For the British National Hunt fraternity, events conclude at Sandown on Saturday afternoon with what promises to be a memorable edition of the Finale Meeting. However, as tends to be the case in all things racing-related, the Irish keep the jumps party going for a little longer.
Tuesday sees the return of the hugely popular Punchestown Festival, as the jumps lovers of the Emerald Isle settle in for five of the finest days that the sport has to offer. There are 22 events rated at Listed level or above lie in wait, including a round dozen Grade 1 affairs.
With many of the stars of the Cheltenham Festival on show, the current list of entries makes for impressive reading. Leading lights from the yards of Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Nicky Henderson, and more will strut their stuff in County Kildare, creating the potential for a host of mouthwatering clashes. The opening day alone presents the possibility of the following head-to-head battles.
KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle: Kopek Des Bordes vs Salvator Mundi
Willie Mullins has now successfully defended his British Champion Trainers crown and now his focus switches back to Ireland with the Closutton colossus sure to be among the winners at this fixture.
What seems likely to become a flood of victories in the top-level events may begin in the opening Grade 1. It’s Mullins vs Mullins at the head of the market as Supreme Novice Hurdle champ Kopek Des Bordes takes on stablemate Salvator Mundi. The former finished 18½ lengths ahead of the latter in that Cheltenham contest, but Salvator Mundi stepped up on that when slamming Supreme third Romeo Coolio by seven lengths at Aintree. Kopek Des Bordes looks like a star in the making, but that Aintree effort suggests Salvator Mundi can at least get closer.
Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase: Ballyburn vs Lecky Watson
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase was supposed to be all about Ballyburn. Unbeaten in five previous outings over 2m5f+, successful four times in Grade 1 company, and proven at the course, having claimed the 2024 Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle by 13 lengths, what could possibly go wrong? Ballyburn provided the answer to that question when throwing in a juddering error at the seventh fence.
The 4/7 favourite completed the course, but that disastrous jump effectively ended his winning chance. With Ballyburn floundering, it was left to the apparent Mullins fourth string Lecky Watson to come home in front. Was the seven-year-old fortunate to conquer his more highly touted rival, or was that strong staying four-length success as good as it looked? We may find out here.
William Hill Champion Chase: Fact To File vs Marine Nationale
One of the more surprising head-to-head clashes may emerge in the Punchestown equivalent of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Having stormed to an 18-length success in the two-mile chase highlight at the Cheltenham Festival, it is no shock to see the Barry Connell star Marine Nationale amongst the entries. Jonbon’s early blunder took a little gloss off that wide-margin win, but it was hard not to be impressed by the manner in which Marine Nationale stormed up the hill. Even if Jonbon had put in a clear round, he may have struggled to get near the winner.
With Jonbon opting for the Celebration Chase at Sandown over the weekend, we must wait for another day to see the Nicky Henderson star take a second crack at Marine Nationale. However, the eight-year-old looks set to face an immensely talented, if unexpected, rival in Fact To File.
Initially touted as a Gold Cup contender, this Willie Mullins star instead stepped down in trip to tackle the 2m4½f of the Ryanair Chase. What followed was one of the most visually impressive displays of the Cheltenham Festival, as Fact To File sauntered to a nine-length success over a field of talented rivals. He’s unraced over two miles since his bumper days, but this is his only entry at the meeting. If Willie Mullins thinks he is up to the task, many will be willing to believe him.
All that, and there will still be four days to go at the most magical meeting of the Irish racing year.