Gaelic Warrior once again proved why he is the premier staying chaser of the season, adding the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham triumph with a flawless display. The eight‑year‑old, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, moved through the race with effortless grace, living up to his short‑priced 5/6 favourite status.
After cruising past market rival and stablemate Fact To File with three fences to go, Paul Townend gave him a gentle urging, and the horse responded instantly, pulling away cleanly and finishing a staggering 26 lengths ahead. Mullins could hardly contain his excitement after the race. "It was a massive performance," he said. "My heart was in my mouth when Paul joined Fact To File between the fourth‑last and third‑last fences.
I kept wondering whether they would collide or what would happen next. Both jockeys were letting their mounts run free, and Gaelic Warrior seemed to have the measure of Fact To File over that distance. On a shorter trip the result might have been different, but today it was a spectacular race. It takes two top‑class horses to make a day memorable, and JP (McManus) gave Fact To File the chance to challenge, which added to the excitement.
Both horses got the race they wanted – Fact To File set a nice pace up front, and Paul was able to settle his mount comfortably. There are no excuses for either runner." The win fits neatly into Gaelic Warrior’s packed campaign.
Mullins noted, "He started here in November, then went to Kempton for the King George, the Dublin Racing Festival, Cheltenham and now Punchestown. My philosophy is simple: if you have the horses and the sponsors are offering good money, you take the opportunities. I try to run them as often as possible when the conditions are right." This meeting marked the third clash between Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File this season. Their first encounter was in the John Durkan at Punchestown, after which Fact To File turned the tables in the Irish Gold Cup.
Mullins hinted that the two might meet again next season in the John Durkan, earmarking the race as a perfect target for Gaelic Warrior’s return. "That would be the right plan," he said.
Owner Rich Ricci was overjoyed with the victory, adding, "We’ve never won this race before. It was very sporting of JP to run his horse; the ground perhaps didn’t suit him, but he’s a fantastic animal. I’m thrilled to have finally captured this trophy.
I haven’t been back since Ruby Walsh retired in 2019, and the past few years have been busy with Covid and other commitments. The people here are brilliant, and I couldn’t be happier with the result." The card also featured a standout performance from Le Frimeur, who maintained his unbeaten streak in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle.
Sent off at 18/1, the Harry Derham‑trained runner surged to the front in the closing stages, beating the 11/4 favourite Zanoosh by six and a half lengths. Derham, who secured his first Grade One victory, said, "It’s a cliché, but I truly dream of training Grade One winners. It feels unreal and makes everything easier when you have top‑class horses.
Simon Munir grabbed me at last year’s meeting and promised to send me this horse. To have access to horses of this calibre is unbelievable. He had a setback in the autumn but has improved steadily all spring.
We had no idea how good he was coming here, and even now I’m not entirely sure we do. JJ said he made several mistakes in the race, yet he still beat a quality field.
It’s absolutely unreal." J.J. Slevin praised Derham, noting, "Harry is a young, ambitious trainer moving only upward.
It was a bold move to run him in that race, and he deserved the shout. Rated 129, you’d think a handicap would be logical, but the facilities at Punchestown are top‑notch – great gallops, schooling grounds, everything. Fair play to him." In the flat, Josh Halford timed his ride to perfection on With Nolimit, who captured the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race.
The five‑year‑old, trained by Gordon Elliott, had finished ninth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but turned the tables at Punchestown, holding off Festival hero The Mourne Rambler and finishing a length and three‑quarters clear of favourite Noel Meade’s entry. Elliott reflected, "He ran a good race at Cheltenham, perhaps a bit too keen.
I may have given Harry (Swan) the wrong instructions, but we took our time today. Credit to Josh for a superb ride. He works hard in the yard, is a lovely lad, and comes from good stock.
He’s been with me for a couple of years, delivering several winners. He’s quiet, patient, and I’m thrilled he finally secured a Grade One – they’re hard to come by." The day also saw Henry de Bromhead’s Nouvotic, at 7/1, dominate the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase, pulling clear three fences out under Darragh O'Keeffe.
De Bromhead expressed his delight, "It’s wonderful to get a win, especially for Roger Brookhouse, a great supporter of Punchestown who comes here every year. This is the second time we’ve won this race, the first being with Lets Go Champ a few years ago. I was amazed by the easy lead Darragh secured – I’m just delighted." When asked about a potential Galway Plate bid, he added, "He could try, though his rating might be a touch low. He was 130 there, so he may not make the cut, but he could aim for the Blazers or a similar race.
He loves that ground." Overall, Punchestown delivered a day packed with high‑class performances, thrilling finishes, and memorable moments for trainers, jockeys, owners, and fans alike. The races showcased the depth of talent in Irish National Hunt racing and set the stage for exciting rematches and new storylines as the season progresses.