May 01 / 16.15 Punchestown

16.15

Yielding

Uniquely Champion Hunters Chase

  • Prize money: £15365.22
  • 3m 0f 160y
  • 14 runners
RTE2
View Course
Uniquely Champion Hunters Chase

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 4321-7

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has run only three times since beating Its On The Line at Cheltenham last season; winner of points at Dromahane in November and 19 days ago, that recent display providing reassurance after a disappointingly lifeless Cheltenham defence; leading contender for the stable that has dominated the point-to-point scene this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

Has run only three times since beating Its On The Line at Cheltenham last season; winner of points at Dromahane in November and 19 days ago, that recent display providing reassurance after a disappointingly lifeless Cheltenham defence; leading contender for the stable that has dominated the point-to-point scene this season.

3/1

7th

23

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

4-4 since bought for £33,000 in July 2024 and he emerged from midfield to win this last year (good to soft; effective on softer), fending off the late charge of Its On The Line; has undergone a similar preparation, arriving here fresh after winning a point in early November; there have been back-to-back winners of this race and a bold defence looks on the cards.

11/2

1st

23

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Wonderwall

12st 0lb

J: Mr R James

T: S Curling

Only three runs over regulation fences but he was third in a Grade 2 in 2022 and fourth in a good novice handicap here in late 2023; signed off for the Bowen yard last summer with respectable runs over hurdles and hasn't been overly pressed to win two small-field points in Ireland for this stable; positive jockey booking and brings each-way hopes provided a 131-day break doesn't come back to bite him.

25/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 21-129 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won this for the third time last year; contrasting profile in the Cheltenham equivalent now having finished second in four consecutive years; easily the best of the Irish this year, with Panda Boy fifth and Wonderwall (his conqueror last year) seventh; never got competitive in the Aintree Foxhunter, a rare blot on his record; has his quirks, but as tough as they come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this for the third time last year; contrasting profile in the Cheltenham equivalent now having finished second in four consecutive years; easily the best of the Irish this year, with Panda Boy fifth and Wonderwall (his conqueror last year) seventh; never got competitive in the Aintree Foxhunter, a rare blot on his record; has his quirks, but as tough as they come.

5/2

9th

14

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Won this in 2024 (heavy); beaten a neck by Barton Snow at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, good to soft), finishing a close second in that hunter chase for the fourth season in a row; at this trip he may prefer more testing ground than is likely today, but he's still entitled to respect.

9/2

2nd

7

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Its On The Line

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Emmet Mullins

Part of the furniture in this race after going agonisingly close in the last three runnings, especially 12 months ago when he stayed on strongly to push Wonderwall to a neck, after which he secured a repeat win at Punchestown; although it's hardly encouraging that he was turned over at 1-5 in his latest point, the winner is useful on his day and this 9yo didn't exactly arrive here 12 months ago with the wind in his sails; all roads have led to this and he has clear claims.

11/2

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: U-8115 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Smart staying handicap chaser in his prime; has found a new lease of life, winning two hunter chases at Thurles (beat Lifetime Ambition by 9l) and Naas (beat Hunters Yarn by 4l); might have found the ground a bit too quick when finishing fifth behind Barton Snow at Cheltenham; could play a featuring part.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Smart staying handicap chaser in his prime; has found a new lease of life, winning two hunter chases at Thurles (beat Lifetime Ambition by 9l) and Naas (beat Hunters Yarn by 4l); might have found the ground a bit too quick when finishing fifth behind Barton Snow at Cheltenham; could play a featuring part.

5/1

5th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Has always had some class about him and he went off only 11-1 for the Grand National two seasons ago; lost his way afterwards but he's back in the good books after winning two hunter chases and the RPR he posted at Naas last month (3m, heavy; fine on good ground) was up there with his best; with confidence seemingly buoyed he's a must for the shortlist.

11/2

1st

4

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 36y

16:35 Naas

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

A good staying handicap chaser without ever winning one; twice placed in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, fifth in the 2023 Irish Grand National, third in last season's Leinster National at this venue; third on point debut in November; responding well to a prominent ride at Thurles; 9l runner-up Lifetime Ambition (stablemate of Hunters Yarn) is a solid yardstick.

11/10

Form: 2/3-32 C

Last run: 103 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
7-14 in points and a five-time winner on the track; has often run well in races at this level, notably when second to Its On The line in this race in 2024 and third in the 2025 Aintree Foxhunter; no match for Panda Boy at Thurles in January; readily outpointed by Wonderwall at Dromahane 19 days ago
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

Lifetime Ambition

11st 11lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: P M J Doyle

Third when odds-on for this race 12 months ago; he'll run better this time if he can repeat his close fourth behind some class acts at Punchestown (3m, yielding).

2/1

4th

9

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Lifetime Ambition

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Scallan

T: P M J Doyle

7-14 in points and a five-time winner on the track; has often run well in races at this level, notably when second to Its On The line in this race in 2024 and third in the 2025 Aintree Foxhunter; no match for Panda Boy at Thurles in January; readily outpointed by Wonderwall at Dromahane 19 days ago

12/1

2nd

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 184y

15:55 Thurles

Lifetime Ambition

11st 11lb

J: Ms E C Costello

T: P M J Doyle

Thoroughly reliable performer on points, seven wins and five seconds from 13 starts; also a five-time winner under rules with smart form in this category; best of the Irish when third in last season's Aintree Foxhunters; beaten odds-on chance when third to Bartlemy Boy at Killarney in May; won readily at Turtulla nine weeks ago; rider doing well in points.

11/2

Form: 0-32UP C

Last run: 211 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Four wins over hurdles; has never won a chase; point-to-point form nowhere near good enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

8th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 24y

18:48 Roscommon

Ambitious Fellow

10st 6lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Peter Fahey

4-16 over hurdles but yet to win over the bigger obstacles (0-11); out of sorts this year but he was a 1.25l runner up in this race last year off this mark at 25-1 and he was running a better race when unseating at Listowel last time.

16/1

7

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Ambitious Fellow

11st 7lb

J: Mr G Devitt

T: Peter Fahey

Four wins over hurdles (rated 130), one of them here; maiden after 10 chase starts and has had jumping issues, but was second off 120 at Roscommon last summer; only beaten 7l in Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he was a huge price.

6/1

Form: 8-1

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Four wins from five starts in points; won a Down Royal hunter chase in March; big step up in class now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

15

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dora dOr

11st 7lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Four wins from five starts in points; won a Down Royal hunter chase in March; big step up in class now.

25/1

1st

7

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

16:48 Down Royal

Dora dOr

11st 0lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Winner of three of her four starts in points; beaten by a prolific winner on latest at Ballycahane; capable of being competitive in this grade; not without a chance.

4/1

8th

5

21st Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:20 Cork

Dora dOr

11st 11lb

J: Mr L P Shanahan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Golden Lariat half-sister to winners Prospect House (2m2f hurdle) and Highway Companion (2m4f hurdle); dam French 2m1f hurdle winner, half-sister to Triumph Hurdle winner Snow Drop; 2-2 in point-to-points, backing up Dromahane win last month by taking Oldcastle winners' contest a fortnight later; likely major player.

5/1

Form: 1/3P-F

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Four wins in five races in points, the defeat inflicted by Hunters Yarn at Moig South last autumn; that rival seemed to be getting the upper hand when they both fell three out in the Fairyhouse race won by Five Star Getaway; useful second-string for champion-elect points trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Wrappedupinmay

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: S Curling

Four wins in five races in points, the defeat inflicted by Hunters Yarn at Moig South last autumn; that rival seemed to be getting the upper hand when they both fell three out in the Fairyhouse race won by Five Star Getaway; useful second-string for champion-elect points trainer.

10/1

10

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Wrappedupinmay

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: S Curling

Wide-margin point winner in 2023; useful hurdler for Paul Nicholls, sold cheaply after two failures over fences; beaten 8l by Hunters Yarn at Moig South on return to pointing; reversed form with the winner at Dromahane and won readily at Carrigarostig in January; intended runner at Cheltenham until withdrawn because of concerns about the ground; valuable 7lb off.

7/4

Form: 52-21

Last run: 33 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Twice runner-up in hunter chases last season; beaten favourite both times; beat a subsequent winner handily in a maiden point in February; had little trouble justifying favouritism in a maiden hunter chase at Downpatrick; smart long-term prospect, this may come a year too soon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 165y

20:00 Downpatrick

Cause For Comment

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: S G Carey

Point winner was just denied by stablemate Asphalt Cowboy in this race last year when favourite; won a maiden hunter chase here over 3m in March but couldn't cope with the rise in class at Punchestown since; this is easier and stable selected.

7/4

8th

4

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Cause For Comment

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: S G Carey

Twice runner-up in hunter chases last season; beaten favourite both times; beat a subsequent winner handily in a maiden point in February; had little trouble justifying favouritism in a maiden hunter chase at Downpatrick; smart long-term prospect, this may come a year too soon.

12/1

1st

1

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 150y

17:30 Downpatrick

Cause For Comment

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: S G Carey

Twice runner-up in hunter chases last season; beaten favourite both times; solid form behind his useful stablemate Asphalt Cowboy in this race 12 months ago before a less inspiring effort at Tipperary; beat a subsequent winner handily in a maiden point at Punchestown early last month; this looks like a suitable opportunity.

11/8

Form: 38P-12 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a competitive handicap chase at the 2024 festival for Henry de Bromhead (2m4f, good to yielding); hunter chase victory over Hunters Yarn at Gowran Park showed that he retains considerable ability; confirmed that impression when beating all bar star hunter Barton Snow at Aintree; goes well for Sophie Carter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Lets Go Champ

12st 0lb

J: Miss S A Carter

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Won a competitive handicap chase at the 2024 festival for Henry de Bromhead (2m4f, good to yielding); hunter chase victory over Hunters Yarn at Gowran Park showed that he retains considerable ability; confirmed that impression when beating all bar star hunter Barton Snow at Aintree; goes well for Sophie Carter.

7/1

2nd

17

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Lets Go Champ

12st 0lb

J: Ms Sophie Carter

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Won a competitive handicap chase at the Punchestown festival in May 2024 for Henry de Bromhead (2m4f, good to yielding) and winning a hunter chase at Gowran Park (3m1f, heavy) last month showed that he retains considerable ability at the age of 11; firmly in calculations.

11/1

1st

3

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

16:53 Gowran Park

Lets Go Champ

12st 0lb

J: Miss S A Carter

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Point winner in 2019 and showed a lot of ability during his time with Henry de Bromhead, the highlight when winning a valuable 2m4f handicap chase at the 2024 Punchestown festival; ran only twice last year; found a new lease of life when winning at Oldtown two weeks ago on debut for Mags Mullins; the capable Sophie Carter keeps the ride.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 339-52 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Promising early in his career for this stable and initially did well for Willie Mullins, winning twice over hurdles and taking fourth in the Supreme Novices'; also placed in good company over fences; has prospered again in points this season; Journey With Me got a better jump at the last to beat him in a hunter chase at Cork last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Asian Master

12st 0lb

J: Mr T Costello

T: A G Costello

Promising early in his career for this stable and initially did well for Willie Mullins, winning twice over hurdles and taking fourth in the Supreme Novices'; also placed in good company over fences; has prospered again in points this season; Journey With Me got a better jump at the last to beat him in a hunter chase at Cork last month.

12/1

2nd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

Asian Master

12st 0lb

J: Mr T Costello

T: A G Costello

Promising sort early in his career for this stable and initially did well for Willie Mullins, winning twice over hurdles and taking fourth in the Supreme Novices'; also placed in good company over fences; has prospered again in points this season and looks the part here.

15/8

5th

1

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:45 Cork

Asian Master

11st 0lb

J: Mr T Costello

T: A G Costello

Rated 142; smart form over hurdles for Willie Mullins including a fourth in the Supreme; solid efforts in first two beginners' chases at Fairyhouse last season before soundly beaten in Grade 2 novice handicap back at Cheltenham in March; has since left Willie Mullins; capable of going well if fit for return in first-time tongue tie.

9/2

Form: 26/4-1 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; had been running well enough in points before profiting from the mishaps of fancied rivals to win at Fairyhouse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Five Star Getaway

11st 11lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

Old boy was smart handicapper in Britain back in the day; took advantage of his rivals' mishaps when winning at Fairyhouse; beaten a long way in the Champion Hunter Chase at Punchestown.

20/1

11th

5

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Five Star Getaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; had been running well enough in points before profiting from the mishaps of fancied rivals to win at Fairyhouse.

28/1

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Five Star Getaway

12st 0lb

J: Mr J J Berry

T: John Paul Berry

In the form of his life when winning four races over fences for Christian Williams in 2021; has been running well enough in points but nothing to suggest he could win a race of this standard

33/1

Form: 690-P5 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
More than three years since his last racecourse win; pulled up in the hunter chase won by Panda Boy at Thurles in January; held by Asian Master on Cork running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 176y

18:18 Limerick

Temptationinmilan

11st 4lb

J: Ms A T O’Reilly

T: Eamon Courtney

More than three years since his last racecourse win; okay run in a Cork hunters' chase when a 22l fifth but tailed off at Punchestown last time; blinkers go on now but unlikely.

22/1

12th

12

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Temptationinmilan

12st 0lb

J: Ms A T O’Reilly

T: Eamon Courtney

More than three years since his last racecourse win; pulled up in the hunter chase won by Panda Boy at Thurles in January; held by Asian Master on Cork running.

100/1

Form: P-P8P3 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Looked a smart prospect when beating Its On The Line at Down Royal in December 2024; disappointing overall since then, except for an 18l Fairyhouse win last season; remote third in the same race this year; poor completion rate this season; risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Big Interest

12st 0lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: D M Christie

Looked a smart prospect when beating Its On The Line at Down Royal in December 2024; disappointing overall since then, except for an 18l Fairyhouse win last year; 66-1 at Punchestown festival, still prominent when exiting a mile out; well held in a point a week later.

16/1

3

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Big Interest

12st 0lb

J: Mr D G Lavery

T: D M Christie

Looked a smart prospect when beating Its On The Line at Down Royal in December 2024; disappointing overall since then, except for an 18l Fairyhouse win last season; remote third in the same race this year; poor completion rate this season; risky.

33/1

3rd

2

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Big Interest

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: D M Christie

Looked capable of becoming a major force in this category when beating top hunter chaser Its On The Line at Down Royal's Christmas fixture in 2024; disappointing overall since then, except for an 18l win in this race last April; pulled up in two of his three hunter chase outings this ter and unseated rider on only point appearance; risky.

12/1

Form: PP6-P4 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points; however, could manage only a moderate fourth in an incident-packed Fairyhouse race won by Five Star Getaway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Now Where Or When

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points; however, could manage only a moderate fourth in an incident-packed Fairyhouse race won by Five Star Getaway.

50/1

4th

7

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Now Where Or When

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points, this looks too demanding.

20/1

16

26th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 72y

18:30 Ballinrobe

Now Where Or When

10st 13lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Veteran is 3-19 over fences; won off 121 at Down Royal (3m, gd-yld) in January; pulled up next two starts then beaten 16.5l off this mark on latest at Punchestown; likes going right-handed but others hold more pressing claims.

16/1

Non-runners

Hunters Yarn

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €20.60
Straight Forecast €17.66
Tricast €52.42
Trifecta €78.40

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Cause For Comment

POSTDATA:

Its On The Line

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Panda Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Wonderwall

TOPSPEED:

Lets Go Champ