Evan Williams may look to Punchestown with Libberty Hunter after his unfortunate exit when running promisingly in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The nine-year-old has been both sparingly and successfully campaigned this season, winning a Cheltenham handicap before finishing second in the Grade Two Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
He was then sent off a 33-1 shot under Adam Wedge in the Champion Chase and looked poised to run a big race when he blundered three fences from home and fell.
Both horse and rider emerged unscathed and though luck was not on the gelding’s side at Cheltenham, his trainer is still able to take plenty of positives from the experience.
“He’s all good, everything is fine with him. It’s just one of those things that can happen at that fence when they go fast,” said the trainer.
“He was going beautifully, we were absolutely delighted with where he was. It’s somewhat frustrating but that’s racing and that’s the way the cards fall sometimes.
“He looks like a Grade One horse, I don’t think we’re silly in thinking that. The little steps have enabled us to be confident that we deserve to be taking our chances in such races.”
The Punchestown Champion Chase in on April 29 may now be on the agenda.
“I suppose we’d better look at Punchestown for the two-mile chase there, I can’t see why we shouldn’t look at that,” Williams added.
“There is a thought that maybe a step up in trip to two-and-a-half might not be the silliest thing to look at in Aintree but the fact is we were running very well over two miles, so Punchestown could be the sensible option.”
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Punchestown is up next for Cheltenham Festival hero Marine Nationale, with trainer Barry Connell believing his stable star has the potential to become a three-time winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Only a few weeks after the death of Marine Nationale’s former jockey Michael O’Sullivan, the horse with whom he will always be linked stormed up the Cheltenham hill to pay the ultimate tribute to his former ally.
Connell feels the performance proves the eight-year-old is currently the best two-mile chaser around and after bouncing out of his Prestbury Park exertions, he is on course for a spin on home soil in the William Hill Champion Chase on April 29.
“Marine is bouncing and in great form and he’s a bombproof temperament so nothing ever phases him, that’s one of the biggest assets he has and he’s so laid back,” said Connell.
⭐️ It was meant to be
Marine Nationale won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle under the late Michael O'Sullivan. Two years on, he wins the Champion Chase in an emotional success ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LIpPdrGw00
“At this moment, our intention is to go to Punchestown with him. He’s a horse who enjoys good ground and nine times out 10 you get nice ground that has been probably watered at Punchestown, so we’ll be looking forward to that.
“He’s probably a horse who hasn’t had the credit he deserves having missed a season, but we never lost faith and he’s come back better than ever. I know the favourite (Jonbon) made a mistake and people can make their own minds up, but I have no doubt in my mind we have the best two-miler in Ireland and England at the moment.”
Connell already has next year’s title defence in the back of his mind and has warned there could be even more to come as Marine Nationale gains further chasing experience.
The Kildare handler also raised the possibility of his star performer one day emulating the great Badsworth Boy, who won the Champion Chase three times in the 1980s.
Connell continued: “He’s very lightly raced over fences and only eight, that was just his sixth run over fences and I think there is plenty of improvement to come. He just comes alive at Cheltenham and for me, his performance from the back of the last fence to the line was incredible.
Marine Nationale returns after the Champion Chase (Mike Egerton/PA)
“I do think he has the capability of going back and winning two more Champion Chases and it hasn’t been done since Badsworth Boy in the 1980s. I was looking at the records the other day and I couldn’t believe it when you consider all the iconic horses that have run in this division.
“We will just gear his season to getting him back to Cheltenham and he’s a very athletic, light-framed horse who doesn’t take too much getting ready. Two-milers just seem to go on, the Gold Cup can be a very hard race, but he finished the Champion Chase fresh as a daisy and hardly had a blow afterwards.”
Prestbury Park was awash with emotion after Marine Nationale’s poignant victory in the Champion Chase, with stablemate William Munny finding just Kopek Des Bordes too good in the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – that was fittingly named in honour of O’Sullivan.
“We knew going over we had a definite chance of winning both races and to come home having won the Queen Mother and finished second in the Supreme, I was stunned,” added Connell.
Michael O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte Giles (fourth left) joined the Marine Nationale team in the winner’s enclosure (Andrew Matthews/PA)
“I couldn’t take it in and it’s been gradually dawning on me since I got home. Cheltenham at a normal meeting is a hugely emotionally charged place and this week has been off the scale given the relationship myself and Michael had.
“He was a 7lb-claiming amateur mainly riding in point-to-points and I had not long got my licence out and this magical horse landed in our stable and we went on this incredible journey together. It was phenomenal what the horse and Michael achieved together and it’s tragic what has happened.
“I spent a fair bit of time with his family and his girlfriend (Charlotte Giles) in the run-up to Cheltenham, I knew his brother (Alan) and girlfriend were going over to Cheltenham and I hope the family have taken comfort from the support they have received from the racing community and it’s just great to see Marine go and win again.”
He added: “When we were leaving the day after Marine’s win in the Champion Chase, the stable yard manager gave me one of the green plaques you get for winning one of the main three races and that will be put up on his stable.
“We got back on Friday evening and yesterday we had all the staff down in the yard. We’re a small team with not many employees, but they are world class staff and it was a joy to come back and see the people who have stayed at home during Cheltenham but have made these horses.”
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Minella Crooner bounced back to form when getting the better of a ding-dong battle with Better Times Ahead in the Listed-class Palmerstown House Estate Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at Punchestown.
The pair were both far from convincing at the final fence when jumping that obstacle together but each rallied bravely on the run-in.
In the end, it was Gordon Elliott’s Minella Crooner, who had been pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham and the Grand National at Aintree, who just managed to get the nod by a head under Sam Ewing at 25-1, despite the jockey losing his whip.
Ewing said: “He was very happy in his race today. I travelled fairly well everywhere. I made a little bit of a mess of the last, but he stuck his head down and galloped to the line.”
On the whip going awry, he joked: “At least I won’t get done for the stick anyway! Luckily, he stuck his head down for me where it mattered.”
Gavin Cromwell’s best-ever season got even better when 100-30 chance Stumptown led home Fameaftertheglory for a stable one-two in the Donohue Marquees Cross Country Chase.
Stumptown had unseated Sean Flanagan when badly bumped by a loose horse in the La Touche Cup on Thursday but they gained compensation for that misfortune when scoring by five and a half lengths.
Cromwell said: “He was right there the other day and was going well. I suppose it was lucky enough that it wasn’t too far into the race that he could come back here today.
“He actually benefitted from the experience of the race the other day. He knew his job much better and has a future at this job.”
Will The Wise rounded off the meeting in style for Cromwell with a last-gasp victory in the Lawlor’s Of Naas INH Flat Race, pouncing on the line to deny Jacob’s Ladder in a photo.
The Gradual Slope (22-1) got up close home to land the marathon Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase for Sean O’Brien and Mark McDonagh, prevailing by just a neck to deny Lucinda Russell’s Your Own Story, who had led for a long way under Patrick Wadge.
O’Brien said: “Mark gave him a cool ride all the way around, got him to switch off and never missed a beat on him. It’s a great way to lose his claim.
“He’s only a small horse and he had a light weight. We just felt stepping him up in trip and putting him to sleep that he would have a chance.”
Chapeau De Soleil got the better of a thrilling battle with Beacon Edge to prevail by a short head in the SBK Gold Trophy Handicap Hurdle.
Ridden by Brian Hayes, the 16-1 shot was completing a treble on the day for Willie Mullins after the successes of Lossiemouth and Kargese.
Hayes said: “He was plenty keen and didn’t do everything right. There wasn’t that much pace on and he had a lot to do in the straight but stayed on really well. He has plenty of scope and should make a nice chaser.”
Willie Mullins extended his record haul of Grade One wins in a season to 39 after Kargese came with a flying finish to claim the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown.
The Closutton maestro had already struck with Lossiemouth earlier on in the day and Paul Townend produced this 9-4 favourite with a perfectly-timed run to add another to the tally.
Kargese provided one of those elite-level victories at the Dublin Racing Festival in February, before finishing second in the Triumph at Cheltenham and again at Aintree.
Kargese – runner-up in the Triumph at Cheltenham and at Aintree – comes from last to first in the Ballymore Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle @punchestownrace
She had pulled too hard early on during those runner-up efforts but settled much better under a confident ride from Townend on this occasion.
It seemed as though the jockey may have been a touch too patient when Kargese still had four horses to pass approaching the final flight.
However, a swift jump at that obstacle meant she landed with more momentum than the other contenders and Kargese came home a length and a half ahead of Bottler’secret.
Mullins said: “She’s very tough. She was really hard on herself in Aintree, so that was a tremendous performance to come back and win here.
Kargese ridden by Paul Townend after winning at Punchestown (Brian Lawless/PA).
“To see where she was turning from home, Paul certainly got his fractions right there and got the jump right at the last.
“I think she deserved that after the way she ran in Aintree.”
Connections now have a decision to make with regards future plans for the Kenny Alexander-owned Kargese.
“She is big enough to jump a fence,” said Mullins. “I’d imagine she will stay over hurdles but we’ll have a word with Peter Molony (Alexander’s racing manager) to see what he thinks.”
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Lossiemouth cruised to victory in the Coolmore N.H. Sires Bolshoi Ballet Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle to complete a Cheltenham-Punchestown double for the second straight season.
Last term, she followed up her Triumph success by battling home in the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle in County Kildare.
This time, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old arrived at Punchestown on the back of comfortably accounting for Telmesomethinggirl in the Mares’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park.
That same rival built up a healthy lead early on under Rachael Blackmore but Paul Townend and Lossiemouth always had the front-runner in their sights when lying second and took control before entering the home straight.
Stablemates Gala Marceau and Ashroe Diamond did their best to go with Lossiemouth but the result was never in doubt and it was all plain sailing for the 2-11 favourite, who crossed the line seven lengths clear.
Townend said: “She stamped her authority on it again there. She is just superior to the other mares at the moment. It’s lovely to have her.
“It was a good test today. The only scare was up the side when Rachael was dropping back. I wanted to pop and she (Lossiemouth) had a cut at it.”
Lossiemouth and jockey Paul Townend after winning at Punchestown (Brian Lawless/PA).
Speculation will now be rife regarding whether Lossiemouth will be given the chance to take on the boys at elite level next season.
Townend would rather see her continue on a different path to stablemate State Man and added: “It’s a privilege to ride both. I hope they stay apart for as long as possible.”
But Mullins commented: “Off that gallop, it was a great performance. Paul wanted to keep the lid on, for want of a better word.
“I think she has done enough for the year. All being well, she will go for the Champion Hurdle next year.”
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Ballyburn had to work harder than expected for victory in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown but still helped Willie Mullins become the most successful trainer in Irish racing history.
Mullins moved past the great Dermot Weld with career win number 4,378, even though the latest star to emerge from his Closutton production line was a little below par.
A couple of sloppy jumps left Paul Townend nudging the 1-5 market leader on the turn for home, but he soon reeled in front-running stablemate Mirazur West once straightening up.
Jessica Harrington’s Jetara came out of the chasing pack to move into second place, but Ballyburn produced a fine leap when it mattered most at the last to quickly ease any fears of an upset.
Ballyburn wins the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle! 🏆
And record-breaking Willie Mullins becomes the winning-most trainer in Irish racing history 👏👏
Although not as impressive as when powering home in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, the six-year-old completed a hat-trick of Grade One triumphs with three and a quarter lengths to spare.
On his record-breaking feat, Mullins said: “Dermot pioneered going down to Australia and won the Belmont Stakes, an American Triple Crown race. He’s done superb things, so to be mentioned alongside him is fantastic.”
Mullins sent out his first winner in 1988 and has become the dominant force in the Irish training ranks, with the Closutton handler set to be crowned champion for the 18th time when the Irish season concludes on Saturday.
His latest landmark comes at the end of a truly memorable season that saw Mullins saddle his 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival and become the first Irish trainer since the great Vincent O’Brien some 70 years ago to win the British trainers’ championship.
His big-race haul included the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs, the Champion Hurdle with State Man and the Grand National with I Am Maximus.
He added: “It’s tremendous to break Dermot’s record. Dermot broke lots of records and is a super trainer. Any time you can do something that Dermot Weld did, I’m in very privileged company.
“I imagine someone else will come and break those records, with new fixtures every year. Numbers and records are there to be broken and it’s just great to be here in this position.”
As for Ballyburn’s performance, Mullins commented: “He did it well, he’s just got a huge engine.
“I’m looking forward to whatever he’s going to do next year, whether we’ll stay hurdling or go jumping fences. I’ll have to have a word with connections, David Manasseh and Ronnie Bartlett.
Ballyburn ridden by Paul Townend jumps the last (Brian Lawless/PA).
“He’s just a really exciting prospect, the way he got down there and raced over the last two furlongs.
“It looked for a stride or two ‘would he get beaten’, as Jetara was coming with a lovely run. We were delighted with the way our fella finished.
“He’s still not mature and he’s racing too much throughout the race. Once he learns to settle a bit more and use his power at the end of the race, I think he’s going to be a super horse.
“We can go either direction with him. Two miles, two and a half – and on his pedigree, he can go out to three miles.
“I was just chatting to his point-to-point rider and he said he’s a fabulous jumper of a fence, so we have all that to put into the mix and see what direction we go in the future.
“A few of ours ran a bit flat earlier in the day and we were wondering would this fella do the same, but he didn’t. Good horses just dig deep and they do it.”
State Man claimed his 10th Grade One triumph when seeing off old rival Irish Point in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old made it a perfect five from five for the campaign by following up wins at the Dublin Racing Festival and Cheltenham with yet another straightforward success.
Irish Point gave State Man a decent work-out at Prestbury Park last month and Jack Kennedy was keen to push on at the head of affairs.
He was still in front turning for home but Paul Townend was sitting far more comfortably on State Man and they edged past approaching the final flight, where a much-better jump secured a decisive advantage.
🏆 TEN GRADE ONES FOR STATE MAN 🏆@WillieMullinsNH's star hurdler wins the Boodles Champion Hurdle at the @punchestownrace Festival to cap a perfect season 👏
To his credit, Irish Point battled on gamely all the way to the line, but 2-7 favourite State Man was always in control at that stage and ultimately obliged by two lengths.
It was a second straight success in this race for the victor, who has now come out on top in 12 of his last 13 races, only losing out to Constitution Hill at Cheltenham last year.
“A few of them had run a little disappointing today and we were a bit worried going out,” said Mullins.
“We were wondering what tactics Jack would use and the game went according to how we thought it would go.
“He just did what he normally does, pulled it out when he needed to pull it out.
“Paul said there was a cameraman on the line and he stopped to have a look and prick his ears at him. That’s the sort of horse he is, he’s just got lots of talent and he keeps doing it, which is huge.
“He’s very uncomplicated, he’s uncomplicated in his stable, he’s an old pet.”
State Man entering the winner’s enclosure (Gary Carson/PA)
When asked about future plans, he added: “Hurdling now is his career.
“He’s come a long way. He was a nice one in the County Hurdle and he was a nice one in a maiden hurdle at Limerick for 7lb claiming riders!
“He’s very easy to do anything with, a lovely horse.
“Irish Point would be a fair test, and we thought he was going to make it a fair test. Paul said he was going to ride him like he’s the best horse and forget about everything else. That’s where Paul is very good, things don’t get to him.”
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Brides Hill extended her unbeaten run to four with an impressive victory in the Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Chase at Punchestown.
Gavin Cromwell’s seven-year-old missed out on running at the Cheltenham Festival due to soft ground but gained ample compensation in this Grade Two contest over two and a half miles.
Paul Townend set out to make it a true test with a positive ride on Allegorie De Vassy, but Sean Flanagan always looked confident and comfortable on 15-8 chance Brides Hill in behind.
They picked off the favourite at the penultimate fence and then powered clear to score by 21 lengths, with Instit plugging on for second for Willie Mullins, while stablemate Allegorie De Vassy faded out.
Cromwell said: “She was very good. I was concerned, as I thought the ground was gone for her, to be honest.
“She was foot perfect, she has had issues with her jumping in the past but she’s become very good now.
“Keith (Donoghue) has done a lot of schooling with her and it’s unfortunate he can’t be on her, but Sean does a lot of work with these horses too and it’s nice to see him getting a day.
“At Cheltenham, we took her out because of the ground, but isn’t it great to win here.
“She’s a talented mare. The ground at Cheltenham this year was a bit of an extreme and it wouldn’t have worked. I’m glad we didn’t run her because we wouldn’t be here if we did.
“It’s been a brilliant season. All the horses are running great and that was my 70th jumps winner for the season. It’s fantastic, 62 was my best, and that was the target.”
Hgranca De Thaix ridden by Michael O’Sullivan (Brian Lawless/PA).
Barry Connell and Michael O’Sullivan teamed up to land the Listed-class EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase with 16-1 chance Hgranca De Thaix, who stayed on strongly to reel in long-time leader Perceval Legallois and went on to prevail by four lengths.
Connell said: “Lets Go Champ was third to him in Limerick last month and he won the equivalent race on Wednesday, so the form was there in the book.
“That will be his last run of the year. I want to give him a break, as he’s had five runs now. He’s only seven and he could be a Munster National horse or one for the Paddy Power.”
Its On The Line and jockey Derek O’Connor (Brian Lawless/PA)
Its On The Line and Derek O’Connor both had to dig deep into their respective reserves to complete an Aintree-Punchestown double in the Event Power Champion Hunters’ Chase, just wearing down Lifetime Ambition in the closing stages.
The latter had looked all over the winner when forging ahead after the second last but was steadied approaching the final obstacle by Susie Doyle and that allowed 6-4 favourite Its On The Line to build up enough momentum to swoop on the run-in and claim this prize for the second straight season.
Trainer Emmet Mullins said: “Derek came back in and said there’s not much point in instructions, as he’s a unique animal. He doesn’t make life easy but Derek has the trick to him.
“I was very happy the whole way around until the third last and there was a bit of a panic when Lifetime Ambition went on. Once he got over the second last, I was always fairly confident he was going to get him back.
“He’s very well named, that’s not the first occasion he’s done that. He’s just a horse that you have to hold his hand and bring him along, he’s got a big engine.”
O’Connor enjoyed a far easier ride when Don’tstopthemusic stormed home to take the Howden Insurance Brokers INH Flat Race for trainer Martin Brassil in the Sean and Bernardine Mulryan colours of Fastorslow, with the 5-2 shot scoring by six lengths on his first outing since August.
Private Ryan ridden by Jamie Scallan jumps the last on the way to victory (Brian Lawless/PA).
Private Ryan (9-4) pulled out just enough to get the better of brave front-runner De Nordener under Jamie Scallan in the opening Stanley Asphalt Hunters’ Chase for the Bishopscourt Cup, restricted to horses owned by local farmers.
“That’s brilliant,” said winning handler Sean Doyle. “We had him as a young horse and we sold him. He appeared in Doncaster last year, he had never raced for Nicky Henderson, as the syndicate fell out, and Henry (Chamney), a local farmer, was looking for something for this race.
“By luck, we stumbled across this lad and he fitted the bill well, so it all worked out. It’s like a dream come true for this man, he’ll absolutely love this. It’s all about getting a kick and it’s absolutely brilliant when it works.”
Eagle Fang secured a thrilling 22-1 win in the Uniquely Novice Hurdle for trainer William Durkan and jockey Oakley Brown.
Victory looked assured for the Townend-ridden 11-8 favourite Anotherway when he jumped the last three lengths clear, but an awkward landing cost him dearly, with Eagle Fang and 25-1 shot Ataboycharlie both coming through strongly to fight out the finish.
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Teahupoo cemented his position at the top of the staying hurdling tree with a devastating display in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.
Gordon Elliott’s charge could only finish fourth when 3-1 joint-favourite for the race 12 months ago – but victory this year could have been called a long way from home as the seven-year-old was ridden with supreme confidence by Jack Kennedy.
The 5-6 favourite travelled menacingly throughout the contest before putting the race to bed with ease once entering the straight, seeing off the enigmatic Asterion Forlonge by six and a half lengths.
It is the first time this century the winner of the equivalent race at the Cheltenham Festival has followed up at the Punchestown Festival and the Robcour-owned stayer finishes the season unbeaten having successfully defended his Hatton’s Grace crown in early December.
He has been trimmed to 5-2 favourite from 3s by Paddy Power to repeat his Stayers’ Hurdle heroics at Prestbury Park next March and for now appears an unstoppable force over three miles and timber.
A delighted Elliott said: “It was great for the horse and great for Jack, he has a big battle (jockeys’ title with Paul Townend) and it’s going to be a long tough week.
“He said he was stuck in a bit of a pocket behind Paul and he had to get out. He said the ground might be as quick as he wants it, but he was very good. He’s a great horse.”
Jack Kennedy all smiles with Teahupoo (PA)
Owner Brian Acheson added: “My main thing is about the horse because all the doubters from last year are now put to bed, and it’s great for Jack. I was really worried coming here because the horse didn’t let himself down on the ground last year.
“He was Robbie Power’s last ride here in the Champion Hurdle and finished last and I was thinking if it would be in the horse’s head. They are emotive creatures and they do remember stuff. By God did he give a performance today and I’m delighted.
“It’s petrifying, it’s torture, because you want the horse to show everybody how good they are.
“That’s really important for Jack, but Paul Townend isn’t going away.”
Sire Du Berlais was a star for Gordon Elliott (David Davies/PA)
There was, however, a sad postscript to the race for the Elliott yard, with Sire Du Berlais suffering a fatal injury. Three times a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, including last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle, the 12-year-old also won the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree twice.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken and he’s been a horse of a lifetime for us at Cullentra,” Elliott told Racing TV.
“Everyone is in bits over it, the girls and the lads at the yard and he’s been unbelievable so we’re all gutted.
“Thoughts are with JP, Noreen (McManus) and the whole family and it takes the gloss off the whole week, if I’m honest. I’m heartbroken.
“He was just a horse of a lifetime and you couldn’t write what he has done for us. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was a great horse.”
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Given that even Willie Mullins expressed his surprise with how easy Ballyburn won at Cheltenham, his appearance in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown is hugely anticipated.
Despite having won at the Dublin Racing Festival from subsequent Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Slade Steel by seven lengths, Mullins was refusing to get carried away by the Ballyburn hype.
However, his 13-length romp in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle forced Mullins to concede Ballyburn “could be anything” and he faces just five rivals, three of them stablemates.
His stable companions taking him on are Jimmy Du Seuil, second at Cheltenham to Ballyburn but only fourth at Aintree, Mirazur West, who missed Cheltenham and Aintree, and Predators Gold.
Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father, said: “Willie has decided to keep Ballyburn at the intermediate distance.
Paul Townend celebrates on Ballyburn at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)
“He won at the Festival last year when he beat Dancing City and Slade Steel, two Grade One winners. That was quite a strong bumper, ironically, as it wasn’t the Champion Bumper!
“He should be very difficult to beat again. We’ve been delighted with him since Cheltenham and hopefully he can finish his season out on top.
“This season hasn’t been straightforward for Mirazur West and he seems to be slightly better going right-handed but at this distance he would need to settle a lot more effectively than he has been.
“Predators Gold was below-par in Cheltenham, but we do think he’s much better than that and he could be an interesting outsider. I would think he’s overpriced as an each-way option and he is a Festival winner already, as he won the Goffs Defender Bumper last year.”
The field is completed by Gordon Elliott’s Staffordshire Knott, who chased home his stablemate Brighterdaysahead at Aintree and Jessica Harrington’s Jetara.
Lark In The Mornin and J J Slevin impressed in the Fred Winter (David Davies/PA)
Joseph O’Brien’s Fred Winter winner Lark In The Mornin reappears in the Uniquely Novice Hurdle, while Brides Hill takes on Allegorie De Vassey in the Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Chase.
In the Event Power Champion Hunters’ Chase, the Emmet Mullins-trained Its On The Line is out again having finished second at Cheltenham and won at Aintree.
The veteran Billaway, Ferns Lock, Samcro, Lifetime Ambition and Famous Clermont take him on.
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State Man will bid to put the seal on a faultless campaign in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday.
The seven-year-old has been pretty much blemish free since falling on his debut for Willie Mullins two and a half years ago, with the mighty Constitution Hill the only horse to deny him victory in 12 subsequent appearances.
This season State Man has successfully defended the Morgiana Hurdle, the Matheson Hurdle and the Irish Champion Hurdle, while the disappointing absence of Constitution Hill at the Cheltenham Festival gave him a gilt-edged opportunity to claim Champion Hurdle glory in March and he duly obliged.
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 12, 2024
Faced with just three rivals, the chestnut will be long odds-on to make it back-to-back wins in the Punchestown version and the Closutton handler has nothing but admiration for a horse you can seemingly set your clock by.
“He’s in great shape and he’s just a really healthy horse,” said Mullins.
“He turns up every day and having a horse like that is wonderful for the owners as you arrive at every festival you want, you’re there on the big days and hopefully you’re good enough to win and he has been very good.
“He’s got his Champion Hurdle and he is the kind of horse you want. It’s lovely having a superstar, but sometimes a superstar can only come out one day of the year and owners have horses to have days out and to enjoy the social side of racing.”
State Man (left) beating Irish Point at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)
State Man renews rivalry with Gordon Elliott’s Champion Hurdle runner-up Irish Point, as well as the fifth-placed Colonel Mustard from Lorna Fowler’s yard.
Fowler is realistic about the chances of her stable star, but is keen to roll the dice.
She said: “Cheltenham took a lot out of him and he needed every bit of that time since to recover. We thought of bringing him to Aintree and Ayr, but he just wouldn’t have been ready. I think he’s got the tank full again having had the time.
“We know what we’re up against, but we’ll do our best and it’s as simple as that. It’s a pleasure to have a horse run in that calibre of race and he does bring it to the table every time.
“And the other thing is, it is a horse race. There are jumps involved. I know what price we are and we’re right to be that price but anything can happen, and if you’re not in, you can’t win.”
The field is completed by Mullins’ second string Sir Gerhard, who is set to turn out just six days after finishing third in the Select Hurdle at Sandown.
Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: “We’ve been really happy with State Man since Cheltenham. He’s obviously going to bid to follow up on last year’s victory and emulate Honeysuckle, who won the two editions before that.
“Irish Point gave us a bit of a fright in Cheltenham, so reopposing with him is going to be interesting, but we think that State Man can be better than he was in Cheltenham, although Irish Point might try different tactics. It promises to be a fascinating clash.
“Sir Gerhard didn’t have an awfully hard race when third in Sandown and there’s fantastic prize-money up for grabs.”
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Fastorslow repeated his victory of last year as he once again got the better of Galopin Des Champs in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.
Martin Brassil’s charge was a shock 20-1 scorer from the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero 12 months ago, but he went off much shorter odds at 7-2 this time, with Galopin Des Champs 1-2 favourite.
Partnered by J J Slevin, Fastorslow travelled particularly well as Conflated set the early gallop and clearly had plenty still to give as the race began in earnest.
Slevin had his mount in pole position with two fences to jump and while Galopin Des Champs tried to challenge on the run to the last, he never really looked like getting on top.
Fastorslow cleared the last in style and galloped home for a one-and-a-quarter-length win over the dual Cheltenham champion, with King George winner Hewick finishing with real purpose to grab third, beaten a further two and a quarter lengths.
Sean and Bernardine Mulryan own Fastorslow and the former said: “It’s Punchestown, our local track, there is nothing better than this! All our friends and family are here, it’s very special.
“To win it last year was a bit of a shock, but to win it two years in a row is something that can probably never be repeated again. We have to enjoy every second.
“In a lifetime you could have a hundred horses and never have a horse like him.
“Martin is an extraordinary man to care for a horse and had him spot on today.”
Brassil has trained plenty of high-class horses in the past and sent out a Grand National winner in Numbersixvalverde back in 2006, but he is certain Fastorslow is the best he has trained.
He said: “He’s turned up in just as good a shape (as last year) and possibly even better.
“J J said he was running away with him for the first mile.
“He’s the best horse that I’ve ever had.”
JJ Slevin and Martin Brassil with the Punchestown Gold Cup (Niall Carson.PA)
The winner had unseated Slevin seven fences from home at Cheltenham and the rider was thrilled to gain compensation, with Fastorslow registering a third career win over Galopin Des Champs having also beaten him in the John Durkan here in December.
Slevin said: “He’s an absolute monster!
“He’s some horse and is by far the best horse I’ve ever ridden.
“He was actually keen for the first mile and I was very worried about that. He had a bit of a go at the first down the back and came out of my hands, but he’s an absolute machine.
“It was a long way home (from Cheltenham) but, at the end of the day, it is a horse race and you have to move on. There’s a lot of people in worse situations.”
Fastorslow was too good for Galopin Des Champs (Niall Carson/PA)
Willie Mullins, meanwhile, felt the winner had simply been the better horse on the day.
He said: “Fastorslow is always good this time of the year and around this track. J J gave him a very brave ride, he didn’t wait around for our fellow or anything like that – he went out and took the race by the scruff of the neck and it worked for him.
“Our fellow ran a great race and was staying on at the end, so more power to Fastorslow. It’s great for Sean and Bernardine Mulryan and Martin Brassil.
“Paul (Townend) set out to make the running and the race sort of overtook him. There is no point in forcing a horse to make the running and I don’t think he jumped well enough to make the running either.
“I’m happy with what happened and I think the better horse on the day won the race.”
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Redemption Day came from last to first to give rider Jody Townend a first Grade One win in the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race.
Trained by Willie Mullins, Redemption Day finished second in this contest two years ago before enduring a 611-day absence. But following a Fairyhouse win last month, he enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.
Stablemate Jasmin De Vaux was sent off the 6-4 favourite to follow up his Cheltenham bumper success, but Patrick Mullins was pushing along from some way out, while in contrast Townend was making smooth progress through the field having sat at the rear in the early stages.
Redemption Day was cantering over his rivals at the top of the straight and when Townend popped the question, he responded in style to run out a three-and-three-quarter-length winner.
Jody Townend celebrates a landmark Grade One win (Niall Carson/PA)
The winning rider said: “Once he settles, he has some engine. He has the turn of foot of a Flat horse. With the turn of foot he has, once he settled, I actually didn’t mind what they did.
“He went so asleep again on me again, you’d wonder what he is going to do and how much he is going to find. He did the same in Fairyhouse, he just picks up and I was still there too soon again today. Thankfully, it paid off.
“I just love the horse, I was second on him two years ago to Facile Vega here.
“I’m delighted for the owner, Tim O’Driscoll, as he gave him plenty of time when got the injury and stuff, and it has paid off.”
On riding her first Grade One winner, she added: “I can’t believe it to be honest, it is unreal!”
Mullins was delighted to see Townend strike a blow at the highest level and said: “That’s fantastic for Jody, her first Grade One.
“She’s always does her own thing in her races and it works! We often discuss what’s going to happen but when the tape goes up, Jody just does what Jody wants to do.
“She’s had some success, so we just have to take our hats off to her.
“This horse missed a year and I thought he could be Champion Bumper material. I thought that I’d rather do that than go hurdling. He can go hurdling next season.
“He followed home Facile Vega here two years ago and that sort of form stands up every day of the week. It paid off.
“He could run on the Flat over a mile and a half or a mile and six.”
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Dancing City had to dig deep to repel the challenge of fellow Willie Mullins runner High Class Hero in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
The winner was sent off as the 7-4 favourite in the hands of Paul Townend having claimed Grade One glory at last month’s Grand National meeting at Aintree, but he had ground to find with Stellar Story, who had beaten him by just over seven lengths in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham.
Dancing City was clearly travelling well at the top of the straight and while he easily had the measure of Stellar Story, High Class Hero served it up to him after jumping the last.
Townend’s mount responded to every urging though, and while the second tried his best, Dancing City held a half-length advantage at the line.
The victory was a third at Grade One level for Dancing City, having also struck at the Dublin Racing Festival back in February and Mullins lauded the winner’s attitude.
Dancing City leads High Class Hero over the last (Niall Carson/PA)
He said: “It just shows how tough he is that he’s been to every racing Festival, it takes a lot of doing. It all goes well for the future going over fences.
“He did quite well coming back from Aintree. We haven’t done that before – Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown. It looks achievable so we might do more of it in the future!
“He didn’t show how good he was until we went out in trip.
“High Class Hero ran very well and looked for a minute that he might upset Paul.”
Betfair make Dancing City a 10-1 chance for next year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham
Townend added: “He was (a good winner in Aintree) and I thought he had a hard race the last day.
“He has danced every dance, so to turn up here and perform was a big performance.
“He was disappointing at the start of his career, but he is more than making up for it now.
“In Aintree, when I left the back straight, I thought I was stuffed and, by the time I got into the straight, I was back on the bridle so he is a little bit deceiving.”
A third Grade 1 success of the season for the progressive Dancing City as the seven-year-old battles to victory in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle for the formidable @PTownend and @WillieMullinsNH partnership 🥇 pic.twitter.com/nJ9sQ9iI0q
He went on: “He doesn’t kill himself when he gets to the front and I got all mixed up with reins wrapped around my hand and everything, so all I could do was try to not interfere with him. He stuck it out well.
“He is indeed (progressive) and he is very deceiving. I was actually going to ride another one in Aintree and it got withdrawn on the day, so these things can work out for the best sometimes.
“I thought I bottomed him in Aintree, but he bounced out of it well and he’s a tough horse and a good horse.”
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Teahupoo is out become the first horse this century to do the Cheltenham-Punchestown Festival staying double when he lines up for the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle.
The seven-year-old gave Gordon Elliott back-to-back victories in the Cheltenham Festival’s staying hurdling showpiece in March, storming clear of his rivals to justify his status as well-backed favourite and cementing his place as the division’s number one performer.
Fourth 12 months ago, he will now attempt to finish the season unbeaten in the main event of Thursday’s action in Kildare.
“Teahupoo is in great order and this would look the logical step for him,” said Elliott.
“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.”
Teahupoo skipped the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree last month, while evergreen stablemate Sire Du Berlais was slated to line up there before being declared a non-runner and will also head to Punchestown well rested after a 49-day break.
One who was in action at both Cheltenham and on Merseyside was Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, who is now given one last chance to get a Grade One to his name over hurdles having improved on his Prestbury Park fourth when runner-up to Strong Leader in Liverpool.
Buddy One has been a star for the Gilligan team (Nigel French/PA)
Gilligan said: “The main one we have to beat is Gordon’s horse Teahupoo, but we’ve been happy with him since Aintree and all has gone well. He has it all to do to beat him, but hopefully he might.
“He seems to take his racing very well, but this will be it and wrap him up for the season. He will go on holiday after this. He came out of Aintree so well within himself, so we said ‘let’s go to Punchestown’.
“He did a nice piece of work last week and everything indicated we should run, so we will see how it goes.
“If we pulled it off it would be great and I guess if he doesn’t take to fences next year then he can always come back over hurdles to run in these races.”
Home By The Lee was third at Cheltenham in March (Niall Carson/PA)
Ahead of Buddy One but six lengths adrift of Teahupoo in third at Prestbury Park was Joseph O’Brien’s Home By The Lee, with the second highest rated in the line-up bidding to snap a losing run that dates back to Christmas 2022.
He was keeping on strongly at the finish at Cheltenham with his handler optimistic of a bold showing here.
O’Brien said: “He ran well at Cheltenham and has prepared well for this race. Since Cheltenham the plan was always to come to Punchestown and we’re happy with how he has prepared. He has a few lengths to make up with Teahupoo, but we’re hoping for a good run.”
Willie Mullins has won this race 10 times overall, and for the last three years, and will this time rely on the enigmatic Asterion Forlonge and ever-popular Monkfish.
Willie Mullins has a fine record in this race (John Walton/PA)
The former has mixed and matched hurdles with good effect recently, winning a Cork Grade Three over the larger obstacles last time, while Monkfish has also been seen in both disciplines of late, sixth at Aintree most recently.
Henry de Bromhead is another with two in the contest, saddling both Mares’ Hurdle fourth Lantry Lady and Summerville Boy – who has been knocking on the door in his last three starts.
Mouse Morris’ Coral Cup fifth Franciscan Rock, Fairyhouse scorer Whatcouldhavebeen (Jarlath Fahey) and No Looking Back (Oliver McKiernan) complete the field.
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