Gaelic Warrior once again proved he belongs among the top staying chasers of the season, adding the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham triumph with a commanding display that left spectators in awe. Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, the eight‑year‑old gelding settled into a smooth rhythm from the start, cruising comfortably as the 5/6 favourite.
With just three fences left, Paul Townend gave him a gentle urging, and the champion responded by pulling away effortlessly, sealing a victory by a massive 26‑length margin over stablemate Fact To File, who had tried to press the pace early on. Mullins could not hide his excitement after the race, 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 was wondering whether they would clash or what would happen. Both jockeys just let them run.
Over that distance Gaelic Warrior seemed to have the measure of Fact To File. Over a shorter trip it might have been different. It was a hell of a horse race – it takes two horses to make it memorable.
It was great that JP (McManus) let Fact To File take him on. It made for a memorable day. Both horses got the run they wanted. Fact To File posted a nice time up front and Paul was able to settle his fellow.
No excuses at all." The trainer also reflected on the demanding campaign Gaelic Warrior has endured this year. "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.
My philosophy is simple: if you have the horses and the sponsors are offering good money, you should go for it. I try to give them as many opportunities as possible when the conditions are right." This meeting marked the third encounter between Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File this season.
Their first clash was in the John Durkan at Punchestown, after which Fact To File exacted revenge in the Irish Gold Cup. Mullins hinted that the two may meet again in next season's John Durkan, noting that it would be a logical target for his star chaser. Owner Rich Ricci expressed his delight at the historic win. "We've never taken this race before.
It was very sporting of JP to run his horse, the ground probably didn't suit him, but he's a fantastic horse. I'm thrilled to win it. I haven't been here since Ruby Walsh retired in 2019.
We've had a busy few years with Covid and other things, but the people here are brilliant and I'm over the moon. I couldn't be happier." The card also featured a standout performance from Le Frimeur, who kept his unbeaten record intact by winning the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle. Trainer Harry Derham celebrated his first Grade One victory, saying, "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) actually grabbed me at last year's meeting and said he would send me this horse.
To have access to horses like this is unbelievable. He had a setback in the autumn but improved all spring. We had no idea how good he was coming here and I'm still not sure we fully understand his ability.
JJ said he did plenty wrong in the race and he's beaten a quality field well. It's absolutely unreal." Derham added, "We believed in the horse, otherwise we wouldn't have brought him here. JJ thought three miles was the right distance and it paid off." Jockey JJ Slevin praised the young trainer, noting, "Harry is ambitious and only moving upwards.
It was a big shout from Harry to run him in that race. The facilities at Punchestown are superb – great gallops, schooling grounds – so credit to him." In the flat, Josh Halford timed his ride perfectly on With Nolimit to claim 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 ahead of Noel Meade's 11/8 favourite. Elliott reflected, "He ran a good race at Cheltenham, maybe a little too much.
I probably gave Harry the wrong instructions, but we took our time today. All credit to Josh – he gave a great ride. He's a hard‑working lad from good stock, patient and quiet, and I'm thrilled for him to win a Grade One. It's tough to get them." The Cullentra stable celebrated another Grade One, bringing their season tally to a record‑equalling twelve, and hinted at the possibility of adding another before the week ends.
Henry de Bromhead's Nouvotic, sent off at 7/1, surged clear after the third fence to win the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase under jockey Darragh O'Keeffe. De Bromhead praised the effort, saying, "It's lovely to get a win, especially for Roger (Brookhouse) who loves Punchestown and comes every year. It's the second time we've won this race – we won with Lets Go Champ a few years back.
I couldn't believe the easy lead Darragh got and I'm delighted." When asked about a potential run in the Galway Plate, de Bromhead replied, "He could, but his rating might not be high enough – he was 130 there, so he may not make the cut. He could target the Blazers or similar races. He loves the ground." Overall, Punchestown delivered a day of high‑quality racing, with Gaelic Warrior's double cementing his status as the season's premier staying chaser, while emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike added depth and excitement to the festival. The event showcased the depth of Irish training expertise, the bravery of jockeys, and the relentless ambition of owners and sponsors who continue to elevate the sport to new heights.