Gaelic Warrior once again proved why he is the premier staying chaser of the season, adding the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham crown with a dominant display that left spectators in awe. The eight‑year‑old, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, moved through the race with effortless grace, confirming his status as the class of the field. From the start, the 5/6 favourite settled comfortably, cruising around the early leaders before making his move three fences from the finish. Jockey Paul Townend, who had been patiently guiding the horse, asked for a gentle nudge as they approached the final two jumps.
Gaelic Warrior answered instantly, leaping cleanly and then pulling away with such ease that the race was essentially decided in the last quarter mile. He crossed the line a staggering 26 lengths ahead of his stablemate and chief rival, Fact To File, who had attempted to press the pace from the front. Mullins could hardly contain his excitement in the post‑race interview.
"It was a massive performance," he said. "My heart was in my mouth when Paul brought Fact To File alongside between the fourth‑last and third‑last fences. I was wondering whether they'd clash or what would happen.
They were both travelling at a blistering speed. "Both jockeys gave them free rein. Over that distance Gaelic Warrior seemed to have the edge over Fact To File.
Over 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 like this memorable, and JP (McManus) did a great service by allowing Fact To File to challenge him. "Both horses got the run they wanted.
Fact To File posted a respectable time up front and Paul was able to settle his mount perfectly. There are no excuses for either side – just a fantastic contest." The win adds to what has been a whirlwind campaign for Gaelic Warrior. "He started his season here in November, then went to Kempton for the King George, raced at the Dublin Racing Festival, took the Cheltenham Gold Cup and now he's back at Punchestown," Mullins explained.
"My philosophy is simple: if you have good horses and the sponsors are offering attractive prize money, you should take the opportunity. I try to give my horses as many chances as possible when the conditions suit." 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 may meet again next year in the John Durkan, saying, "That would be the perfect plan for Gaelic Warrior's return." Owner Rich Ricci was equally elated. "We've never won this particular race before, so it means a lot," he said.
"It was very sporting of JP to run his horse; the ground may not have suited him, but he's a fantastic animal. I'm thrilled to claim this victory. I haven't been to Punchestown since Ruby Walsh retired in 2019 – a lot has happened, including the pandemic – but the people here are wonderful and I couldn't be happier." The card also featured a notable win for trainer Harry Derham, whose unbeaten colt Le Frimeur captured the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle.
The 18/1 outsider surged to the front in the final stages, beating the 11/4 favourite Zanoosh by six and a half lengths. Derham, who secured his first Grade One triumph, said, "It's a cliché, but I truly dream of training Grade One winners.
This victory makes everything feel more attainable, especially with top‑class horses in the yard. Simon (Munir) approached me last year and said he wanted to send me this horse. To have access to talent like that is unbelievable." J J Slevin, who rode Le Frimeur, praised Derham's ambition.
"Harry is a young, driven trainer who only goes one way – up. It was a bold move to bring him into this race, and he deserved the credit. The facilities at Punchestown are first‑rate, so fair play to him for making the most of it." In the flat division, Josh Halford timed his ride perfectly on With Nolimit, securing 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 improved dramatically, holding off a late challenge from Festival hero The Mourne Rambler to win by a length and three‑quarters. Elliott reflected, "He ran a good race at Cheltenham, perhaps a bit too keen.
I may have given Harry (Swan) the wrong instructions, but Josh gave him a superb ride. I'm proud of Josh – he works hard in the yard and deserves this Grade One win." The day also saw Henry de Bromhead's Nouvotic claim the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase, pulling clear three fences from the finish under jockey Darragh O'Keeffe. De Bromhead lauded the effort, especially for owner Roger Brookhouse, a loyal supporter of Punchestown. "It's wonderful to secure a win for Roger, who comes here every year.
The lead Darragh got was impressive, and I'm delighted with the result." Looking ahead, de Bromhead hinted that Nouvotic could be aimed at the Galway Plate, though rating considerations might affect the decision. "He loves the ground here and could be a contender for the Blazers or a similar race, but his rating may be a factor," he said.
Overall, Punchestown delivered a memorable festival filled with high‑class performances, surprise victories, and the kind of drama that keeps racing fans coming back for more. The event showcased the depth of talent among trainers, jockeys, and owners, and set the stage for an exciting second half of the National Hunt season.