Gaelic Warrior once again proved he belongs among the top staying chasers 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 renowned Willie Mullins, moved through the race with effortless grace. As the 5/6 favourite, he settled comfortably before being urged forward by jockey Paul Townend with two fences left to jump.
At that point he responded instantly, pulling clear of the field and cruising to the finish line with a staggering 26‑length margin over his stablemate Fact To File, who had tried to challenge him from the front. Mullins could not hide his excitement after the race.
"It was a massive effort. My heart was in my mouth when Paul sent him (Fact To File) into the race a few fences from the finish. I was wondering if they would clash or what would happen.
They were both going at a high tempo," he said. "Both riders gave their mounts a 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 spectacular race – it takes two horses to make a day memorable. It was great that JP (McManus) allowed Fact To File to take him on.
It made for a memorable day. Both horses got the race they wanted.
Fact To File posted a nice time up front and Paul was able to settle his fellow. No excuses from either jockey." The win added to an already packed campaign for Gaelic Warrior.
Mullins explained his philosophy: "He started here in November, then went to Kempton for the King George, the Dublin Racing Festival, Cheltenham and now back here. If you have quality horses and sponsors offering good money, you should take the opportunities.
I try to run them as often as possible when the conditions are right." 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 in next season's John Durkan, saying, "That would be the right plan for Gaelic Warrior's return." Owner Rich Ricci expressed his delight at the historic victory. "We've never won this race before. It was very sporting of JP to run his horse; the ground perhaps didn't suit him, but he's a fantastic animal. 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 challenges, but the people here are brilliant and I'm over‑the‑moon with this result." The card at Punchestown offered more excitement beyond the Gold Cup. In the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, Le Frimeur continued his unbeaten streak, beating the well‑known Zanoosh and delivering trainer Harry Derham his first Grade One triumph.
After a patient ride by jockey J J Slevin, Le Frimeur surged to the lead in the home stretch, finishing six and a half lengths ahead. Derham, who described his dream of training Grade One winners as a cliché, said, "It's absolutely unreal. Having access to horses like this is unbelievable. Simon (Munir) first mentioned the horse last year, and after a setback in the autumn he has only improved.
We believed in him, and JJ thought three miles was the right distance – it turned out to be perfect." Slevin praised the young trainer, noting, "Harry is ambitious and only moving upward. It was a big shout for him to bring a horse of this calibre to a Grade One. The facilities at Punchestown are superb – great gallops, schooling grounds – so credit to him for making the most of it." In the Champion I.N.H. Flat Race, Josh Halford timed his ride impeccably to guide With Nolimit to victory.
The five‑year‑old, trained by Gordon Elliott, had finished ninth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but stepped up brilliantly, holding off a late challenge from Festival hero The Mourne Rambler and finishing a length and three‑quarters clear of favourite Noel Meade’s entry. Elliott reflected, "He ran well at Cheltenham, perhaps a little too eager. I think I gave Harry (Swan) the wrong instructions, but we took it slower today. All credit to Josh – he gave a superb ride.
He's a hard‑working lad from a good background, patient and reliable, and I’m thrilled for him to win a Grade One." The day also saw Henry de Bromhead’s Nouvotic claim the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase. Riding for Darragh O'Keeffe, the seven‑year‑old surged clear three fences from the finish, securing a comfortable win. De Bromhead praised the effort, especially for owner Roger Brookhouse, a loyal Punchestown supporter, saying, "It’s wonderful to get a win for Roger, who comes here every year.
This is our second victory in this race after Lets Go Champ. The lead Darragh got was easy, and I’m delighted." When asked about future possibilities, de Bromhead mused, "He could aim for the Galway Plate, though his rating might not be high enough yet. He’s rated 130, so perhaps a Blazer or a similar race would suit.
He loves this ground." Overall, Punchestown delivered a day packed with high‑quality performances, memorable duels, and historic achievements. Gaelic Warrior’s double cemented his status as the season’s premier staying chaser, while emerging talents like Le Frimeur and With Nolimit reminded fans that the future of Irish National Hunt racing remains bright and full of promise.