If Willie Mullins and Paul Townend were any more dominant at Punchestown, they’d be charging the other trainers rent for the winner’s enclosure. Wednesday’s action was a masterclass in Closutton supremacy, centered around a clinical ‘Townend’ family double that left the bookies checking their insurance policies.
The Main Event: A Warrior’s Welcome
The headline act was, without doubt, the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. In what was billed as a titanic clash between stablemates, Gaelic Warrior didn’t just beat Fact To File; he essentially escorted him off the premises.
Townend sat coolly as Mark Walsh tried to make all on Fact To File, but once the “Warrior” was unleashed four out, the race transformed from a contest into a procession. Winning by a staggering 26 lengths, Gaelic Warrior became the first horse since Sizing John in 2017 to complete the Cheltenham-Punchestown Gold Cup double.
Earlier in the card, Townend had already set the tone. While Wednesday was officially his “double” day, the momentum from Tuesday’s Il Etait Temps victory in the Champion Chase seems to have fused into one long, winning blur for the champion jockey.
Tomorrow’s Outlook: Thursday (Day 3)
Thursday, April 30, 2026, the focus of the racing world is firmly on the Punchestown Festival, which features some of Timeform’s highest-rated jumpers of the season.
Below are the top-rated horses
Thursday is Champion Stayers Hurdle day, and the theme is “Stamina or Bust.”
15:40 – The La Touche Cup: The legendary cross-country race over four miles. Expect plenty of “scrambling” over the banks and at least one horse deciding they’d rather go back to the stables halfway through.
18:05 – Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (G1): This is the crown jewel of Day 3. Keep an eye on whether the Cheltenham form holds or if a fresh pair of legs can spoil the party over the grueling 3-mile trip.
17:25 – Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (G1): A high-speed dash for the rising stars of the chasing ranks.
Top-Rated Selections
14:30 Punchestown. Nadia’s Boy. Timeform’s top-rated in the opener; remains unbeaten and is open to significant improvement after an impressive debut.
15:05 Punchestown. Diamond Du Berlais. The clear “one to beat” on form; she heads Timeform’s weight-adjusted ratings by 5 lb following a strong sixth at Cheltenham.
17:25 Punchestown. Kopek Des Bordes Pure Steel possibly EW as he has course form.
18:05 Punchestown – Teahupoo. The definitive class act of the Stayers’ division and the highest-rated horse in this Grade 1 field.
The current highest-rated novice chaser in Britain and Ireland with a formidable rating of 163p.
Other Notable Rated Runners
Vanillier (15:40 Punchestown): Consistently top-rated by Timeform in long-distance staying chases. Watch Outside the Door for EW money.
Pro Tip: Always look for the “p” (small p) or “P” (large P) next to a Timeform rating. For tomorrow’s racing, Kopek Des Bordes (17:25 Punchestown) carries a significant rating that suggests he is still way ahead of the handicapper.
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 