark Walsh reported the ground to be too quick, meaning he was withdrawn, but it’s all systems go for a return to the gelding’s happy hunting ground.
“He’s in good order and that’s the plan to go there,” Berry confirms. “The rain will help and he’s a fresh horse going there. It’ll be a hot race but he’s in good form.”
There are 16 horses that could still face the starter in the GRADE 1 LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS’ HURDLE.

The Fergal O’Brien-trained Grade 1 winner Crambo would be a welcome visitor, Rocky’s Diamond ran a cracker at Cheltenham for Declan Queally and is sure to progress as a five-year-old, and Home By The Lee, who is conditioned by Joseph O’Brien, is always a threat in staying events. It is the prospective rematch between Cheltenham winner Bob Olinger (Henry de Bromhead) and his predecessor and this year’s runner-up Teahupoo (Gordon Elliott) that will make the headlines.

Robcour are very well stocked in this division and de Bromhead saddled Hiddenvalley Lake in the pink, white and black to score in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. He remains in contention also.
In Tuesday’s other Grade 1s, Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, Kopek Des Bordes is the standout performer among the ten possibles at the five-day stage for the GRADE 1 KPMG CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE. Aintree victor, Salvator Mundi is also left in the two-mile contest.

The pair are among a team of seven entered by Willie Mullins. Irancy, who scored at Grade 2 level at Fairyhouse after finishing seventh in Cheltenham, is among that cohort. He is one of two McManus runners still in contention, the other being the Colm Murphy-trained Naas maiden hurdle winner, Lovely Hurling.
“They’re both in good form,” Berry declared. “You’d love to be going there with another run in Lovely Hurling. He is also in the two and a half but they’re both intended runners so we’ll see in the next few days.”

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner Lecky Watson looks likely to face top-flight opposition in the DOOLEY INSURANCE CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE. Ballyburn, Impaire Et Passe and Dancing City are among other Mullins-trained rivals he joins on the gallops during the week in the mix, while Henry de Bromhead pair Slade Steel and Gorgeous Tom, the Gordon Elliott-trained Brown Advisory runner-up Stellar Story and Ken Budds’ Jack Richards Novice Chase runner-up Anyway, are possible contestants.

There are 19 possible runners in the GRADE 1 CHANNOR REAL ESTATE GROUP NOVICE HURDLE. The Munir/Souede-owned Jasmin De Vaux is the one to beat having galloped to success in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, while The Yellow Clay would be of note if the Turners’ runner-up were to step up to three miles.
His Cullentra House compatriot, Honesty Policy scored at Grade 1 level in Aintree, at the intermediate trip, and holds multiple entries.
“He has a couple of entries, at three miles and two and a half,” Berry states. “It’s a bit up in the air about him but we’ll see what the weather is doing.”

Bambino Fever is another attempting a Cheltenham/Punchestown double in the GRADE 1 RACE & STAY AT PUNCHESTOWN INH FLAT RACE. Three horses have been taken out to leave a list of 19. Gameofinches and Copacabana are other Mullins horses apart from the favourite that could take their chances, along with Paddy Twomey’s Grade 2 Aintree winner, Seo Linn.
Majborough did remarkably well to get within three-quarters of a length of Jango Baie in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham, after dreadful jumping errors at the last two obstacles, but Berry reports that there are no ill effects ahead of an intended tilt at Thursday’s other Grade 1, the GRADE 1 BARBERSTOWN CASTLE NOVICE CHASE.

“He’s on song for the two-mile novice chase,” says the McManus racing manager. “It was a little unfortunate at Cheltenham what happened but he still ran a good race and he was fine afterwards, not a bother on him. Willie is happy with him and he’ll go there all being well.”
There are ten horses still in contention, with Gavin Cromwell’s Arkle runner-up Only By Night, who finished just ahead of Majborough, another interesting contender with the mares’ 7lbs allowance. Impaire Et Passe (Willie Mullins) would be a threat after his two-and-a-half-mile victory at Aintree, while Rubaud (Paul Nicholls) and Brookie (Anthony Honeyball) could fly the British flag.

Bollinger Style Concierge Debuts at Punchestown Festival with Exclusive Ayu and Vision Ireland Collaboration

Media Release, Wednesday 23^rd April – The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition is raising the stakes in 2025 with the debut of the Bollinger Style Concierge, an elegant and immersive style experience set to elevate the fashion and beauty offering at this year’s Punchestown Festival, taking place from April 29th to May 3rd.

Designed as a premium beauty and pre-loved fashion area within the Style Quarter, The Bollinger Style Concierge  will feature two guest collaborators: Ayu Cosmetics and Vision Ireland. Ayu Cosmetics, the beloved Irish beauty brand founded by internationally renowned makeup artist Suzie O’Neill, will offer racegoers exclusive make-up top-ups and expert advice from Ayu’s professional artists to keep their look flawless from flag fall to après racing music and dancing.

Partnering with Vision Ireland, the Bollinger Style Concierge places a spotlight on sustainable fashion. Festival goers can browse a curated rail of designer and pre-loved pieces co-styled by Head Judge Jess Colivet and Style Council Member Roxanne Parker, embracing the spirit of the 2025 Bollinger Best Dressed theme of “Something Old / Something New” in an elegant, timeless and ethical way. Whilst partaking in her best dressed judge duties, Roxanne will be showcasing a Vision Ireland pre-loved and especially tailored outfit.

Michelle O’Sullivan of Bollinger said “The introduction of the Bollinger Style Concierge is an exciting enhancement to what is a flagship event on the Irish social calendar. As a B-Corp certified organisation, Bollinger are proud to raise awareness of sustainable style options by Vision Ireland and showcase homegrown ethical beauty products from Ayu. This is all part of our Something Old/ Something New concept for the 2025 Bollinger Best Dressed at Punchestown”.

“Ayu Cosmetics is honoured to be part of the debut of the Bollinger Style Concierge –  an exciting new addition at what is one of Ireland’s most stylish social events”.  said Suzie O’Neill founder Ayu. “In collaboration with Vision Ireland, we’re bringing our signature beauty expertise to this elegant space, offering exclusive makeup top-ups to ensure guests feel as flawless, confident and as radiant as the Punchestown Festival itself.”

Ciara Coleman, Head of Development & Growth at Vision Ireland said: “Vision Ireland are delighted to take part in this years Punchestown Festival as part of the Bollinger Concierge. In collaboration with Ayu Cosmetics we will be operating our pop-up over the five days, with a fantastic offering of pre-loved designer pieces from our studio that have been specifically curated for this event. With designer brands such as Gucci, Valentino and vintage Dior, we are sure there will be something for everyone! We believe sustainability should never mean a compromise of style.”

“Our team have worked tirelessly to curate a stock package that showcases the very best of designer racewear while incorporating our ever important sustainability focus. Throughout the event we will showcase our pre-loved designer collection that includes not only ready-to-wear, but also a fantastic range of race day essentials such as head pieces and accessories”.

The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition, a longstanding highlight of the festival, will run throughout the first four days of the event, with daily finalists progressing to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 2^nd May. The Bollinger Style Council will be searching the enclosures for candidates who have shown their ability to style a race day appropriate outfit featuring a sustainably chosen piece.

Senior Art Competition Winners

6th Class, Room 2 – St. Corban’s BNS

Junior Art Competition Winners
🥇 Lily Monohan – Caragh NS, Ms. Hanly’s 2nd Class
🥈 Isabelle Nixon – Rathmore NS, Ms. Doyle’s 1st Class
🥉 Donnacha Dooling – Ballymore NS, 1st Class

Competition Details

• We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 BritVic Inter School Art Competition at Punchestown.
• 17 schools participated in this years Punchestown Festival Schools Art Competition sponsored by BritVic.
• The Senior classes had the task of designing and creating a trophy to be awarded to the winning connections of a the first race on Saturday, May 3rd.
• The brief was simple – using their creativity and craftsmanship, the students aimed to craft a unique symbol of victory.
• The junior classes were given the exciting challenge of designing a vibrant and playful mane for their horse, using as many fun and colourful materials as they could find. From ribbons and beads to feathers and sparkles, the students let their creativity run wild.

The 2025 BritVic Inter Schools Punchestown Art Competition Participants: 

Killashee Multi Denominational National School
Scoil Mhuire National School, Ballymore
Scoil Brid, Oldtown Naas
Scoil Chorbain BNS Naas
Hollywood NS
Ursaille Naofa, Twomilehouse
St Marys J.N.S, Blessington
Ballyshannon National School
An Linbh Iosa, Ballycane
Valleymount
Naas Community National School
Scoil Bhride National School, Kilcullen
Halverstown NS
Rathmore National School
St Marys SNS, Blessington
Kill National School/ Scoil Bhride
Caragh National School

Lawlor’s of Naas Strengthen Historic Ties with Punchestown Upgrade

Punchestown Racecourse is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Lawlor’s of Naas, an establishment synonymous with race day hospitality. Building on a longstanding legacy spanning more than 112 years, Lawlor’s has elevated its support as sponsor of one of the most competitive races the week – the €100,000 Lawlor’s Of Naas Listed Handicap Hurdle on Festival Saturday, May 3rd.

Lawlors Hotel is a cornerstone in the hospitality aspect of the festival. With over 20% of the attendance travelling from the UK and beyond, where racegoers begin and end their Punchestown race day experience has become paramount. With a proven track record of excellence spanning back to 1913 when founder Bridget Lawlor was appointed official caterer at the racecourse the association between the two Kildare landmarks has been a positive one to say the least.

Racegoers and residents can expect excellent food and beverage offering both before and after racing each day with live entertainment each evening. The festival shuttle bus service departs opposite the hotel front door making it a very convenient choice.

Lawlor’s boasts an unbeatable location in the centre of Naas town and has grown to become a flagship Kildare hotel having undergone a multi-million euro redevelopment. Additions include Vi’s Restaurant and iconic round bar, a 360 person capacity ballroom, the Glending Suite for groups of up to 250, a decorative private garden, increased capacity to 138 bedrooms and a underground car park for 120 cars.

Dee Nix, General Manager at Lawlor’s of Naas, spoke to the importance of the moment:

“The Punchestown Festival is a flagship event on our calendar, and our connection with it is woven into our heritage. Enhancing our support is not just a milestone—it’s a celebration of shared values between Lawlors and Punchestown – excellence in hospitality, community, and tradition. We’re honoured to be part of something so special and look forward to welcoming friends old and new through the doors in a few days time.”

Janet Creighton, representing Punchestown Sponsorship, added: 

“The legacy between Lawlors and Punchestown is unique and long-standing, and this new level of support is a reflection of their commitment to this tradition. It is so important to us that visitors have as great a time outside the racecourse gates as they do inside. With Jack Tierney, Dee Nix, and the entire Lawlor’s team we know that they are in the best of care”

The 2025 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May. Full event information and ticket sales available on www.punchestown.com

Champions coming home as PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL GRADE 1 ENTRIES unveiled

Galopin Des Champs faces elite opposition, Gordon Elliott looks forward to a Tea party and Russell considers beefing up British raiding party

Galopin Des Champs is in line to face one of the deepest fields in the history of the LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP and that is just one of the reasons to get excited as entries for Punchestown Festival’s dozen Grade 1 contests are released today.
The cream of the crop look to bring the curtain down on another stellar season for Irish racing, with all the Cheltenham champions targeting a coveted double and a wonderful cast of ultra talented rivals attempting to spoil the party at the Kildare venue, which opens to the masses of horse lovers and revellers from Tuesday, April 30th to Saturday, May 4th.
The pulsating action that ends the jumping year represents another opportunity to marvel at the genius of the peerless Willie Mullins and his team at Closutton. The maestro is currently leading the race to to become the first Irish-based jumps trainer to be British champion since Vincent O’Brien made it two-in-a-row in 1954.
But Punchestown is his happy place and he has signalled his intent to send the usual strong team to the jamboree which will have added intrigue as Paul Townend attempts to stave off the sustained challenge of Jack Kennedy, who is bidding to become champion jockey for the first time.
Gordon Elliott’s support has been the foundation of Kennedy’s bid and he will be doing everything he can to help the Dingle pilot get over the line.
Henry de Bromhead and Gavin Cromwell are other big-time operators seeking to add to the positive memory bank of Punchestown but smaller scale firms such as those run by Martin Brassil, Jimmy Mangan and Tom Gibney have already bloodied the nose of their higher profile colleagues this year and will be looking to do just the same in Grade 1 fare to draw bring an unforgettable campaign to a memorable conclusion.
Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls are familiar cross-channel names with entries, while Anthony Honeyball is an annual visitor to Punchestown who has saddled winners in the last three years and will be going all out to make it four.
The Full Circle Series, a new initiative targeting mid-level hurdlers, has attracted significant support from British trainers, with the likes of Ben Pauling, Tom Lacey and Charlie Longsdon sending runners.
The possibility of some of Lucinda Russell’s string making the journey is a mouth-watering one, with Corach Rambler and Ahoy Senor among her potential representatives in the LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP.

LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP
(Wednesday, May 1st – 22 entries)

Galopin Des Champs heads the Cheltenham 1-2-3 for the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup, while there are numerous other dangerous rivals, including the eight-year-old’s Punchestown nemesis Fastorslow.
The Mullins-trained, Audrey Turley-owned Galopin Des Champs elevated his reputation by joining the rare group of horses to go back-to-back in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month. The Timos gelding was electric once more at Prestbury Park but had his colours lowered in this race last year by Fastorslow when attempting to emulate Sizing John’s 2017 feat of registering the Irish, Cheltenham and Punchestown Gold Cup treble.
It is on again and Fastorslow resumes rivalries, representing long-time Punchestown supporters Seán and Bernardine Mulryan of the Ballymore Group, as well as expert conditioner Martin Brassil.
Their pride and joy also got the better of Galopin Des Champs at this track in the John Durkan Memorial last October but unseated JJ Slevin while still travelling well at Cheltenham, albeit they were still a long way from home.
There are no worries about the Mullins star’s liking for the Kildare venue, as he is a dual winner at the track, including at the 2021 festival.
Lucinda Russell has entered Corach Rambler, who finished third at Cheltenham but fell at the first when looking to win a second Grand National in succession at Aintree on Saturday. Also in the mix for the Scottish handler is Ahoy Senor, who ran a cracker when getting within a half-length of Gerri Colombe in the Bowl on Merseyside.
Grand National winner I Am Maximus is among six entries for Mullins, while Hewick would be a very popular winner for ‘Shark’ Hanlon and TJ McDonald, with the globetrotting King George VI Chase winner a lively contender should he line up.
Gordon Elliott has five entries. They are Gerri Colombe, who followed up his gutsy runner-up finish with that Aintree triumph, Grand National runner-up Delta Work, fourth-place Aintree finisher Galvin, dual Grade 1 winning chaser Conflated and Galway Plate winner Ash Tree Meadow.
That trio have probably run their last races of the season, Elliott reports and with Conflated preferring to go left-handed, that leaves one potential representative.
“Ash Tree Meadow is very versatile in terms of trip,” said Elliott. “We have him in the William Hill Champion Chase as well so we’ll keep an open mind on that and see what way the ground is looking. But I would imagine he will take up one of the engagements.”
Nicky Henderson, who has enjoyed so much success over the years at Punchestown, has reported that this race is definitely a potential target for Shishkin, with Bravemansgame, who finished third in a thrilling finish last year, entered by Paul Nicholls.

BOODLES CHAMPION HURDLE
(Friday, May 3rd – 7 entries)

State Man loves it at Punchestown, where he has won four times, adding two Morgiana Hurdles to a brace of festival successes, including in last year’s Boodles Champion Hurdle. Marie Donnelly’s nine-time Grade 1 winner arrives in Punchestown this year as champion of his division and his nearest rival at Cheltenham, Irish Point is likely to attempt to reverse that result.
“Irish Point also has the option for running in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers’ Hurdle. He ran very well in the Champion Hurdle so this has to be in the mix for him again,” Elliott declared.
“With Teahupoo, Sire Du Berlais and Beacon Edge for the Stayers’, we might just be looking at this more to split them up. And given he ran so well in Cheltenham, you’d be keen to try Irish Point at two miles again.”
State Man is one of four Willie Mullins entries, with dramatic Aintree Hurdle victor Impaire Et Passe, a Punchestown Festival winner last year, among them. Lossiemouth would certainly be an interesting runner but the Mares’ Hurdle hero is probably more likely to display her wares in Saturday’s Coolmore Irish EBF Champion Hurdle confined to her gender.
Bob Olinger is another possible rival. He has been reinvigorated this year and after chasing home State Man at the Dublin Racing Festival, was an unlucky loser at Aintree, touched off just a nose by Impaire Et Passe.

LADBROKES CHAMPION STAYERS’ HURDLE
(Thursday, May 2nd – 19 entries)

Teahupoo has long been touted as a staying star and Robcour’s relentless galloper has been handled expertly by Gordon Elliott to justify favouritism in beating the best of his division last month.
That was only his second run of the season, having debuted in garnering the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in December. He was beaten only three lengths in third by Klassical Dream last year but is a fresher horse this term, as well as a more mature one.
“Teahupoo is in great order and this would look the logical step for him. We didn’t go to Liverpool with the intention of going here and it’s all systems go now for Punchestown. Everything has gone smoothly since Cheltenham and we’re pleased with him.
“Beacon Edge will probably go too. Sire Du Berlais missed Liverpool but the plan is sign off for the season with him here.”
Buddy One followed up his Cheltenham fourth by finishing second at Aintree and would be a very popular winner for the Gilligan family, while the reliable Home By The Lee could get the green light by Joseph O’Brien.
Former Grand National winner Noble Yeats, who won the Cleeve Hurdle earlier this year, has been given an entry while Champ (Nicky Henderson) and Dashel Drasher (Jeremy Scott) are the possible cross-channel contestants.

WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE
(Tuesday, April 30th – 12 entries)

This is traditionally one of the most thrilling spectacles of the week and Henry de Bromhead is aiming to let Captain Guinness make his bid for double glory, after the consistent gelding finally laid his Grade 1 bogey at Prestbury Park.
Nicky Henderson has said that Jonbon could very well take him on, given that the eight-year-old missed Cheltenham and illustrated his well being by winning the Melling Chase over two and a half miles.
El Fabiolo would be on a retrieval mission for Mullins and the Munir/Souede ownership team after fluffing his lines when odds-on at Cheltenham.
“I think we’ll go here with Fil Dor,” Elliott stated. “He ran creditably at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse, both times maybe shaping a little better than the bare result and maybe looking like a horse that might appreciate coming back to this trip.”

BALLYMORE CHAMPION FOUR-YEAR-OLD HURDLE
(Saturday, May 4th – 16 entries)

Sir Gino is the star of the juvenile category after his Cheltenham and Aintree successes. He has been given the option of travelling to Kildare by Nicky Henderson where he would face some high calibre opposition were he to make the trip.
Bottler’secret is a very inexperienced but clearly talented individual that sauntered to Grade 2 victory for Gavin Cromwell at Fairyhouse, having blitzed the opposition when only making his hurdling debut at Naas in February.
Immutable would be a very interesting runner for Joe Murphy, while Willie Mullins is heavily represented as usual, his squad headed by the amazingly consistent Kargese. Nurburgring missed Aintree and would be a leading contender for Joseph O’Brien, while Kalif Du Berlais, who chased home Bottler’secret in Fairyhouse, could be sent back to Ireland by Paul Nicholls.
Kala Conti hasn’t run since finishing a close fifth to Kargese at the Dublin Racing Festival, but beat Kenny Alexander’s filly prior to that.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30 – ADDITIONAL GRADE 1 RACES

There are 22 entries for the KPMG CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE with Henry de Bromhead’s Slade Steel, owned by the all-conquering Robcour, the double chaser in the two-mile novice hurdling division.
Willie Mullins has pencilled in the contest as a possibility for 16 charges, including Ballyburn, who won over the intermediate trip at Cheltenham and may be more likely to line up in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle on Friday.
Mystical Power was reeled in by Slade Steel up the straight at Cheltenham but the son of Annie Power went one better in Grade 1 competition at Aintree on Saturday.
Gordon Elliott has a number of options, including Firefox, who beat Ballyburn in their maiden hurdle and has been placed at both Cheltenham and Aintree, latterly behind Mystical Power.
“I wouldn’t rule out Firefox running,” said Elliott. “He wasn’t that busy from his maiden hurdle through to Cheltenham. He had just the one run. He progressed from his Cheltenham run to run really well in Aintree. We’ll see how he is after that and we’ll let the horse tell us.
“I’d imagine King Of Kingsfield will go here. He’s a horse that does like nice ground and was probably undone by the soft ground in Cheltenham. We skipped Aintree then on account of the ground so this is very much a target.”
The DOOLEYS INSURANCE GROUP CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE has attracted 19 entries. Emmet Mullins won it last year with Feronily and facile National Hunt Chase victor, Corbetts Cross would be an intriguing runner were he to take his place, having finished a close-up third in the Aintree Bowl against the senior Grade 1 chasers.
Nick Rockett, Tactical Move and Embassy Gardens are among the entries for Willie Mullins, while Inothewayurthinkin, who followed up success in the Kim Muir with a comfortable Grade 1 triumph at Aintree on Saturday, would be a real contender for Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus.
Irish Grand National hero Intense Raffles could be asked to step up to top-flight fare by Tom Gibney, while Spillane’s Tower reminded everyone of the supreme skills of Conna trainer Jimmy Mangan, when scoring in Grade 1 company at Fairyhouse.
Henry de Bromhead-trained Brown Advisory runner-up, Monty’s Star would bring the Cheltenham form, which Elliott will hope can be turned over.
“American Mike will run. He just didn’t fire at Cheltenham but he is a talented horse. He beat Fact Or File earlier in the season. He showed a really good attitude to win the Ten Up in February. The plan after Cheltenham was to come here and that’s what we’ll do.
“Salvador Ziggy didn’t fire either at Cheltenham. We’ll see with him. He’s a possible runner but he does want good ground.
“Three Card Brag has had an interrupted season but is a very nice horse. So I wouldn’t be averse to letting him take his chance.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 – ADDITIONAL GRADE 1 RACES

Willie Mullins could saddle two Grade 1 winning novices, Dancing City and Readin Tommy Wrong, who are among his 16 entrants in the CHANNOR REAL ESTATE GROUP NOVICE HURDLE.
There are 28 entries in total but it is Gordon Elliott who is likely to saddle the favourite in Stellar Story, as the Gigginstown House Stud owned galloper destroyed a strong field to win the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham by seven and a half lengths.
“Stellar Story came out of Cheltenham in good shape. The plan then was to come here and he is very much on the ticket. He always looked like he’d make into a good staying novice. While he didn’t run up to his best at Dublin Racing Festival, at Cheltenham, he showed what he was capable of.
“We were very happy with Staffordshire Knot’s run in Aintree behind Brighterdaysahead. He looked like a horse who’d relish stepping up to three miles so I’d say he’ll run as well.
“Three miles is certainly Search For Glory’s thing so it’s quite likely he could turn up here. Better Days Ahead has the option of running in this or the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle. It was the intention to go to Punchestown after Cheltenham with him and that’s still the plan. He’s pretty versatile trip-wise. He won the Martin Pipe over two and a half but has very good form at two miles as well.”
Cullentra House will make a bold bid for honours in the RACE & STAY AT PUNCHESTOWN INH FLAT RACE, which has 22 entries. Closutton’s Jasmin De Vaux will be attempting the double but Elliot saddled the runner-up, third and sixth in the Champion Bumper and Romeo Coolio, Jalon D’oudairies and The Yellow Clay are among the darts he could throw at this Grade 1.
“They’re all young horses of course but they acquitted themselves really well at Cheltenham and this seems the next logical step for them,” said Elliott. “Their future is all in front of them and we’ll see how they are in the next couple of weeks but we would expect to have a strong representation.”
Fergal O’Brien has entered his exciting Aintree runner-up Tripoli Flyer, while Barry Connell’s facile Naas victor, William Munny would be a fascinating contender having swerved the British festivals.

THURSDAY, MAY 2 – ADDITIONAL GRADE 1 RACES

The BARBERSTOWN CASTLE NOVICE CHASE has a lucky 13 possible runners with the Susannah Ricci owned Gaelic Warrior heading the baker’s dozen after his impressive Arkle Chase triumph. Given his preference for running right-handed, he should be very difficult to beat though Willie Mullins might also saddle Blood Destiny, who seems best at the minimum trip.
Philip Rothwell has put his improving chaser Captains Nephew into the mix, and Con O’Keeffe has given his admirable mare, Silent Approach the option.

FRIDAY, MAY 3 – ADDITIONAL GRADE 1 RACES

A whopping tally of 35 horses are under consideration for the ALANNA HOMES CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE. Ballyburn is the standout. Ronnie Bartlett’s exciting six-year-old won the Gallagher at Cheltenham by 13 lengths after having subsequent Supreme winner, Slade Steel seven lengths back at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown.
Jeriko Du Reponet and Jingko Blue could be given the office by Nicky Henderson, while Caldwell Potter, formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, has an entry from Paul Nicholls. Elliott will certainly be represented.
The aforementioned Firefox and Better Days Ahead have this as an option.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 – ADDITIONAL GRADE 1 RACES

There are 22 entries for the COOLMORE IRISH EBF MARES’ CHAMPION HURDLE. Cheltenham heroine, Lossiemouth is the standout, with Telmesomethinggirl, Lantry Lady and Hispanic Moon all potential opposition having run brilliantly at Prestbury Park for Henry de Bromhead.

Punchestown Charity Race to Surpass €2 Million for Kidney Research and Organ Donation Awareness

2025 will be a major milestone for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF) Charity Race as it is set to exceed €2 million in total funds raised. The 34th running of what is considered the most important race at the festival, will take place on Saturday, 3rd May 2025. This special race is the last of the season as the curtain falls on the national hunt season on the final day of the Punchestown Festival.
This year marks a major milestone: PKRF is set to exceed €2 million in total funds raised since the race began. All proceeds support kidney-related research and initiatives, while also raising crucial awareness about organ donation in Ireland.
The race was founded in 1990 by Kilcullen native James Nolan, who received a life-saving kidney transplant from his sister Catherine Doyle in 1987. After regaining his health, James launched the charity race to give back—and even rode in the first 13 editions, famously winning in 2002 aboard Nero’s Dancer at odds of 50/1.

Recent Impact of the PKRF
Over the past three years, the PKRF has supported a range of life-changing projects:
• Pilot Peer Support Program with the IKA, providing vital emotional and practical support for dialysis and transplant patients and their families.
• James Tracy/PKRF/Kidney Beam Exercise Program, offering free, live and on-demand online fitness classes tailored specifically for kidney patients.
• Research into Polycystic Kidney Disease, in collaboration with the Irish Nephrology Society and the Irish Research Council.
• “State Man” Art Therapy Initiatives for dialysis patients across units in Tallaght, Waterford, and Wexford.
• Sports Programs designed for kidney patients to promote wellness and community.
• A special trip to Lourdes for one dialysis patient and their carer.
• Development of a new “Kidney App” in partnership with Dr. Donal Sexton at St. James’s Hospital, to help patients manage their care.

Racing with a Purpose
The race’s title — “Have the Conversation – Say YES to Organ Donation” — captures its deeper mission. Founder James Nolan urges every family in Ireland to talk openly about organ donation.

“Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt. Have the conversation. It makes all the difference,” says Nolan.
This year, 22 amateur jockeys who have successfully completed their assessments at the Jockey Apprentice School (R.A.C.E.) will take part in the 34th running of this remarkable race.

The 2025 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May. The PKRF Charity Race is the curtain closer on Saturday 3rd May @ 6.30pm. Tickets in advance from €35 or festival week from €40. Senior and student tickets available on the day from €25. Full event details and tickets via the link below.

Punchestown and Aramark Introduce Groundbreaking ‘Elevate 2025’ Programme in Partnership with St. Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin

70 Wicklow Students Employed by Aramark at the upcoming Punchestown Festival.

Media Release: In a landmark collaboration, Punchestown Racecourse, Aramark, Ireland’s leading food services provider and St. Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin have joined forces to launch Elevate 2025 – Discovering the Heart of Irish Hospitality Excellence, a pioneering Transition Year (TY) programme that combines community involvement, real-world skills training, and local pride.

As a result 70 St. Kevins College transition year students will be employed by Aramark for paid work experience at the upcoming Punchestown Festival from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May. As Ireland’s largest sporting hospitality event, the army of chefs, kitchen, bar and floor staff will serve up to 17,000 corporate hospitality guests.

This innovative pilot scheme is designed to immerse local TY students in the dynamic world of hospitality, equipping them with practical skills, confidence, and insight into premium food and beverage service – all set against the vibrant backdrop of the iconic Punchestown Festival.

Over a five-week period, 119 students took part in a hands-on training programme delivered by Sam Brancato, Aramark’s Standards & Training Business Partner. The journey began in the classrooms of St. Kevin’s and culminated in live-service experience at Punchestown itself, where students worked side-by-side with seasoned hospitality professionals.

Key Highlights:
• 119 TY students trained in professional food and drink service, tailored to large-scale event settings.
• 70 students employed by Aramark to work at the 2025 Punchestown Festival – gaining paid work experience in a premium environment.
• A live-service finale saw Aramark chefs and teams simulate real event scenarios, offering students invaluable hands-on exposure.

Beyond training and employment, Elevate 2025 fosters local pride by connecting young people and their families to one of Ireland’s most celebrated sporting and social events. It showcases the hospitality industry not just as a vibrant career path, but as a source of essential life skills – from teamwork and communication to professionalism and adaptability.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Aramark and St. Kevin’s on this meaningful project,” said Sue Wilson Punchestown Hospitality Manager and Elevate founder. “What started out as chat with a friend who teaches at the school has evolved into what could be a global template. Elevate 2025 is more than a programme – it’s creating strong links in the local community, providing skills and experience that will stand to these young people wherever life may take them, it offers paid employment on a local level ”.

“At Aramark, we believe our greatest strength is our people, and programmes like Elevate 2025 are a powerful way to invest in the future of our industry,” said Joanne Doyle, HR &Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director at Aramark Ireland. “By nurturing talent from a young age and providing real, hands-on experience, we’re not only developing individual potential, but also strengthening communities and building the workforce of tomorrow.”

As the students of St. Kevin’s step confidently into their roles at Punchestown 2025, they carry with them not only new skills but also the pride of representing their community on an important stage.

** ENDS **

Marine Nationale “in super form” ahead of possible joust with Fact To File in mouth-watering William Hill Champion Chase

WILLIAM HILL CHAMPION CHASE
(Tuesday, April 29th – 13 entries)

The winners of the last four Queen Mother Champion Chases have been given the option of running in the William Hill Champion Chase, which looks like getting the Punchestown Festival off to a stupendous start.

Energumene (2022, 2023), Captain Guinness (2024) and the new kingpin, Marine Nationale are all included in a mouth-watering list. And if that wasn’t enough to get the juices flowing, Willie Mullins has included easy Ryanair Chase victor, Fact To File for what would be an intriguing look at the minimum trip after scoring so readily over 2m5f last March.

Fact To File won the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown over the intermediate trip in November but Marine Nationale is undoubtedly the one they all have to beat after his stunning exhibition of jumping and closing speed at Cheltenham.

“He’s great, in super form,” declares owner/trainer Barry Connell. “He came out of the race brilliant. He didn’t have much of a blow after the race. I think he was the easiest winner of the whole week and he’s come out of the race in super shape.

“He hasn’t had an over-taxing season really. We’ve been building up to the spring festivals so we’re looking forward to him going to Punchestown. Hopefully we get the usual nice spring ground, which will suit him well.

“The big thing with him was that he came into the season basically still a novice, lacking a lot of experience, and he was being pitched in against battle-hardened chasers and it’s a difficult thing to do, particularly in the two-mile division, where jumping accuracy is so important.

“He kicked off low-key in Naas. That was a big stepping stone. His two runs at Leopardstown were really good. He jumped well and as he usually does when he goes to Cheltenham, he comes alive, loves the place. It was all building towards getting the experience and fitness and everything came together at Cheltenham.

“His jumping was exemplary and it took him into the race without any great effort. And then the usual thing he does, when he jumps the last at Cheltenham, he just takes off.

“We couldn’t be happier with him now looking forward to Punchestown, and whatever turns up, we’ll be happy to take them on.”

Spillane’s Tower “100%” for likely clash with Galopin Des Champs in Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup

LADBROKES PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP
(Wednesday, May 30th – 11 entries)

Galopin Des Champs will be attempting to win the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup for the first time and after going out on his shield when denied an historic third Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph on the trot, faces the prospect of renewing battle with the horses immediately in his wake, the Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame and Monty’s Star, from the Henry de Bromhead yard.

It was Inothewayurthinkin that foiled Galopin Des Champs’ bid for glory and trainer Gavin Cromwell has revealed that the JP McManus’ seven-year-old is bound for his holidays. The decision was taken after a conversation with the owner and his racing manager, Frank Berry.

“I had a good chat with JP and Frank and we decided he’s only a young horse and we thought it best that we’d just let him off for the year,” Cromwell details. “He’s done his job for us for the year and hopefully there’s plenty more to come from him and we just thought as a young horse, we’d look after him.”

McManus could be represented by Spillane’s Tower, however. Last year’s Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase winner sat out both Cheltenham and Aintree, though the latter ground-based call was made at the very last minute.

Trainer Jimmy Mangan is upbeat about stepping into the lion’s den around a course that clearly suits his stable star.

“He’s 100%,” says Mangan. “I was a small bit disappointed that we didn’t get to run in the Bowl. We were in the pre-parade ring and luckily Mark Walsh rode in the race previous and he hopped off and came over to Frank Berry and myself and said, ‘The ground is gone, Jimmy, withdraw the horse.’ He had travelled over well and everything was 100% and I was expecting a massive, big run out of him. But the horse is home, safe and sound, and getting ready to run in Punchestown.

“It was great to win at the festival last year and he won his beginners’ chase there as well, and a Grade 3 after that, so he loves Punchestown. It would be great to have a crack at the big one there this year and that’s certainly the aim.”