Gaelic Warrior once again proved why he is the premier staying chaser of the season when he added the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham triumph, delivering a performance that left spectators in awe. The eight‑year‑old, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, travelled with effortless grace from the start, maintaining a smooth rhythm that kept him comfortably in contention.
As the 5/6 favourite, he was allowed to settle behind his stablemate Fact To File, who had taken the early lead, before Paul Townend asked him for a decisive move with two fences remaining. Responding instantly, Gaelic Warrior surged ahead, clearing the remaining obstacles with ease and establishing a commanding lead. He never looked back, cruising to the finish line a staggering 26 lengths ahead of Fact To File, who had tried to dictate the pace from the front.
The margin was a clear testament to the horse’s stamina, jumping ability and the tactical acumen of both jockeys. Mullins could hardly contain his excitement after the race. "It was a massive effort," 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 if they would clash or what would happen. They were both going at a high speed, but both jockeys let them run their race. Over that distance Gaelic Warrior seemed to have the edge over Fact To File.
Over a shorter trip it might have been different. It was a hell of a race and it takes two top‑class horses to make it memorable.
It was great that JP McManus let Fact To File challenge him – it made the day unforgettable. Both horses got the run they wanted. Fact To File posted a nice time up front and Paul was able to settle his mount. No excuses at all." The win added another chapter to Gaelic Warrior’s already packed schedule.
Mullins recounted the horse’s campaign: "He started 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 should take the opportunities. I try to run them as often 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 pair could meet again next season in the John Durkan, stating, "That would be the right plan for Gaelic Warrior’s return." Owner Rich Ricci also expressed his delight: "We’ve never won this race before, so it was a special achievement.
JP was very sporting in running his horse; the ground perhaps didn’t suit him, but he’s a fantastic competitor. I’m thrilled to have finally claimed this title. I haven’t been at Punchestown since Ruby Walsh retired in 2019, and after a busy few years – including Covid – it feels great to be back and win. The people here are brilliant, and I couldn’t be happier." The card at Punchestown offered more excitement beyond the Gold Cup.
In the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, Le Frimeur kept his unbeaten record, out‑sprinting the well‑regarded Zanoosh to give trainer Harry Derham his first Grade One victory. After a strong start by Espresso Milan, J J Slevin guided Le Frimeur (18/1) to the front as they turned for home. Zanoosh, the 11/4 favourite, tried to mount a challenge for a potential six‑taster but fell short, finishing six and a half lengths behind.
Derham, beaming, said, "It’s a cliché, but I truly dream of training Grade One winners. It’s unreal and makes everything easier when you have top‑class horses. Simon (Munir) grabbed me at last year’s meeting and promised to send this horse my way.
To have access to horses like this is unbelievable. He had a little setback in the autumn but improved all spring. We had no idea how good he was, and even now I’m not entirely sure. JJ said we’d made mistakes in the race, yet he still beat a quality field – it’s absolutely unreal." J J Slevin praised the young trainer: "Harry is ambitious and only moving upward.
It was a big shout from Harry to run him in that race. The facilities at Punchestown are first‑rate – great schooling grounds and gallops – so credit to him for making the most of it." In the Punchestown Champion I.N.H.
Flat Race, Josh Halford timed his ride perfectly to guide With Nolimit to victory. 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, who appeared hampered near the finish, to win by a length and three‑quarters over Noel Meade’s 11/8 favourite. Elliott reflected on his 14/1 winner: "He ran well at Cheltenham, perhaps a little too hard. I may have given Harry (Swan) the wrong instructions, but we took it slower today.
Credit to Josh for a great ride. He works hard in the yard, is a lovely lad from good stock, and has been with me for a couple of years, delivering several winners. He’s quiet, patient, and I’m thrilled for him to win a Grade One – they’re hard to come by." The Cullentra stable celebrated another milestone, noting that the season now matches their best ever in terms of Grade One victories (twelve) and 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 praised the effort: "It’s wonderful to secure a win, especially for Roger Brookhouse, a great supporter of Punchestown who comes every year. This is our second win in this race after Lets Go Champ a few years ago. I couldn’t believe the easy lead Darragh got, and I’m delighted." When asked about the horse’s prospects for the Galway Plate, he added, "He could be a contender, though his rating might be a touch low.
He was rated 130 there, so he may not meet the cutoff, but he could aim for the Blazers or similar races. He loves the ground here." Overall, Punchestown delivered a day of high‑octane racing, with Gaelic Warrior’s dominant Gold Cup double serving as the headline act, while a host of other top‑class performances highlighted the depth of talent across the festival. The event reinforced the importance of strategic placement, the value of strong trainer‑jockey partnerships, and the thrill of seeing emerging talent like Harry Derham claim a first‑grade victory on a historic stage.