FESTIVAL RACING GUIDE 2022 - TUE 26 - SAT 30 APRIL THE GREAT COMEBACK - Punchestown
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FESTIVAL RACING GUIDE 2022 TUE 26 - SAT 30 APRIL THE GREAT COMEBACK
Overview
The 2022 Punchestown Festival will take place from Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th April and is
considered to be the most prestigious jump festival in Ireland.. This year’s event boasts a record
breaking prize fund of €3.36 million. Racings Hometown Heroes will take on their UK
counterparts at the home of Irish racing across a programme of 40 contests. Punchestown is the
'Grand Finale' of the Irish Jump season and the champions of the season will be crowned on the
final day, Saturday 30th April.
All 40 contests at the 2022 Punchestown Festival will be fully sponsored
Prize Money:
Punchestown Festival 2022 has prize money of over €3.36 million. All four title races will carry a
value of €275,000, with the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle carrying a further €100,000 bonus
to any UK trained winner of their race on Friday 29th April.
#WhereChampionsGo
The Punchestown Festival is considered the grand finale of the jump racing season and
subsequently attracts the best of Irish and British racing talent. Home grown champions Willie
Mullins, Rachael Balckmore, Paul Townend and Henry de Bromhead take on the might of the
British raiders Nicky Henderson and Colin Tizzard among many others.
With 12 grade 1 contests throughout the week the Festival boasts some of the best in running
action and thrilling finishes each season. Reputations are confirmed and crushed at the
Punchestown Festival. Races take place over hurdles, steeplechase fences and on the flat course in
what are referred to as ‘bumper’ races. Unique to Punchestown and steeped in heritage is the
cross country racing discipline which is a real favourite for spectators as the horses and jockeys
meander through the 400 acre site tackling banks, bush fences and steeplechase obstacles.
The racing gets underway each day at 3.40 apart from Saturday when the first goes to post at 2.15.
Each day has what is referred to as a feature race and title sponsors are as follows:
Tuesday 26th April – William Hill Champion Chase Day
Wednesday 27th April – Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Day
Thursday 28th April – Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day
Friday 29th April – Paddy Power Champion Hurdle Day
Saturday 30th April – Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle DayFESTIVAL RACE PROGRAMME
Tuesday 26th April - William Hill Champions Chase Day
3.40: The Howden Group Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed) (Registered the Shawiya) of €30,000 2 Miles 40 Yards
4.15: The Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle of €125,000 (Grade 1) 2 miles 100 yards
4.50: The Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle of €50,000 (Grade B) 2 miles 100 yards
5.25: The William Hill Champion Steeplechase (Registered the Drogheda) of € 275,000 (Grade 1) 2 Miles
5.55: The Goffs Land Rover Bumper of €100,000 2 miles 100 yards
6.30: The Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Steeplechase of €125,000 (Grade 1) 3 miles 120 yards
7.00: The Kildare Hunt Club Fr. Sean Breen Memorial Cross Country Steeplechase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup of
€15,000 (Bank Course) 3 Miles 1 Furlong.
7.35: The Punchestown Flat Race of € 15,000 2 Miles 100 Yards
Wednesday 27th April - Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Day
3.40: The Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle of €30,000 (95 - 123) 2 miles 4 furlongs 120yds
4.15: The Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final of €75,000 2 miles 4 furlongs 120yds
4.50: The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle of €20,000 2 miles 4 furlongs 120yds
5.20 The Irish Mirror (War of Attrition) Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) of €125,000 3 Miles
5.55: The Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup of € 275,000 (Grade 1) 3 Miles 120 Yards
6.30: The Race And Stay at Punchestown Champion I.N.H Flat Race of € 100,000 (Grade 1) for the Conyngham Cup
2 Miles 70 Yards
7.00: The OMC Claims Steeplechase of €100,000 (Grade A) 2 miles 5 furlongs
7.35: The Weatherbys GSB Irish EBF Mares Flat Race of €40,000 (Grade 3) 2 miles 70 yards
Thursday 28th April - Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day
3.40: The Specialist Joinery Group Handicap Hurdle of €20,000 (Rated 88 - 123) 2 Miles 40 yards
4.15: The Pigsback.com Handicap Steeplechase of €50,000 2 Miles (Grade B) (Registered Black Hills)
4.50: The Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross Country race of €30,000 (Bank Course) 4 miles 2 furlongs
5.25: The Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle of €275,000 (Grade 1) 3 miles (Registered the Tipperkevin)
6.00: The Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle of €50,000 2 miles 7 furlongs & 170yds (Grade B) (Registered the Ballymore Eustace)
6.35: The Barberstown Castle Novice Steeplechase of €125,000 (Registered the Colliers) (Grade 1) 2 miles
7.05: The Close Brothers Mares Novice Handicap Steeplechase of €30,000 2 miles 5 furlongs
7.35: The J P & M Doyle celebrating 70 Years In Business (C&G) Flat Race of €17,500 2 Miles 40 Yards
Friday 29th April - Paddy Power Champion Hurdle Day
3.40: The Stanley Ashphalt Steeplechase for the Bishopscourt Cup of €15,000 (Bush Fence Course) 2 Miles 4 Furlongs
4.15 : The EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Steeplechase of €100,000 (Grade A) 2 miles 5 furlongs
4.50: The Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Mares Steeplechase of €80,000 (Grade 2) 2 miles 5 furlongs
5.25: The Paddy Power Champion Hurdle of €275,000 (Grade 1) 2 Miles
6.00: The Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle of €125,000 (Grade 1) 2 miles 4 furlongs
6.35: The Irish Daily Star Champion Hunters Steeplechase of €30,000 3 Miles 120 Yards
7.05: The SalesSense International Novice Hurdle of €20,000 2 miles
7.35: The Avison Young INH Flat Race of €15,000 2 Miles 2 Furlongs
Saturday 30th April - Ballymore Festival Family Day
2.15: The Dooley Insurance Group WFA Cross Country Steeplechase (Banks) of €15,000 2 miles 5 furlongs
2.50: The Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Steeplechase of €50,000 (Rated 0-145) 3 Miles 7 Furlongs
3.20: The Coolmore Kew Gardens Irish EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle of €125,000 (Grade 1) 2 miles 4 Furlongs
4.00: The Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle of €125,000 (Grade 1) 2 Miles
4.30: The Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Steeplechase of €50,000 (Grade B) 3 miles 120 yards (Rated 0-150)
5.05: The Tote Always SP Or Better Handicap Hurdle of €100,000 (Grade B) 2 miles 4 furlongs
5.40: The Buggy Man (Pro Am) Flat Race of €15,000 2 Miles
6.10: The Carry An Organ Donor Card Punchestown Charity Sweepstakes 1 mile 7 furlongsDay 1: Tuesday April 26th
Entries Close: Thursday April 21st at 12 noon
Overseas Entries Close: Thursday April 21st at 11am
William Hill Champion Chase Day
Total Prizemoney €735,000
RACE 1 : 3.40 PM
The Howden Group Mares Novice Hurdle of €20,000 2 Miles 100 Yards
Conditions: A mares novice hurdle for four year olds and upwards that have not won a Grade
1, 2 or 3 grade weight for age hurdle race. Weights 4yo 10st 6lb; 5yo+ 11st. Penalty - winner of a
hurdle 4lb extra or of 2 hurdles or a race value €12,500 7lb extra.
NO PREVIOUS WINNERS
RACE 2: 4.15 PM
The Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle of €125,000. 2 miles 100 yards
(Grade 1)
Conditions: Early Closing Wednesday April 6th.
A novice hurdle race for five year olds and upwards. Weights 4yo 11 st. 4lbs. 5yo+ 11st. Mares allowed
7lb.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP
2021 Echoes in Rain 5-11-7 Barnane Stud W.P. Mullins Mr. P.W Mullins 8/13 fav
2019 Klassical Drean 5-11.12 Joanne Coleman Willie Mullins R. Walsh 8/13 fav
2018 Draconien 5-11-12 Clipper Logistics Group Willie Mullins Noel Fehily 25/1
2017 Cilaos Emery 5-11-12 Luke McMahon Willie Mullins David Mullins 8/1
2016 Don’t Touch It 6-11-12 J P McManus Jessica Harrington Barry Geraghty 16/1
2015 Douvan 5-11-12 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 1/6 Fav
2014 Faugheen 6-11-12 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 1/2 Fav
OVERVIEW
This race has produced a host of subsequent stars over both hurdles and fences and in the last 15
years four winners – Brave Inca, Hurricane Fly, Jezki and Faugheen – have all gone on to win the
Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Furthermore the future Gold Cup winner Sizing
John finished second in this race in 2015.RACE FACTS Since 1990 only three winners of the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham have gone on to follow up in this race – Back In Front, Brave Inca and Douvan. Draconien sprang a 25/1 surprise in 2018 and Don’t Touch It was a 16/1 winner of this race in 2016 but aside from those the biggest priced winner of this race over the last 40 years was 10/1 chance Moscow Flyer back in 2000. Leading rider (since 1980) - Ruby Walsh: Iktitaf (2006), Hurricane Fly (2009), Faugheen (2014) Douvan (2015) Leading trainer (since 1980) - Willie Mullins: Hurricane Fly (2009), Blackstairmountain (2010), Faugheen (2014), Douvan (2015), Cilaos Emery (2017) Draconien (2018) Klassical Dream (2019) Echoes In Rain (2021) RACE 3: 4.50 PM Grade B Killashee Handicap Hurdle of €50,000. 2 miles 100 yards Conditions: An extended handicap hurdle for four year olds and upwards. A rating of 150 equals 11st 12lbs. Discretionary penalties. Alternative Handicap. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Jassaway 6-10-2 W.P. Mullins C.P McNamara 10/1 2019 Pearl Of The West 5-11-02 John C, M Connell R.M. Power 12/1 2018 True Self 5-9-12 Willie Mullins Rachael Blackmore 12/1 2017 Western Boy 8-11-3 Pat Fahy Jody McGarvey 14/1 2016 Tempo Mac 6-10-8 Gordon Elliott Luke Dempsey 25/1 2015 Some Article 7-10-5 Tom Mullins Niall Madden 10/1 2014 Cool Macavity 6-10-7 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty 9/1 OVERVIEW Rachael Blackmore rode the first Punchestown Festival winner of her career when partnering True Self to victory in this race in 2018. True Self subsequently developed into a high class flat performer and has spent time globetrotting, picking up some nice group races on the way. RACE FACTS The 2018 renewal of this race also produced the English Cesarewitch winner Low Sun, who finished fourth, while the unplaced runners featured the subsequent Royal Ascot heroine Lagostovegas and this year’s Arkle Chase third Articulum. Light weights have been favoured in the Killashee Handicap Hurdle with just Western Boy and Snap Tie winning this race carrying more than 11st since the race was first run over two miles in 2008. In the same period there has been no winning favourite. RACE 4 : 5.25 PM The William Hill Champion Steeplechase (registered the Drogheda) of €275,000 (Grade 1) 2 Miles Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A steeplechase for five year olds and upwards. Weights 5yo 11st 12lb. Mares allowed 7lb.
PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Chacun Pour Soi 9-12-0 Mrs. S. Ricci W.P. Mullins P. Townend 6/5 fav 2019 Un De Sceaux 11-11-12 Edward O'Connell Willie Mullins P. Townend 11/4 . 2018 Un De Sceaux 10-11-12 Edward O’Connell Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 9/2 2017 Fox Norton 7-11-12 Ann & Alan Potts Colin Tizzard GB Robbie Power 5/2 2016 God’s Own 8-11-12 Crossed Fingers P’ship Tom George GB Paddy Brennan 9/1 2015 Felix Yonger 9-11-12 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins Danny Mullins 5/1 2014 Sizing Europe 12-11-12 Ann & Alan Potts P’ship Henry de Bromhead Andrew Lynch 7/1 OVERVIEW Formerly run as a handicap, this race switched to being a conditions chase in 1999. Four horses have won this race and the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in the same season – Sprinter Sacre, Master Minded, Newmill and Klairon Davis. Klairon Davis, who is the last horse to achieve back to back wins in this race, did the Cheltenham-Punchestown double when this race was still a handicap. RACE FACTS Sprinter Sacre went off one of the shortest priced favourites for a Grade 1 in Ireland when he was returned at 1/9 for this race in 2013 when he became the only horse to win this race, the Melling Chase at Aintree and the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in the same season. Chacun Por Soi was the last winning favourite of the race and recently odds on favourites have endured a torrid time. The biggest surprise in the recent history of this race came in 1998 when Nicky Henderson’s Big Matt won at 16/1. Leading riders (since 1980) - Ruby Walsh: Micko’s Dream (2001), Twist Magic (2008) Master Minded (2009). Barry Geraghty: Moscow Flyer (2004), Big Zeb (2011) Sprinter Sacre (2013). Leading trainers (since 1980) - Willie Mullins: Micko’s Dream (2001), Golden Silver (2010), Felix Yonger (2015) Un De Sceaux (2018/19) Chacun Por Soi (2021). Arthur Moore: Good For A Laugh (1991), Klairon Davis (1996 & 1997) Mansony (2007). RACE 5 : 5.55 PM The Goffs Land Rover Bumper of €100,000 2 Miles 100 Yds – Race Closed Conditions: An INH Flat Race for four and five year olds only that have not won a race other than one, two or three INH or NH flat races and had been catalogued in the Goffs Land Rover National Hunt sale of 2021. Weights 4yo 11st 6lb; 5yo 12st. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Adamantly Chosen 4-10-13 W.P. Mullins Miss. J Townend 5/1 2019 Festival D'ex 4-11-04 Gordon Elliott John F.Doyle 9/1 2018 Commander Of Fleet 4-11-4 Gordon Elliott Barry O’Neill 5/1 2017 Vision Des Flos 4-11-4 Robert Tyner Derek O’Connor 12/1 2016 Coeur De Lion 4-11-1 Robert Tyner Barry O’Neill (3) 22/1 2015 Petit Mouchoir 4-11-4 Gordon Elliott Jamie Codd 4/1 JTF 2014 Very Much So 4-10-11 Willie Mullins Johnny Burke 12/1
OVERVIEW This race boasts a very impressive roll of honour since it was first run in 1997. The dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace won the 2002 edition of this race under now Racing TV presenter Kevin O’Ryan and . the following year victory went to the subsequent Champion Chase winner Newmill. RACE FACTS 2019’s winner Commander Of Fleet is already a Grade 1 winner and finished second at the Cheltenham Festival thereafter while another Cheltenham Festival winner to emerge from the race was Early Doors who finished third in 2017. The Goffs Land Rover Bumper is a very notable race in Irish racing history as it also provided subsuqent multiple champion owner Michael O’Leary with his first success as an owner when Tuco won the 2001 edition of the race for former trainer David Wachman. Willie Mullins is the leading trainer in the race’s history with five victories – Adamantly Chosen (2021) Very Much So (2014), Moyle Park (2013), Quiscover Fontaine (2008) & Glencove Marina (2006). Despite this, Mullins’ son and multiple champion amateur, Patrick, has only won the race once. RACE 6 : 6.30PM Grade 1 Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Steeplechase of €125,000 3 Miles 120 Yards Conditions: Early Closing Wednesday April 6th. A novice steeplechase for five year olds and upwards. Weights 5yo 11st 8lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Colreevy 8-11-5 Mrs. N. Flynn W.P. Mullins D.E. Mullins 7/1 2019 Delta Work 6-11-10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Davy Russell 13/8 Fav 2018 The Storyteller 7-11-10 Mrs P Sloan Gordon Elliott Davy Russell 16/1 2017 Disko 6-11-10 Gigginstown House Stud Noel Meade Bryan Cooper 13/8 Fav 2016 Zabana 7-11-10 Chris Jones Andrew Lynch Davy Russell 7/2 2015 Valseur Lido 6-11-10 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 15/2 2014 Carlingford Lough 8-11-10 J P McManus John Kiely A P McCoy 7/2 OVERVIEW The current incarnation of this race came into being in 2007 when it was upgraded to Grade 1 status and its current trip for the first time. RACE FACTS When winning the race in 2019 Gordon Elliott managed to saddle a 1-2-3 with Monbeg Notorious and Jury Duty following home The Storyteller. Since 2007 Willie Mullins has won the race four times (Kempes 2010, Sir Des Champs 2012, Valseur Lido 2015 & Colreevy 2021) while Gigginstown House Stud have enjoyed four victories. Only two horses have attempted to win both the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and this race – (Cooldine and Don Poli) and both were beaten. Over the last decade a number of subsequently top class chasers have contested this race and this group includes a pair of subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winners in Don Cossack and Al Boum Photo. Don Cossack could manage only fourth in 2014 while Al Boum Photo looked certain to score in 2018 only to be involved in that bizarre incident coming to the final fence where he was taken out of the race. Leading rider (since 2007) - Davy Russell: Quito De La Roque (2011), Sir Des Champs (2012), Zabana (2016) The Storyteller (2018), Delta Work (2019) Leading trainer (since 2007) - Willie Mullins: Kempes (2010), Sir Des Champs (2012), Valseur Lido (2015) & Colreevy (2021).
RACE 7 : 7.00 PM The Kildare Hunt Club Fr. Sean Breen Memorial Cross Country Steeplechase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup of €15,000 (Bank Course) 3 Miles 1 Furlong . Conditions: A steeplechase for Certified Hunters five year olds and upwards that have between 6th October 2018 and 20th April 2022 been 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th in a steeple chase or point to point steeplechase and have not won a race more than two steeplechases confined to certified Hunters in Ireland or Great Britain. Weights 5yo 11st 5lb; 6yo+ 11st 7lb. Penalties 5lb extra for each steeplechase won. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Sizing Banjo 11-11-2 P.J. Rothwell Mr. B.J. Walsh 14/1 2019 Blue Templar 8-11-7 Enda Bolger R.W. Barron 11/2 2018 Just Wait And See 9-11-0 John Gleeson Billy Gleeson 16/1 2017 Enniskillen 12-11-7 Peter Maher Jamie Codd 6/4F 2016 Wish Ye Didnt 7-11-5 Enda Bolger Nina Carberry 5/4F 2015 Wish Ye Didnt 6-11-0 Enda Bolger Nina Carberry 8/13F 2014 Be Positive 5-10-12 Enda Bolger Nina Carberry 3/1F OVERVIEW The first of the three banks races run at the Punchestown Festival. The runners for the Ladies Cup have to negotiate their way across Punchestown’s unique cross country track which contains a variety of banks and other obstacles. In all the runners will encounter 27 obstacles over the course of this extended three miles. RACE FACTS Cross county kingpin Enda Bolger has farmed this race over the last 15 years and has won it nine times since 2003 while locally based trainer Peter Maher has won the race twice including when striking with Big Shu who went on to win Cheltenham’s cross country chase the following season. The 2018 renewal was the first time favourite backers didn’t get the Punchestown Festival off to a winning start since Zest For Life won in 2013. Punchestown have run the Ladies Cup in honour of Fr Sean Breen since the passing of the popular Ballymore-based priest died in 2009. Breen was an ever present at the Punchestown Festival. RACE 8 : 7.35 PM The Punchestown Flat Race of €15,000 2 Miles 100 Yards Conditions: An INH Flat race for four year olds only that have not won a race. Weights 11st 7lb. Mares allowed 7lb PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Crowns Major 4-11-2 Emmet Mullins Mr. P Byrnes 11/2 2019 Front View 4-11-07 Joseph P.O'Brien D.O' Connor 5/1 2018 Kalum River 4-11-7 Pat Fahy Patrick Mullins 16/1 2017 Roaring Bull 4-11-2 Gordon Elliott Lisa O’Neill (5) 25/1 2016 Cilaos Emery 4-11-7 Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 10/3F 2015 Timing’severything 4-11-4 Paddy Twomey Jane Mangan (3) 33/1 2014 Forgotten Rules 4-11-8 Dermot Weld Robbie McNamara 1/1F
OVERVIEW This race is often one of the most interesting bumpers run in Ireland each season and it has produced some quality winners with the 2016 edition being won by the Grade 1-winning hurdler and potentially top class chaser Cilaos Emery. RACE FACTS The subsequent Group 2 winner and Ascot Gold Cup third Forgotten Rules began his career in this race in 2014 when running out an impressive 13 lengths winner with those in behind including the subsequent Gold Cup winner Sizing John. In 2013 victory went to Very Wood who went on to land the following year’s Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. Gold Cup winner Don Cossack had to settle for fifth in this race in 2011 when making his racecourse debut.
Day 2: Wednesday April 27th
Entries Close: Thursday April 21st at 12 noon
Overseas Entries Close: Thursday April 21st at 11am
Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day
Total Prizemoney €765,000
RACE 1: 3.40PM
The Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle of €30,000
(95-123) 2 Miles 4 Furlongs 120 yds(Conditional Riders)
Conditions: An extended handicap hurdle for four year olds and upwards rated 95-123.
Penalties. Winner of a hurdle race or races shall carry penalty allotted by the handicapper
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP
2021 Guiri 6-11-4 Mrs. J. Harrington S.D. Torrens 9/1
2019 Musical Slave 6-11-10 Philip Hobbs John J. O'Neill Jnr 7/1
2018 Prince Garyantle 8-11-6 Matthew Smith Adam Short (4) 25/1
2017 Magic Of Light 6-10-8 Jessica Harrington Ryan Treacy (2) 11/1
2016 Shamiran 11-11-0 Dermot McLoughlin Niall Kelly (4) 25/1
2015 Shamiran 10-11-3 Stephen Nolan Andrew Ring (4) 33/1
2014 Master Oscar 6-10-12 Christy Roche Jody McGarvey (2) 14/1
OVERVIEW
This race marks the final of the season long series for professional claiming jockeys and it has produced its
share of surprise winners since the Willie Mullins-trained Sivota(Emmet Mullins) became only the second
winning favourite of the race in the last 15 years back in 2010.
RACE FACTS
The 2018 edition was quite notable as Prince Garyantle, trained by Matthew Smith, was the only horse
not trained by Willie Mullins to win on day two of the Festival.
Jockey David Splaine has the distinction of winning the race twice when successful on Beau Michael in
2013 and Oneeightofamile in 2011.
The first three renewals of the race were won by three subsequent Grade 1 winning riders, Paddy Flood,
Andrew McNamara and Roger Loughran.RACE 2: 4.15 PM The Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final of €75,000 2 Miles 4 Furlongs 120 yds Conditions: For four yrs old and upwards that are EBF eligible which have run in or been balloted from at least one race in Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle series and which have not won a listed race or a weight for age Gr 1, 2 or 3 race. Weights 4yo 10st 11lb, 5yo+ 11st 7lb. Mares allowance 7lb. Penalties – Wnr of a race 5lb extra, of 2 or more races 7lb extra. (Allowances – purchase price not more than €30,000 2lb, not more than €15,000 4lb) – exclusions – horses purchased at public auction for €45,001 or more. OVERVIEW The first running of this series final was 2019 where Zero Ten took the honors for Mullins duo Emmett & his cousin Danny. To qualify for the final horses must have run in one of the 14 qualifiers and not won a Grade 1,2,3, or a Listed race. Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Surprise Package 5-11-5 Peter Fahey D.J. O'Keeffe 14/1 2019 Zero Ten 6-12-0 Emmett Mullins D.E Mullins 5/4F RACE 3: 4.50 PM The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle of €20,000 2 Miles 4 Furlongs 120yds Conditions: A hurdle race for four year olds and upwards that have not won a hurdle race other than one hurdle race. Weights 4yo 10st 8lb; 5yo+ 11st 4lb. Mares allowed 7lb. Penalty - Winner of a hurdle race 6lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Lifetime Ambition 6-12-0 Mrs. J. Harrington R.M. Power 13/2 2019 Elimay (FR) 5-11-5 Willie Mullins M.P. Walsh 5/2fav 2018 Pravalaguna 6-11-5 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 11/4 2017 C’est Jersey 5-11-12 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 7/1 2016 Woodland Opera 6-11-12 Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 9/2 2015 Walk To Freedom 5-11-12 Jessica Harrington. Robbie Power 50/1 2014 Le Vent D’Antan 5-11-12 Liz Doyle Davy Russell 3/1JTF RACE 4: 5.20 PM Grade 1 The Irish Mirror (War of Attrition) Novice Hurdle of €125,000 3 Miles Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A novice hurdle race for four year olds and upwards. Weights 4yo 10st 11lb; 5yo 11st 10lb; Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Galopin Des Champs 5-11-11 Audrey Turley W.P. Mullins Paul Townend 13/8 fav 2019 Minella Indo 6-11-10 Barry Moloney Henry de Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 5/1 2018 Next Destination 6-11-10 Malcolm C Denmark Willie Mullins Paul Townend 5/4 Fav 2017 Champagne Classic 6-11-10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Bryan Cooper 14/1 2016 Bellshill 6-11-10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2/1 Fav 2015 Killultagh Vic 6-11-10 Mrs R Boyd, Mrs M J Armstrong, J B Anderson Willie Mullins Paul Townend 8/1 2014 Beat That 6-11-10 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson GB Barry Geraghty 11/8 Fav
OVERVIEW This race is one of the newest Grade 1 events at the meeting having been awarded top flight status in 2012 when Marasonnien (Paul Townend) led home a Willie Mullins 1-2-3. Mullins has won five editions of this race since it was upgraded to Grade 1 level while the last few runnings of this race have produced some titanic battles. RACE FACTS In 2018 Next Destination got home by a neck from the Cheltenham Festival winner Delta Work with another Cheltenham scorer, Kilbricken Storm, a further neck away in third. The previous year Champagne Classic bested the subsequent Stayers Hurdle winner Penhill while back in 2015 Killultagh Vic and Thistlecrack served up a thrilling duel. Leading riders (since 2008) - Barry Geraghty: Got Attitude (2008), Rigour Back Bob (2010) Beat That (2014). Paul Townend: Marasonnien (2012), Killultagh Vic (2015) Next Destination (2018) Galopin Des Champs(2021) Leading trainer (since 2008) - Willie Mullins: The Midnight Club (2009), Marasonnien (2012), Killultagh Vic (2015), Bellshill (2016) Next Destination (2018) Galopin Des Champs(2021). RACE 5: 5.55 PM Grade 1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup of €275,000 3 Miles 120 Yards Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A weight for age steeplechase for five year olds and upwards. Weights 5yo 11st 8lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Clan Des Obeaux 9-11-12 Mr&Mrs. P.K. Barber, G. Mason, Sir. A. Ferguson Paul Nicholls Sam Twiston-Davies 10/3 2019 Kemboy (FR) 7-11-10 K&B Graham Ken Sharp Syn Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 13/8 Fav 2018 Bellshill 8-11-10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins David Mullins 4/1 2017 Sizing John 7-11-10 Ann & Alan Potts P’ship Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 9/10 Fav 2016 Carlingford Lough 10-11-10 J P McManus John Kiely Barry Geraghty 12/1 2015 Don Cossack 8-11-10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Paul Carberry 5/2 2014 Boston Bob 9-11-10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 5/2 Fav OVERVIEW Previously this race was confined to novice chasers but the current version came into being in 1999 when the former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call (then trained by Raymond Hurley and ridden by Ruby Walsh) defeated Florida Pearl by 14 lengths with Dorans Pride back in third. RACE FACTS Three horses have won both this race and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season: Kicking King (2005), War Of Attrition (2006) and Sizing John(2017). Sizing John is the only horse to have the Cheltenham, Irish and Punchestown Gold Cups in the same season while no reigning Gold Cup winner has been beaten in this race. This race tends to be won by those at the head of the market although 20/1 chance Follow The Plan prevailed in 2011 when the odds on Kauto Star pulled up and the following year served up another 20/1 surprise when China Rock prevailed when the race was run on a Saturday owing to torrential rain earlier that week. Leading riders (since 1999) - Barry Geraghty: Moscow Express (2001), Florida Pearl (2002), Kicking King (2005), China Rock (2012) Carlingford Lough (2016). Ruby Walsh: Imperial Call (1999), Commanche Court (2000), Neptune Collonges (2007 & 2008) Boston Bob (2014). Leading trainer (since 1999) - Willie Mullins: Florida Pearl (2002), Sir Des Champs (2013), Boston Bob (2014) Bellshill (2018) Kemboy(2019)
RACE 6: 6.30 PM Grade 1 The Race and Stay at Punchestown Champion I.N.H Flat Race of €100,000 (Grade 1) for The Conyngham Cup 2 Miles 70 Yards Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. An I.N.H. flat race for four, five, six and seven year old mares and geldings only that have not won a race other than INH Flat races or National Hunt Flat races or a combination of such races and have not run in a hurdle race. Weights 4yo 11st 6lb; 5, 6 & 7yo 12st 2lbs. Mares allowed 7lb. (No penalties) PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Kilcruit 6-12-2 Miss. M.A. Masterson W.P. Mullins Mr. D. O'Connor 11/8 2019 Colreevy 6 11-07 N. Flynn Willie Mullins Mr.J.J. Codd 4/1 2018 Tornado Flyer 5-12-0 T F P Partnership Willie Mullins Mr Richie Deegan 12/1 2017 Fayonagh 6-11-07 Mrs Maura Gittins Gordon Elliott Mr Jamie Codd 11/8 Fav 2016 Blow By Blow 5-12-00 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins Ms Katie Walsh 14/1 2015 Bellshill 5-12-00 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins Mr Patrick Mullins 8/1 2014 Shaneshill 5-12-00 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins Mr Jamie Codd 5/1 RACE FACTS Cousin Vinny (2008), Champagne Fever (2012) and Fayonagh (2017) are the only three horses to have won the champion bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Eight others have attempted to win both races but have come up short. Willie Mullins has been the dominant trainer in this race’s history with eight wins and in 2018 he sent out a 1-2-3 with Tornado Flyer leading home Blackbow and Carefully Selected. Gordon Elliott has the notable distinction of having won this race as a jockey in 1998 aboard King’s Road before then winning it as a trainer with Fayonagh 19 years later. Leading riders (since 1992) - Patrick Mullins: Cousin Vinny (2008), Lovethehigherlaw (2011), Champagne Fever (2012) Bellshill (2015) Leading trainer (since 1992) - Willie Mullins: Maringo (1992), Cousin Vinny (2008), Lovethehigherlaw (2011), Champagne Fever (2012), Shaneshill (2014), Bellshill (2015), Blow By Blow (2016) Tornado Flyer (2018) Colreevy(2019) & Kilcruit (2021) RACE 7: 7.00 PM The OMC Claims Handicap Steeplechase of €100,000 (Grade A) 2 Miles 5 Furlongs Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 13th. An extended handicap steeplechase for five year olds and upwards that have run at least three times in steeplechases up to 17th April 2022. Discretionary penalties. Alternative Handicap. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Foxy Jacks 7-9-13 M.F. Morris J.M. Moore 25/1 2019 O O Seven 9-11-01 Nicky Henderson N de Boinville 16/1 2018 Patricks Park 7-10-1 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 11/2 2017 Sizing Granite 9-11-1 Colin Tizzard Robbie Power 14/1 2016 Irish Cavalier 7-11-5 Rebecca Curtis Jonathan Moore(5) 7/1 2015 Ballyadam Approach 10-9-7 Terence O’Brien David Splaine (3) 12/1 2014 Orpheus Valley 11-10-5 Tom Gibney Adrian Heskin 28/1
RACE FACTS Once again Willie Mullins is a trainer to follow when it comes to this race having notched up six wins since 2004 while lack of experience is no barrier to success as novice chasers have won two of the last four renewals. This race is popular with the bookmakers as Just (2006) is the only winning favourite of this race since 2004. RACE 8: 7.35 PM Weatherbys GSB Irish EBF Mares Flat Race (Grade 3) of €40,000. 2 miles 70 yards. Conditions: An INH flat race for four, five, six and seven year old mares only, which are EBF eligible that have not won a race other than an INH or NH flat race or combination of such races. 4yo 11st 3lb; 5, 6 & 7yo 11st 11 lbs. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Grangee 5-11-11 W.P. Mullins Mr. P.W. Mullins 5/6 fav 2019 Gypsy Island 5-11-09 Peter Fahey D.O' Connor 11/10fav 2018 Colreevy 5-11-9 Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 7/4F 2017 Minutestomidnight 6-11-9 Jonathan Sweeney Jamie Codd 11/4F 2016 Augusta Kate 5-11-9 Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 100/30 RACE FACTS Initially this race was run at the Festival as the €50,000 I.T.B.A. Fillies Scheme Premier Bumper but it was switched from the Friday to the Wednesday in 2016 and given a new title as well as Listed status. The following year it was upgraded to Grade 3 level and 2018’s renewal has worked out very well with nine of the beaten contestants having won at least once since then and the second and third (Black Tears and Tintangle) both went on to be placed in the mares novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival this year.
Day 3: Thursday April 28th
Entries Close: Thursday April 21st at 12 noon
Overseas Entries Close: Thursday April 21st at 11am
Ladbrokes Stayers
Hurdle Day
Total Prizemoney €597,500
RACE 1: 3.40PM
The Specialist Joinery Group Handicap Hurdle of €20,000 (Rated 88-123)
2 Miles 40 Yards
Conditions: An extended handicap hurdle for four year olds and upwards rated 88-123.
Penalties - Wnr of a hurdle race after handicap calculated 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.
Alternative Handicap.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP
2021 Jiving Jerry 6-10-5 James M. Barcoe C.A. Landers 11/2
2019 Polished Steel 5-11-06 Mrs.J Harrington R.M. Power 16/1
2018 Park Paddocks 4-10-12 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 6/1F
2017 Bobabout 4-10-9 Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 8/1
2016 Elusive Ivy 6-10-9 Gavin Cromwell Brien Kane (7) 16/1
2015 Bog War 5-10-4 Liam Cusack David Mullins (5) 5/2F
2014 Macnicholson 5-11-11 Jessica Harrington Barry Geraghty 10/1JTF
RACE FACTS
Since 2014 it has been key to be on the right side of the weights. Only the 10 /1joint favourite
Macnicholson managed to win the race with more than 11st. That was the first of two victories in the
race for Jessica Harrington who was also successful in 2017 with Bobabout.
RACE 2: 4.15PM
The Pigsback.com Handicap Steeplechase of €50,000 2 Miles (Grade B)
(Registered Black Hills)
Conditions: An extended Handicap steeplechase for four year olds and upwards (150=11st
10lbs). Discretionary Penalties. Alternative Handicap.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP
2021 Sully D'oc Aa 7-10-9 Anthony Honeyball S.D. Torrens 6/1
2019 Snugsborough Hall 8-10-01 Liam P.Cusack D.F.O' Regan 11/4 fav
2018 Cadmium 6-10-7 Willie Mullins Danny Mullins 12/1
2017 Don’t Touch It 7-11-9 Jessica Harrington Mark Walsh 5/1
2016 Bright New Dawn 9-11-6 Gordon Elliott Bryan Cooper 12/1
2015 Jacksonslady 10-10-9 Philip Dempsey Mark Walsh 10/1
2014 Mallowney 8-11-4 Tim Doyle Davy Russell 8/1RACE FACTS A field of 24 made this the most hotly contested two mile handicap chase in Ireland in 2018. Cadmium was the only Willie Mullins-trained winner of this race in the last decade. Favourites have quite an indifferent record in this race with two wins in the last eleven years. However, novice chasers have been especially strong in this race, winning four of the last six renewals and finishing second in the other two. RACE 3: 4.50PM The Mongey Communication La Touche Cross Country Steeplechase of €30,000 (Bank Course) 4 Miles 2 Furlongs Conditions: A weight for age steeplechase for five year olds and upwards. Weights 5yo 11st 5lb; 6yo+ 11st 9lb. Mares allowed 7lb. Penalties (from 1st Jan 2021). Winner of a steeplechase to carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase. Maximum Weight 12st 7lb PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Singing Banjo 11-11-7 J.P. Walsh P.J. Rothwell Mr. B.J. Walsh 33/1 2019 Ballyboker Bridge 12-11-07 J.P. Mc Keon Peter Maher S W Flanagan 12/1 2018 Auvergnat 8-12-02 J.P.Mc Manus Enda Bolger D.Mc Inerney 11/4 2017 Treo Eile 9-11-07 Michelle Ryan Shay Slevin Barry Cash 10/1 2016 Quantitativeeasing 11-11-12 J P McManus Enda Bolger Mark Walsh 9/4 Jt Fav 2015 Uncle Junior 14-11-07 Mrs M McMahon Willie Mullins Mr Patrick Mullins 6/1 2014 Jacks Island 11-11-00 John Kenny John Kenny Ger Fox 25/1 OVERVIEW This is the longest race in the Irish National Hunt calendar and is easily one of the most popular as this four and a quarter mile marathon presents its contestants with a remarkably varied array of obstacles from laurel hedges, drop banks, Aintree style fences and stone walls. In all the runners will jump 35 fences and there is one stable above all others to consider when it comes to the La Touche with Enda Bolger having notched up 14 victories. Five of those wins were supplied by the legendary cross country performer Risk Of Thunder who actually won the race on seven consecutive occasions. RACE FACTS Despite the length of the La Touche the race has a habit of serving up tight finishes with the last four editions being decided by margins of a neck, a head, three lengths and a neck. Donie McInerney (2018), Ger Fox (2012) and Ken Whelan (1995) are the only three claiming professional jockeys to have won the race since 1990. Barry Cash, Patrick Mullins, Nina Carberry and the late JT McNamara are the only riders to have won the La Touche on more than one occasion since 2000.
RACE 4: 5.25 PM Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle of €275,000 3 Miles (Registered the Tipperkevin) Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A weight for age hurdle race for four year olds and upwards. Weights 4yo 11st; 5yo+ 11st 10lb. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Klassical Dream 7-11-12 Mrs. Joanne Coleman W.P. Mullins Mr. P.W. Mullins 5/1 2019 Unowhatimeanharry 11-11-10 J.P.Mc Manus Harry Fry GB M.P. Walsh 16/1 2018 Faugheen 10-11-10 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins David Mullins 11/2 2017 Unowhatimeanharry 9-11-10 J P McManus Harry Fry GB Noel Fehily 4/1 2016 One Track Mind 6-11-10 Andy Weller Warren Greatrex GB Gavin Sheehan 10/1 2015 Jezki 7-11-10 J P McManus Jessica Harrington Mark Walsh 5/2 2014 Jetson 9-11-10 Gerard & Moira McGrath Jessica Harrington Davy Russell 20/1 RACE FACTS 2018 this race played host to one of the most memorable displays of the season as Faugheen recaptured his best form on his return to three miles to trounce the reigning Stayers Hurdle winner and stablemate Penhill by 13 lengths in a race where Willie Mullins supplied the first three home. The record breaking Hurricane Fly made his final ever racecourse appearance in Ireland in this race in 2015 when finishing second to former Champion Hurdle winner Jezki. In 2014 the brilliant racemare Quevega also made her final racecourse appearance in this race when she finished second to Jetson in her quest to win the race for the fifth year in a row. The last horse to win both this race and the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in the same season was the David Nicholson-trained and Richard Johnson-ridden Anzum in 1999. By contrast Shuil Ar Aghaidh won this race in 1992 (when it was run as a handicap) before going on to win the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham the following season. Leading rider (since 1992) - Ruby Walsh: Asian Maze (2006), Fiveforthree (2009) and Quevega (2011, 2012, 2013) Leading trainer (since 1992) - Willie Mullins: Holy Orders (2003), Fiveforthree (2009), Quevega (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013), Faugheen (2018), Klassical Dream (2021). RACE 5: 6.00 PM The Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle of €50,000 3 Miles (Grade B) (Registered the Ballymore Eustace) Conditions: An extended handicap hurdle for four year olds and upwards. (140=11st 10lbs) Top weight equal 11st 10lb. Discretionary penalties. Alternative Handicap. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Capodanno 5-11-1 W.P. Mullins J.S. McGarvey 11/2F 2019 My Sister Sarah 5-10-12 W.P. Mullins P.Townend 4/1F 2018 A Great View 7-11-1 Denis Cullen Mark Walsh 7/1 2017 Minella Awards 6-11-4 Harry Fry Noel Fehily 7/1JTF 2016 Cup Final 7-11-7 Nicky Henderson Robbie Power 14/1 2015 Avant Tout 5-11-8 Willie Mullins Danny Mullins 20/1 2014 Off The Charts 5-11-2 Dessie Hughes Mark Walsh 20/1
RACE FACTS There is hardly a more fiercely contested staying handicap hurdle in the domestic calendar with a 24 runner turnout being the lowest in the last five years. This race has acted as something of a nursery for future National horses with the subsequent Irish Grand National hero Rogue Angel finishing second in 2013. Pleasant Company, who was second in the Aintree Grand National last year, was third in this race in 2015. Meanwhile American Grand National winner Jury Duty was second in 2016. RACE 6: 6.35 PM The Barberstown Castle Novice Steeplechase of €125,000. (registered the Colliers) (Grade 1) 2 miles Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A novice steeplechase for five year olds and upwards. Weights 11st 12lb. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Energumene 7-11-12 Tony Bloom W.P. Mullins P. Townend 2/5 fav 2019 Defi Du Seuil 6-11-10 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins R.M.Power 9/4 Fav 2018 Footpad 6-11-10 Simon Munir Willie Mullins Daryl Jacob 2/5 Fav 2017 Great Field 6-11-10 J P McManus Willie Mullins Jody McGarvey 9/10 Fav 2016 Douvan 6-11-10 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2/9 Fav 2015 Un De Sceaux 7-11-10 Edward O’Connell Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 1/10 Fav 2014 God’s Own 6-11-10 Crossed Fingers P’ship Tom George GB Barry Geraghty 25/1 RACE FACTS Willie Mullins had to wait until 2009 to win this race for the first time but he has dominated the race lately and in 2021 he will be chasing a sixth victory in a row. Over the last 23 years seven horses have won the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham before coming on to win this race. At odds of 1/10 Un De Sceaux is the shortest priced winner of this race while the biggest surprise of modern times came the previous year when 25/1 chance God’s Own shocked a home defence that included the second, third and fourth from that season’s Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. Leading riders (since 1992) - Ruby Walsh: Le Roi Miguel (2003), Arvika Ligeonniere (2013), Un De Sceaux (2015) Douvan (2016). Barry Geraghty: Moscow Flyer (2002), Big Zeb (2008), Lucky William (2012) God’s Own (2014) Leading trainer (since 1992) - Willie Mullins: Barker (2009), Arvika Ligeonniere (2013), Un De Sceaux (2015), Douvan (2016), Great Field (2017) Footpad (2018) Defi Du Seuil(2019) RACE 7: 7.05 PM The Close Brothers Mares Handicap Steeplechase of €30,000. 2 Miles 5 furlongs Conditions: A Handicap steeplechase for EBF mares only 5year olds and upwards. (135 = 11st 12lbs. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Gauloise 5-11-9 W.P. Mullins P. Townend 7/4 fav 2019 Elfile (FR) 5-11-04 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 9/10 Fav
2018 Dawn Shadow 6-11-7 Dot Love Rachael Blackmore 10/1 2017 Asthuria 6-11-4 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 13/8F 2016 Missy Tata 4-10-5 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy (3) 6/4 2015 Whiteout 4-10-8 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 8/1 2014 Morga 4-10-11 Dessie McDonogh Davy Russell 5/1 RACE FACTS This race was upgraded to Listed status in 2018 after a good run of success for previous graduates such as the 2015 winner Whiteout, who went on to win at Grade 1 level back here twelve months later. Missy Tata won twice at Grade 3 level following her 2016 success while the 2017 winner Asthuria won at Listed level and went on to achieve a host of black type placings over fences. RACE 8: 7.35PM The J.P & M Doyle Celebrating 70 Years Flat Race of €17,500 2 Miles 40 Yards Conditions: An I.N.H Flat race for four, five, six and seven year old colts and geldings only that have not won a race other than one I.N.H. Flat race or NH flat race. Weights 4yo 10st 13lb; 5, 6 & 7yo 11st 7lb. Penalty - winner of a race 7lb extra. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Dysart Dynamo 5-12-2 W.P. Mullins P.W. Mullins 1/1 fav 2019 Sixshooter 4-11-06 Noel Meade M.J.O'Hare 8/1 2018 Dunvegan 5-11-7 Pat Fahy Conor Fahy (7) 4/1 2017 Dead Right 5-11-0 Neil Mulholland John J O’Neill (7) 8/1 2016 Invitation Only 5-12-0 Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 9/10F 2015 Yorkhill 5-12-0 Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 5/4F 2014 High Stratos 5-12-1 Jessica Harrington Robbie McNamara 14/1 RACE FACTS This is run the day after the champion bumper but is a quality race in its own right and generally produces a Grade 1 performer or two. 2018’s third Getareason and the sixth-placed Gallant John Joe were both placed at Grade 1 level over hurdles. 2021 winner Dysart Dynamo went on to win the GR2 Skybet Moscow Flyer Hurdle at Punchestown this year. 2018's winning trainer and jockey, Pat and Conor Fahy, kept up the father and son tradition in this race.
Day 4: Friday April 29th
Entries Close: Monday April 25th at 12 noon
Overseas Entries Close: Monday 25th at 11am
Paddy Power Champion
Hurdle Day
Total Prizemoney €660,000
RACE 1: 3.40PM
The Stanley Ashphalt Steeplechase for the Bishopscourt Cup of €15,000
(Bush Fence Course) 2 Miles 4 Furlongs
Conditions: A weight for age steeplechase for Certified Hunters four year olds and upwards
the bona fide and unconditional property of farmers farming land in the Kildare Hunt
District (in their possession since 1st Jan 2022). Weights 4yo 10st 9lbs; 5yo 11st 11lbs. Mares
allowed 7lbs. Penalties - 5lb for each steeplechase won since 1st January 2020
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP
2021 Rewritetherules 7-12-9 John J. Hanlon T. Hamilton 1/1 fav
2019 Flirting Lesa 8-11-04 Patrick J.Hayes N.J. Redmond 14/1
2018 Alpha Male 7-11-11 Peter Maher Barry O’Neill 2/1
2017 Das Mooser 6-10-11 Mark Fahey Richie Deegan (7) 5/1
2016 Shin A Vee 13-11-11 Denis Cullen Johnny Barry (5) 2/1F
2015 Shin A Vee 12-11-4 Denis Cullen Johnny Barry (7) 9/1
2014 Rohan’s Pride 8-11-4 Robert Honner Davy O’Leary (7) 4/1
OVERVIEW
This is a race that is unique to the Festival and the Irish racing calendar with the conditions stipulating that
it is for certified hunters aged four years old and upwards that are the bona fide and unconditional property
of farmers farming land in the Kildare Hunt District and in their possession since 1st January. The race is
commonly known as “The Farmers Race”.
RACE FACTS
The Bishopscourt Cup has its own place in Punchestown lore and has played host to some Festival
regulars with the Denis Cullen-trained Shin A Vee amassing a remarkable record over the last decade.
He was a 50/1 winner in 2009, finished second in 2010 and didn’t return to Punchestown until 2013 when
he was fifth. In 2014 he took second before recording victories in the 2015 and 2016 renewals and he
signed off at the age of 14 in 2017 with an honourable second.
In that same period Shin A Vee only ran in seven other races or Point to Point racesRACE 2: 4.20PM The EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Steeplechase of €100,000 (Grade A) 2 Miles 5 Furlongs Conditions: Early Closing Wednesday April 13th. A limited novice handicap steeplechase for five year olds and upwards that have not won a steeplechase before 2nd May 2021 other than one Hunters’ steeplechase in the previous two National Hunt seasons and have run at least 3 times in chases up to 17th April 2022. Discretionary Penalties. Alternative Handicap. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Asterion Forlange 7-11-10 Mrs. J. Donnelly Willie Mullins B.J. Cooper 11/4 Fav 2019 Real Steel (Fr) 6-11-10 Kathy Stuart & Sullivan Bloodstock Willie Mullins Paul Townend 5/2 Fav 2018 Kemboy 6-11-10 Supreme Horse Racing Club Willie Mullins Paul Townend 11/4 Fav 2017 Woodland Opera 7-11-06 Valerie and Diana Cooper Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 11/4 Fav 2016 Avant Tout 6-11-08 Supreme Horse RacingClub & Brett Graham Willie Mullins Paul Townend 11/2 2015 Blood Cotil 6-11-00 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Paul Townend 11/1 2014 Operating 7-10-07 Michael Buckley Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 12/1 RACE FACTS Undoubtedly one of the best handicap chases run in Ireland each season. The Mullins-trained Rule Supreme won this race in 2003 and as the new National Hunt season in Britain had already begun he remained a novice in England for the duration of the following season which enabled him to win the following year’s RSA Chase at Cheltenham. The Mullins-trained Kemboy shouldered joint top weight to victory in 2018 before going on to win the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and the Punchestown Gold Cup thereafter. This race has also developed into the foremost trial for the Galway Plate and the winner of that race has contested this Grade A handicap in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2011. However, each one of those Plate winners has been beaten in this race before going on to win at Ballybrit. RACE 3: 4.55PM The Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF (Registered the Glencarrig Lady Francis Flood) Mares Handicap Steeplechase of €80,000 2 Miles 5 Furlongs (Grade 2) Conditions: An extended handicap chase for four year olds and upwards mares only that are EBF eligible. 4yo 10st, 5yo+ 11st 2lbs. Penalties (to count from 1st Oct 2020) wnr of a Grade 2 chase 3lb extra of a Gr 1 chase 5lb extra. Alternative Handicap. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Rapid Response 7-10-0 Jessica Harrington S.F. O'Keeffe 9/1 2019 Moyhenna 7-11-04 Denis G, Hogan D.G. Hogan 5/1 2018 Magic Of Light 7-10-10 Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 6/1 2017 Definite Ruby 9-10-13 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 7/1 2016 Definite Ruby 8-9-9 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy (3) 8/1 2015 Mallards In Flight 9-9-5 Gavin Cromwell Luke Dempsey (5) 8/1 2014 Burn And Turn 8-11-1 Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 7/1 FESTIVAL FACTS First run in 2014, Jessica Harrington has enjoyed success in the race three times already already. Burn And Turn(2014), Magic Of Light(2018) & Rapid Response(2021)
RACE 4: 5.25 PM The Paddy Power Champion Hurdle of €275,000 2 Miles Grade 1 Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A weight for age hurdle race for four year olds and upwards. Weights 4yo 11st 4lb; 5yo+ 11st 12lbs. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Honeysuckle 7-11-7 Kenneth Alexander H de Bromhead R. Blackmore 4/7 fav 2019 Buveur D'Air 8-11-12 J.P. Mc Manus Nicky Henderson D.N. Russell 2/1 JF 2018 Supasundae 8-11-12 Ann & Alan Potts Limited Jessica Harrington Robbie Power 7/1 2017 Wicklow Brave 8-11-12 Wicklow B’stock (Ire) Ltd Willie Mullins Mr Patrick Mullins 12/1 2016 Vroum Vroum Mag 7-11-05 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 4/6Fav 2015 Faugheen 7-11-12 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 1/6Fav 2014 Jezki 6-11-12 J P McManus Jessica Harrington A P McCoy 4/5Fav RACE FACTS The current incarnation of this race first took place in 1999 when Istabraq added it to his Champion Hurdle triumph the previous month. Since then Hardy Eustace, Hurricane Fly (twice), Jezki, Faugheen and Honeysuckle have followed up a Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham with victory here. Willie Mullins first won this race with the novice Davenport Milenium who added this race to his victory in the Grade 1 two and a half miles novice hurdle which was run two days previously at that time. More recently Mullins has dominated the race, amassing seven victories between 2010 and 2017. The victory of Wicklow Brave in 2017 was pivotal in the trainer seeing off his great rival Gordon Elliott for that season’s trainer’s championship. By far the biggest surprise in the race’s history came in 2007 when the Harry Rogers-trained Silent Oscar, ridden by Robbie Power, struck at 20/1 when defeating a field that included the likes of Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy, Harchibald and Iktitaf Leading rider - Ruby Walsh: Davenport Milenium (2002), Hurricane Fly (2011-2013), Faugheen (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016). Leading trainer - Willie Mullins: Davenport Milenium (2002), Hurricane Fly (2010-2013), Faugheen (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Wicklow Brave (2017). RACE 5: 6.00 PM Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle Grade 1 of €125,000 (Registered the Tickell) 2 Miles 4 Furlongs Conditions: Early Closing Race Wednesday April 6th. A weight for age novice hurdle race for four year olds and upwards. Weights 4yo 11st; 5yo+ 11st 10lb. Mares allowed 7lb. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Gaillard Du Mesnil 5-11-12 Mrs. J. Donnelly W.P. Mullins P. Townend 1/2 fav 2019 Reserve Tank 5-11-10 The Reserve Tankers C.L. Tizzard R.M. Power 13/2 2018 Dortmund Park 5-11-10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 16/1 2017 Bacardys 6-11-10 Shanakiel Racing Synd. Willie Mullins Mr Patrick Mullins 10/1 2016 Jer’s Girl 4-10-06 J P McManus Gavin Cromwell Barry Geraghty 11/8 Fav 2015 Nichols Canyon 5-11-10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 4/5 Fav 2014 Vautour 5-11-10 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 1/3 Fav
RACE FACTS Once again Willie Mullins is the utterly dominant trainer here having won the race ten times since 2002. His winners include the subsequent French Champion Hurdle heroine Nobody Told Me, the subsequent Stayers Hurdle hero Nichols Canyon and the Cheltenham winners Vautour and Mikael D’Haguenet. The race has been won by a host of short priced favourites but it has thrown up the odd 16/1 winner in Dortmund Park (2018), Spirit Of Adjisa (2011) & Ballygowan Beauty (1998). Leading rider - Ruby Walsh: Davenport Milenium (2002), Nobody Told Me (2003), Sadlers Wings (2004), Nicanor (2006), Glencove Marina (2007), Mikael D’haguenet (2009), Vautour (2014) Nichols Canyon (2015) Leading trainer - Willie Mullins:Davenport Milenium (2002), Nobody Told Me (2003), Sadlers Wings (2004), Glencove Marina (2007), Mikael D’haguenet (2009), Un Atout (2013), Vautour (2014), Nichols Canyon (2015) Bacardys (2017) Gaillard Du Mesnil(2021) RACE 6: 6.35 PM The Irish Daily Star Champion Hunters Steeplechase of €30,000 3 Miles 120 Yards Conditions: A steeplechase for Certified Hunters four year olds and upwards that have between 6th October 2018 and 24th April 2022 in Ireland or Great Britain been placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th either in a steeplechase confined to Certified Hunters or in a Point to Point Steeplechase and that have not won a race after 1st March 2021 other than a Certified Hunters steeplechase or a farmers race in Ireland or Great Britain. Weights 4yo 10st 11lb; 5yo 11st 12lb; 6yo+ 12st. Mares allowed 7lb. A valid Hunters Cert in accordance with the 2020/2021 season required. PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP 2021 Bob And Co 10-11-11 David Maxwell Racing Ltd Paul Nicholls David Maxwell 3/1 2019 Caid Du Berlais 10-12-00 Donlon,Doyle,MacDonald& C Barber Rose Loxton Will Biddick 3/1 2018 Caid Du Berlais 9-11-11 Donlon, Doyle, MacDonald & C Barber Rose Loxton Will Biddick 9/2 2017 Balnaslow 10-12-00 Peggy Hagan Graham McKeever Mr Derek O’Connor 4/1 2016 On The Fringe 11-12-00 J P McManus Enda Bolger Ms Nina Carberry 4/5 Fav 2015 On The Fringe 10-12-00 J P McManus Enda Bolger Ms Nina Carberry 4/11 Fav 2014 On The Fringe 9-12-00 J P McManus Enda Bolger Ms Nina Carberry 10/11 Fav RACE FACTS In recent times six horses have won this race and the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in the same season – Elegant Lord (1996), Castle Mane (1999), Whyso Mayo (2006), Salsify (2013), On The Fringe (2015 & 2016). On The Fringe further enhanced his position as a legendary hunter chaser as in both 2015 and 2016 he completed the remarkable treble of winning at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown. The reception to his 2016 victory remains one of the most memorable in the Punchestown winners enclosure. RACE 7: 7.05 PM The SalesSense International Novice Hurdle of €20,000 2 Miles Conditions: A novice hurdle race for four year olds and upwards that have not won more than one hurdle race. Weights 4yo 10st 11lb; 5yo+ 11st 5lb. Mares allowed 7lb. Winner of a hurdle race 7lbs extra.
PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 El Bara 7-12-0 W.P. Mullins S.F. O'Keeffe 12/1 2019 Gardens of Babylon 4-11-04 Joseph P.O'Brien D O' Connor 5/2 2018 Antey 5-11-12 Willie Mullins Katie Walsh 9/1 2017 Montalbano 5-11-12 Willie Mullins Patrick Mullins 11/4 2016 Koshari 4-11-2 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 7/4 2015 Snake Eyes 7-11-12 Nicky Henderson Mark Walsh 9/2 2014 Arctic Fire 5-11-12 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 4/5F RACE FACTS The 2018 edition of this race was a never to be forgotten one as locally born jockey Katie Walsh announced her immediate retirement from race riding after partnering Antey to a last gasp success. Even though this race doesn’t boast the same status as some of the other novice hurdles at the meeting it has produced some top class winners. The subsequent County Hurdle winner and Champion Hurdle second Arctic Fire was successful in 2014. The previous year the brilliant Un De Sceaux made all the running for an impressive success on just his second Irish outing. RACE 8: 7.35PM The Avison Young INH Flat Race of €15,000 2 Miles 2 Furlongs Conditions: An INH Flat race for five, six and seven year olds that have not won a race. Weights 12st. Mares allowed 7lb PREVIOUS WINNERS Year Horse Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP 2021 My Mate Mozzie 5-12-2 Gavin Patrick Cromwell P.W. Mullins 9/4 fav 2019 Longhouse Poet 5-12-00 Martin Brassil Derek O'Connor 6/1 2018 Lone Wolf 5-12-00 Joseph O’Brien Derek O’Connor 6/1 2017 Canardier 5-11-9 Dermot McLoughlin Mark O’Hare (5) 8/1 2016 No Comment 5-12-00 Phillip Hobbs Jamie Codd 7/2 2015 Champers On Ice 5-12-00 David Pipe Jamie Codd 9/4 2014 Fletchers Flyer 6-12-00 Harry Fry Derek O’Connor 9/2 RACE FACTS The 2016 edition of this race was quite a noteworthy one as the minor placings were filled by the Grade 1 winner and dual Cheltenham Festival runner-up Monalee with third going to the future Thyestes Chase scorer Monbeg Notorious. 2018’s winner Lone Wolf has the distinction of being Joseph O’Brien’s first Punchestown Festival winner as a trainer.
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