Dust off the tweed and prepare your liver: the 2026 Punchestown Festival is officially here. It is that glorious time of year when the racing world descends on Kildare to celebrate the season’s end with a mixture of world-class sport and social stamina that would make a marathon runner weep.
The Vibes and the Venue
Expect a sea of “good-to-yielding” smiles and the distinct scent of optimism (and perhaps a little Guinness). Day One is the “opening ceremony” of National Hunt’s grand finale, where the Cheltenham stars come to prove they’ve still got gas in the tank, and the locals come to show them who really owns the backyard.
The Ground & Course Data
The track is looking pristine, and the weather gods seem to be racing fans this year.
Official going is Yielding (Hurdle/Chase) and Yielding, Good to Yielding in places (Cross Country).
Highs of 12°C. It’s looking like a dry, bright day with occasional sunshine, perfect for showing off the millinery without needing a snorkel.
Punchestown is a massive, undulating galloping track. The 3-mile trips are a true test of stamina, while the 2-mile chases often turn into a “speed-trap” sprint for those who can jump slickly at pace.
Local Heroes & Stable Stars
The local economy is essentially fueled by Willie Mullins at this time of year, but the “Kildare Mafia” is out in force.
Willie Mullins (Carlow/Local Adjacent): He’s basically the final boss of Punchestown. Today he saddles high-rankers like Kitzbuhel and the enigmatic Kalix Delabarriere.
Kitzbuhel: The gorgeous gray who doesn’t just win races, he wins hearts (and often, the weekly grocery money).
The Walsh Factor: Watch out for Sticwiththeprocess (15:05), trained by the legendary Ted Walsh in Kill. This horse was reportedly “laid out” for the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final and looks primed for a big local celebration.
Marine Nationale: A fan favorite for Barry Connell. After some mixed luck this season, the local crowds will be roaring for him to recapture his magic in the William Hill Champion Chase.
Today’s Top Tips & Timeform High-Flyers
15:40 – Kalix Delabarriere (W. P. Mullins) The “talking horse” of the morning. Mullins has hinted this one “works like Arkle” at home; if that’s even half true, he’ll be a class above this handicap field.
16:50 – Kitzbuhel (W. P. Mullins) The standout selection of the day. Fresh off a dominant Brown Advisory win, he is the highest-rated horse on the card and looks very difficult to oppose in the Champion Novice Chase.
18:05 – Il Etait Temps (W. P. Mullins) The seasoned professional. He tops the Timeform ratings for the Champion Chase based on his incredible consistency at the Grade 1 level. He’s the one they all have to beat. But Marine National missed Cheltenham.
15:05 – Sticwiththeprocess (Ted Walsh) for value. The local whisper. Tipped at 8/1, this Kill-based raider has been specifically targeted for the Albert Bartlett Final. Expect a massive run for the home crowd.
18:05 – William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1) This is the crown jewel of Day One. It’s a clash of titans where speed meets precision. Whether you’re cheering for the blue-blooded favorites or a local underdog, this is the one that will have the grandstand shaking.
While Punchestown is busy pretending it’s the center of the universe, Epsom Downs is quietly reminding us that the Flat season is getting serious. It’s the Blue Riband Trial day, the traditional dress rehearsal where three-year-olds try to figure out if they can handle the world’s most famous “rollercoaster” track.
The Course & Vibes
If Punchestown is a rowdy festival, Epsom today is a refined garden party with a steep hill.
The Ground: Good, Good to Firm in places. It’s “racy” ground, favoring horses with a slick action.
The Challenge: The camber and the descent into Tattenham Corner are enough to make a mountain goat dizzy. Look for well-balanced horses; big, leggy types often get “lost” here.
Today’s Epsom Best Rated & Naps
14:40 – Saxon Street (John & Thady Gosden) | DERBY TRIAL WATCH
The Blue Riband Trial is the highlight. While the favorite New Zealand has the hype, Saxon Street is the Timeform-favored alternative. He was tough as nails winning on debut at Chelmsford and is bred to absolutely love this extra distance. William Buick in the plate for the Gosdens is usually a “bet first, ask questions later” scenario.
15:50 – Topteam (Andrew Balding) This gelding looks like the day’s banker. He’s already a winner on grass and looked much improved after a winter “operation” when scoring at Kempton. Balding and Oisin Murphy are a lethal combination here; this horse is balanced and built for the Epsom twists. Although Sing Us A Song drops back down in triple.
16:58 – Tribal Rhythm (D. J. Coakley) He’s the Timeform top-rated in the finale and for good reason, he won this exact race last year. He’s back on a competitive mark, loves the track, and has Oisin Murphy taking over the reins. It’s a textbook “horse for a course” play.
15:15 – Aurel (Ralph Beckett) for value. A high-flyer in the ratings for the 1m2f handicap. He’s a relentless galloper who should find this test right up his alley. Beckett’s yard is currently flying, and this one has the stamina to burn off his rivals late on.
Don’t forget to subscribe.
What are you looking forward to this week?
18+ only. Betting involves risk and losses are inevitable. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose and do not view betting as a way to make money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes a concern, seek help
Silks and Shenanigans 