Gaelic Warrior once again proved he belongs to the upper echelon of staying chasers this season by adding the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham triumph, delivering a performance that left spectators in awe. The eight‑year‑old, trained by the renowned Willie Mullins, travelled with effortless grace from the start, maintaining a smooth rhythm as the 5/6 favourite.
He settled comfortably behind his stablemate Fact To File, who was making a bid three fences out, before jockey Paul Townend asked him to quicken with two fences remaining. Responding instantly, Gaelic Warrior surged ahead, clearing the final obstacles with ease and establishing a commanding lead that grew with each stride. He coasted to the finish line a remarkable 26 lengths ahead of Fact To File, who had tried to press the pace from the front. Mullins could not hide his excitement, saying, "It was a massive performance.
My heart was in my mouth when Paul brought Fact To File alongside between the fourth‑last and third‑last fences. I kept wondering whether they would clash or what would happen next. Both jockeys gave their mounts a free rein, and over that trip Gaelic Warrior simply had the measure of Fact To File.
Over a shorter distance the result might have been different, but it was a spectacular race that needed two top‑class horses to make it memorable. It was great that JP McManus let Fact To File take on Gaelic Warrior – it added drama to the day.
Both horses ran exactly how they wanted, and there were no excuses." Mullins also reflected on the packed schedule Gaelic Warrior has endured this campaign: "He started his season here in November, then went to Kempton for the King George, raced at the Dublin Racing Festival, tackled Cheltenham and now back here at Punchestown. My philosophy is simple – if you have quality horses and the sponsors are offering good money, you take the opportunities. I try to give them as many runs as possible when the conditions are right." The rivalry between Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File has been a highlight of the season. The two met for the third time at Punchestown, having first clashed in the John Durkan at the same venue, with Fact To File later exacting revenge in the Irish Gold Cup.
Looking ahead, Mullins hinted that the pair could meet again in next season's John Durkan, stating, "That would be the logical plan for Gaelic Warrior's return." Owner Rich Ricci celebrated the historic win, noting, "We've never won this race before. It was very sporting of JP to run his horse, even if the ground perhaps didn't suit him. He's a fantastic animal.
I'm thrilled to finally lift this trophy – I haven't been at Punchestown since Ruby Walsh retired in 2019. The pandemic and other commitments kept me away, but the people here are brilliant and I couldn't be happier." The card also featured a standout performance from Le Frimeur, who maintained his unbeaten record by powering home in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle. Trained by Harry Derham, the 18/1 outsider surged ahead as the field turned for home, beating the 11/4 favourite Zanoosh by six and a half lengths. Derham, who secured his first Grade One victory, remarked, "It's a cliché, but I truly dream of training Grade One winners.
This win makes everything easier because now I have access to top‑class horses. Simon grabbed me at last year's meeting and promised to send me this horse.
Despite a setback in the autumn, the horse has improved steadily all spring. We had no idea how good he was until today, and even now I'm still amazed. JJ said he made several mistakes in the race, yet he still beat a quality field – it's unbelievable." J.J. Slevin, who rode Le Frimeur, praised the young trainer: "Harry is ambitious and only moving upward.
It's a big shout for him to bring a horse to this level. The facilities here are superb, and the gallops are top‑notch – well done, Harry." In the Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race, Josh Halford timed his ride perfectly on With Nolimit, guiding the five‑year‑old to a comfortable one‑and‑three‑quarter‑length victory over Festival hero The Mourne Rambler, who had been briefly hampered near the finish. Gordon Elliott, the trainer, said of his 14/1 winner, "He ran a good race at Cheltenham but may have been over‑fitted.
I think I gave Harry (Swan) the wrong instructions. We took it slower today, and credit goes to Josh for the great ride. He's a hard‑working lad from good stock, patient and reliable.
I'm thrilled for him – winning a Grade One is a rare achievement." Elliott added that the win brings his stable to a record‑tying twelve Grade One victories this season, hoping for another before the week ends. Henry de Bromhead’s Nouvotic (7/1) also shone, pulling clear three fences out to win the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase under jockey Darragh O'Keeffe.
De Bromhead expressed his delight, noting, "It’s wonderful to secure a win for Roger Brookhouse, a great supporter of Punchestown who comes here every year. This is our second win in this race after Lets Go Champ.
The easy lead Darragh got was fantastic – I’m thrilled." When asked about the horse’s future, he mused, "He could target the Galway Plate, though his rating might not be high enough yet. He’s rated 130, so perhaps the Blazers or a similar race would suit – he loves this ground." Overall, Punchestown delivered a day filled with memorable duels, record‑breaking achievements, and the emergence of new talent, reinforcing its reputation as a premier festival in the Irish racing calendar.