May 02 / 14.30 Punchestown

14.30

Good To Yielding

Howden Cross Country Chase

  • Prize money: £10243.48
  • 3m 0f 90y
  • 15 runners
RTV
View Course
Howden Cross Country Chase

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 11-301 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 12st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Prolific points' winner extended his excellent record around this course when running away with Ladies' Cup over this trip on Tuesday; stiffer task now conceding weight all-round, but in excellent fettle and big shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Fountain House

12st 7lb

J: Mr R James

T: Ian John McCarthy

Prolific points' winner extended his excellent record around this course when running away with Ladies' Cup over this trip on Tuesday; stiffer task now conceding weight all-round, but in excellent fettle and big shout.

7/2

1st

1

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Fountain House

12st 3lb

J: Mr R James

T: Ian John McCarthy

Overcame two spots of bother when a winning favourite in last season's Bishopscourt Cup here over the regular track; well beaten in two orthodox hunter chases this season; in contrast, has won nine consecutive races in points, including three this term; was relatively immature when beaten by Knockiel Synge in this race in 2024; a leading points rider claims a valuable 7lb.

13/8

1st

2

2nd May 2025

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

15:40 Punchestown

Fountain House

12st 2lb

J: Mr E Mahon

T: Ian John McCarthy

towards rear, midfield 7th, went second 3 out, ridden to lead last, ran on well run-in

4/5

12/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 40-460

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

11 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit this term, most recently poor effort back over conventional fences at Wexford last month; hard to assess right now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Fakir Doudairies

10st 13lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: E Bolger

Four-time Grade 1 winner back in the day, but not the same force nowadays; has been running in cross-country chases lately, sixth at Cheltenham and second over 3m at Punchestown; trainer is a wizard with these types, but unlikely to feature all the same.

12/1

2nd

14

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Fakir Doudairies

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E Bolger

Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit this term, most recently poor effort back over conventional fences at Wexford last month; hard to assess right now.

12/1

14th

1

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

Fakir Doudairies

11st 12lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: E Bolger

Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit of late, at Punchestown and when not looking to stay 3m6f at Cheltenham last month; back over the conventional fences here and hard to assess (trip/ground to suit) but handicapper giving him every chance.

15/2

14/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 0-PP34 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won since Thurles beginners' chase win in 2020 for Gordon Elliott; some okay cross-country form in recent seasons, standout run this term when third in 3m6f Cheltenham handicap in January, tame enough Exeter effort latest when ground may have been on the quick side; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Escaria Ten

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Hasn't won since Thurles beginners' chase win in 2020 for Gordon Elliott; some okay cross-country form in recent seasons, standout run this term when third in 3m6f Cheltenham handicap in January, tame enough Exeter effort latest when ground may have been on the quick side; others preferred.

14/1

4th

5

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Escaria Ten

11st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Returned to form with creditable third in cross-country chase at Cheltenham (3m5f, soft; refitted visor) in December and remains on a good mark but this veteran has become far too inconsistent to rely upon and may not be ideally suited by the forecast good ground here.

10/1

3rd

11

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Escaria Ten

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Looked out of sorts when pulled up here twice in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f; had wind op in between) and can't be supported with much confidence, but is now 10lb lower than when close fourth over C&D (soft) in December 2024; swaps blinkers for refitted visor.

20/1

Form: 027203

Last run: 2 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; second to Vanillier in P P Hogan Memorial over C&D in February and most recently a close third (beaten 1.25l) to Busselton in 4m1f La Touche here on Thursday; big player if turning out again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Third reserve; second to Vanillier in P P Hogan Memorial over C&D in February and most recently a close third (beaten 1.25l) to Busselton in 4m1f La Touche here on Thursday; big player if turning out again.

3rd

13

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Fourth behind Stumptown in the 2025 Glenfarclas Chase; went on to finish third in the Topham and fifth in this race; twice second over the shorter course here this season, behind Desertmore House in November and behind Vanillier in February; may rebound after below-par effort at Cheltenham.

4/1

10th

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

The Goffer

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Has made the frame at two Cheltenham Festivals, more recently when staying on from long way off the pace to take fourth behind Stumptown in this race in 2025 (good to soft); returns here after a pretty good second to Vanillier on Bank course at Punchestown (3m1f, soft to heavy) but, from out of the weights, is effectively 5lb higher than last year; sports first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: 017542

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Off the mark chasing in 2m6f Fairyhouse handicap in November (yielding-to-soft) and better again when just denied over same C&D early this month on similar ground; in between wasn't discredited in strong renewal of PP Hogan Memorial over today's C&D (fifth to Vanillier); definite claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:32 Punchestown

Vaureal

10st 9lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Beaten a head by The Gradual Slope at Fairyhouse in April (2m5f, yielding to soft); creditable effort around the cross-country course at the Punchestown festival last time (3m1f, good to yielding); not ruled out.

6/1

5th

8

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Vaureal

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Off the mark chasing in 2m6f Fairyhouse handicap in November (yielding-to-soft) and better again when just denied over same C&D early this month on similar ground; in between wasn't discredited in strong renewal of PP Hogan Memorial over today's C&D (fifth to Vanillier); definite claims.

10/1

2nd

10

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Vaureal

10st 11lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Second for this rider when favourite for this race last season and a C&D winner for her last November; kept ticking over with a cross-country run and a hurdles outing in February; strong chance.

5/1

33/1

Form: 22P/0- D

Last run: 563 days

W: 11st 7lb

12 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won 3m Navan handicap chase on heavy ground in 2022 for Barry Connell, his sole win; some okay runs in point-to-points for new yard this season, but seems an unlikely one.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

Call The Tune

11st 7lb

J: Mr J Ahern

T: G Ahern

Useful soft-ground staying handicapper for Barry Connell back in the day; yet to win a point but only 2l off What Path in banks' contest in February; well held over the banks at Punchestown last month.

20/1

6th

11

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Call The Tune

11st 7lb

J: Mr J Ahern

T: G Ahern

Won 3m Navan handicap chase on heavy ground in 2022 for Barry Connell, his sole win; some okay runs in point-to-points for new yard this season, but seems an unlikely one.

33/1

11th

8

16th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

14:50 Punchestown

Call The Tune

10st 11lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Barry Connell

Mixed hurdles and fences last year on return after a long absence; a close second in the Cork National but was then pulled-up in the Porterstown Chase; should improve for this.

25/1

Form: -86770

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Both chase wins have been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, however, and needs to be revitalised by this switch to the banks; ground should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

The Folkes Tiara

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both chase wins have been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, however, and needs to be revitalised by this switch to the banks; ground should suit.

14/1

10th

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

The Folkes Tiara

10st 10lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Both chase wins hae been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, beaten nearly 20l over same trip at Leopardstown over Christmas on latest; cheekpieces now added to usual tongue-tie.

16/1

1

26th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 130y

13:05 Wexford

The Folkes Tiara

12st 0lb

J: Dylan Whelan

T: Henry De Bromhead

One of two for trainer; Leopardstown St Stephen's Day handicap chase winner in 2023 (2m1f, soft); returned to form when winning a Fairyhouse handicap in November and beaten a short head at Leopardstown in race she won year prior; out of form in three runs since and still 6lb above last winning mark; likely best watched for now.

20/1

Form: 751444 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Most recent of three wins came in 3m Perth handicap hurdle last summer; tailed off on comeback run in early March in Newcastle handicap hurdle; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

15:07 Downpatrick

Broken Ice

11st 10lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Three-time winner; veteran last scored over 3m at Perth last August; signs of life on latest at Wexford but this trip may be a touch sharp.

16/1

5th

2

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

17:47 Wexford

Broken Ice

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzsimons

T: John C McConnell

Most recent of three wins came in 3m Perth handicap hurdle last summer; tailed off on comeback run at Newcastle and never counted over the banks at Punchestown festival early this month; trip on the short side reverting to hurdles.

12/1

Form: 65-00P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Very smart as a novice and some good runs in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then however, reportedly burst blood vessels when fifth in this race last year, most recently (after two point-to-point wins) pulled up after never counting in 3m1f Fairyhouse hunter-chase at Easter; questions remain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Chemical Energy

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart as a novice and some good runs in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then however, reportedly burst blood vessels when fifth in this race last year, most recently (after two point-to-point wins) pulled up after never counting in 3m1f Fairyhouse hunter-chase at Easter; questions remain.

9/2

3

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Chemical Energy

12st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class novice chaser in the 2022/23 season, when second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; ran well in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then; back-to-back point wins in the autumn offer some hope; however, he was tailed off in the hunter chase at Cheltenham last month.

9/1

11th

3

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Chemical Energy

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a novice chase here in October 2022 and second in the NH Chase at this fixture that season; on a losing run of 14 under rules but contested plenty of strong handicaps in that time and back-to-back point wins in the autumn may give him some renewed belief; has soft-ground form but his trainer has always believed that good ground is ideal, so watch the weather; well held in a Galway Plate when tried in this equipment combination.

12/1

Form: P61PU8

Last run: 8 days

W: 12st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Gained a second chase success with a good display over 2m2f at Thurles in February (soft); well held twice since (blinkered last time) and second experience of the banks here, having never counted in this race last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Quornofamonday

12st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: J P Dempsey

Gained a second chase success with a good display over 2m2f at Thurles in February (soft); well held twice since (blinkered last time) and second experience of the banks here, having never counted in this race last year.

16/1

8th

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 210y

19:29 Kilbeggan

Quornofamonday

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J P Dempsey

Gained a second chase success with a good display over 2m2f at Thurles in February; pulled up at the same venue on next start; jockey lost an iron at an early fence at Fairyhouse, and was unseated four out; blinkered for the first time now.

12/1

12

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Quornofamonday

10st 9lb

J: Ms L A Byrne

T: J P Dempsey

Gained a second chase success with a good display over 2m2f at Thurles in February; pulled up at the same venue last time after a 7lb rise; vulnerable on overall form.

16/1

Form: 331703 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Veteran gained his second win over fences, and fifth in all, in 2m4f handicap at Down Royal's Christmas meeting and most recently finished a good third in 3m4f Ulster National at Downpatrick; previous two runs over this course have been poor (pulled up in this last year).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

I A Connect

11st 12lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Veteran gained his second win over fences, and fifth in all, in 2m4f handicap at Down Royal's Christmas meeting and most recently finished a good third in 3m4f Ulster National at Downpatrick; previous two runs over this course have been poor (pulled up in this last year).

16/1

3rd

14

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 4f 120y

16:27 Downpatrick

I A Connect

10st 3lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Veteran gained his second win over fences and fifth all in a handicap over an extended 2m4f at Down Royal's Christmas meeting; 12lb higher now and has finished down the field over hurdles on his last two runs.

20/1

11th

12

22nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 7f 110y

15:00 Naas

I A Connect

10st 8lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Dual hurdles winner added his second chasing win at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day when taking advantage of lower mark (2m4f, good to yielding); ran well in a Fairyhouse handicap hurdle prior to his win, but his most recent run here over hurdles was underwhelming when he went clear with one other and both weakened.

18/1

Form: 52-FP9

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Decent sort at his best, career-best performance when close second in last season's 2m5f Topham at Aintree; very lightly raced this season, most recently running well for long way in same event before fading from last; type who could go well here if taking to the banks (won only point-to-point).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:57 Kilbeggan

Lisnamult Lad

10st 9lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Has lost his way since a fine second in the 2025 Topham; four non-completions from six starts; recent return to hurdling has failed to spark a revival in form.

25/1

14th

9

4th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 40y

18:18 Bellewstown

Lisnamult Lad

11st 7lb

J: Mr T J Stafford

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Has lost way since a fine second in the 2025 Topham; four non-completions from five starts; recent return to hurdling at Kilbeggan failed to spark a revival in form; competes off 13lb lower than chase mark.

50/1

2

15th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 100y

19:42 Kilbeggan

Lisnamult Lad

11st 10lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Has lost way since a superb second in the 2025 Topham Chase at Aintree; three non-completions from four starts since and hopes now pinned on return to hurdling off 10lb lower mark sparking something.

13/2

Form: P-P6P5

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Decent performer at his best for Willie Mullins, winning 2m4f Naas beginners' chase last season and ran well for a long way in 4m Scottish National; struggled back hurdling earlier this season before let go for 16,000gns in January; surpassed expectations (125-1) on yard debut in 3m Kim Muir at Cheltenham when beaten under 10l in first-time cheekpieces; can't be ruled out on banks' debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

10th Jul 2026

Good

3m 1f 80y

18:32 Kilbeggan

Olympic Man

11st 2lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: John C McConnell

Winning hurdler-chaser for Willie Mullins; fine run on his stable debut when fifth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham; fell over banks at Punchestown; trip and ground are fine and has an each-way chance.

14/1

6

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Olympic Man

11st 12lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Decent performer at his best for Willie Mullins, winning 2m4f Naas beginners' chase last season and ran well for a long way in 4m Scottish National; struggled back hurdling earlier this season before let go for 16,000gns in January; surpassed expectations (125-1) on yard debut in 3m Kim Muir at Cheltenham when beaten under 10l in first-time cheekpieces; can't be ruled out on banks' debut.

12/1

5th

14

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Olympic Man

11st 5lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: John C McConnell

Won 2m4f beginners chase at Naas last March and ran well for a long way in the Scottish National in April (4m) before fading; however, struggled over hurdles on final two runs for Willie Mullins and sold for 16,000gns in January; big revival needed in first-time cheekpieces on stable debut.

40/1

Form: 254360

Last run: 160 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 3385P- D

Last run: 381 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Decent novice hurdler for Willie Mullins (suited by a sound surface) but still a maiden chaser; however, comes here on the back of three point-to-point wins for Michael Mangan, having earlier chased home Fountain House over the banks at Lingstown; not one to rule out on return to the track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

What Path

11st 7lb

J: Mr J Dunne

T: Ian O’Connor

Useful 3m hurdler for Willie Mullins before fruitless spell over fences in Britain; seems to have been revitalised by point-to-points, winning three in the spring; in contention when slipping up in banks race at Punchestown; chased home Solitary Man at Killarney and 3lb better off here.

9/2

2nd

13

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

What Path

11st 7lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Ian O’Connor

Useful hurdler for Willie Mullins; in good form in points prior to slipping up late on at Punchestown when he was keeping on; still up against it with some of these.

14/1

16

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

What Path

11st 7lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Ian O’Connor

Decent novice hurdler for Willie Mullins (suited by a sound surface) but still a maiden chaser; however, comes here on the back of three point-to-point wins for Michael Mangan, having earlier chased home Fountain House over the banks at Lingstown; not one to rule out on return to the track.

8/1

Non-runners

Galon De Vauzelle, Vital Island, Vanillier, Busselton

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €9.80
Straight Forecast €7.45
Tricast €65.08
Trifecta €133.00

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Olympic Man

SPOTLIGHT:

Lisnamult Lad

TOPSPEED:

The Goffer

POSTDATA:

Fakir d'Oudairies

The Irish Sun:

Olympic Man