Gaelic Warrior once again proved he belongs in the upper echelon of staying chasers this season, adding the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham triumph with 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 that underscored his superior conditioning. As the 5/6 favourite, he was allowed to settle comfortably before being asked for a final effort with two fences left to jump. Jockey Paul Townend gave the cue, and the horse responded instantly, pulling away with such ease that the finish line seemed almost a formality.
Fact To File, the market rival and stablemate, was the only challenger to threaten the dominant display. After a gallant effort, the rival finished 26 lengths behind, having tried to dictate the pace early on. The clear superiority of Gaelic Warrior was evident as he coasted home, his stride long and unhurried, confirming his status as the class of the field.
Mullins could barely contain his excitement when he spoke about the race: "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 were given the freedom to ride their horses as they saw fit, and over that trip Gaelic Warrior simply had the measure of Fact To File. On a shorter course the result might have been different, but today it was a spectacular contest.
It takes two great horses to produce a race like that, and it was wonderful that JP McManus let Fact To File give him a run. It made the day unforgettable. Both horses got the race they wanted. Fact To File posted a respectable time up front, and Paul Townend settled his mount perfectly.
There were no excuses, just pure, top‑class racing." The win adds to an already packed schedule for Gaelic Warrior. Mullins noted, "He started his campaign here in November, then went on to Kempton for the King George, raced at the Dublin Racing Festival, tackled Cheltenham, and now back at Punchestown.
My philosophy is simple: when you have the horses and the sponsors provide good money, you take the opportunities. I try to run them as often as we can in quality contests." 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 turned the tables in the Irish Gold Cup. Mullins hinted that the two could meet again next season in the John Durkan, saying, "That would be the ideal plan for Gaelic Warrior's return." Owner Rich Ricci expressed his delight: "We've never won this race before, so it was special. JP was very sporting in running 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 at Punchestown since Ruby Walsh retired in 2019. Between Covid and other commitments, it's been a long time away, but the people here are brilliant and I'm over the moon with this win." In other Punchestown action, Le Frimeur continued his unbeaten run by taking the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, handing trainer Harry Derham his first Grade One success. After a brisk early pace set by Espresso Milan, J J Slevin guided the 18/1 outsider Le Frimeur to the front as they turned for home.
The 11/4 favourite Zanoosh chased but could not match the accelerating French‑bred, finishing six and a half lengths behind. Derham, beaming, said, "It's a cliché, but I really dream about training Grade One winners. It's unreal, and having access to horses like this is unbelievable. Simon Munir grabbed me at last year's meeting and said he would send this horse my way.
The horse improved steadily throughout the spring, and we believed in him enough to bring him here. JJ thought three miles was the right distance, and it paid off spectacularly." Jockey Slevin praised the young trainer: "Harry is ambitious and only moving upward. It was a big shout from him to run in this race.
The facilities at Punchestown are top‑notch – great gallops, schooling grounds – so credit to him for making the most of it." Josh Halford timed his ride to perfection on With Nolimit in the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race. The five‑year‑old, who had finished ninth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, held off a late challenge from Festival hero The Mourne Rambler, who appeared to be hampered before rallying.
With Nolimit crossed the line a length and three‑quarters ahead of Noel Meade's 11/8 favourite. Trainer Gordon Elliott reflected, "He ran a good race at Cheltenham, perhaps a little too keen.
I think I gave Harry Swan the wrong instructions, but we took our time today. All credit to Josh for a superb ride. He's a hard‑working lad from a good background, patient and reliable.
Winning a Grade One is a huge achievement for him." Elliott added that the victory brought his stable to a record‑tying twelve Grade One wins this season, hoping for another before the week ends. Henry de Bromhead's Nouvotic, at 7/1, surged clear after the third fence to win the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase under jockey Darragh O'Keeffe. De Bromhead said, "It's wonderful to get a win, especially for Roger Brookhouse, a great supporter of Punchestown who comes every year. This is our second victory in this race after Lets Go Champ.
Darragh got an easy lead, and I'm delighted." When asked about a potential run in the Galway Plate, he replied, "He could be a contender, but his rating might be a little low. He was rated 130 there, so he may not make the cut, but he could target the Blazers or similar races. He loves this ground." Overall, Punchestown delivered a day of high‑quality racing, with Gaelic Warrior's double cementing his legacy as the season's premier staying chaser, while emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike provided thrilling narratives across the programme.