Horse Racing stats man, Andy has contributed to OLBG for 18 years - An Ipswich fan and F1 fanatic, he also contributes EFL football and Motor Sport opinion.
2026 Punchestown Festival Wednesday Highlights
Wednesday's Punchestown card includes three Grade 1's spread across each code, first up is the Channor Group Novice Hurdle worth 125,000 euros over 3 miles.
Then 275,000 euros is up for grabs when the top-staying chasers battle it out in the Punchestown Gold Cup over 3 miles and a half furlong.
Potential stars of the future then take centre stage in the 100,000 euro Champion I.N.H. Flat Race over two miles, and we will also be taking a look at the trends for the Punchestown Handicap Chase over 2 miles 4 furlongs, carrying Grade A status and a purse worth 100,000 euros.
Hopefully, we can pinpoint a few likely winners from the past twenty-year trends. Good luck with your bets!
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Channor Group Novice Hurdle Preview, Trends & Analysis
Takes place prior to the Punchestown Gold Cup on day two of the Punchestown Festival, this Grade 1 Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle attracts some top-class hurdles, the race is run over a trip of three miles in which a total of fourteen hurdles will have to be jumped on way to victory, the race is open to novices who are aged four or older.
Over the last 20 renewals, it was the Daniel O'Connell trained Sir Overbury ridden by Robbie Power who set the fastest winning time in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle, the runner won the race in a time of 5:31.50 which was set when winning the race in 2006. At the other end of the scale, it was the combination of trainer W P Mullins and jockey Paul Townend with Marasonnien who set the slowest winning time, the race-winning time was 6:57.70 in the 2012 renewal.
These are the top three quickest-run Channor Group Novice Hurdle over the last 20 renewals:
- 2006 - Sir Overbury (5:31.50)
- 2007 - Casey Jones I (5:36.90)
- 2008 - Got Attitude (5:50.20)
How competitive is the Channor Group Novice Hurdle market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2021 when the race had an over-round of 112%. The race in 2007 was a race which was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 169%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Channor Group Novice Hurdle, the over-round has been 125% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £125 which is bet.
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the last 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Channor Group Novice Hurdle next time out, then you would have backed a total of 7 winners. Backing all 18 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -6.17.
Channor Group Novice Hurdle Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Channor Group Novice Hurdle:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jasmin De Vaux (FR) 6yo 11-10 13/8F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2024 | Dancing City (FR) 7yo 11-10 7/4F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2023 | Gaelic Warrior (GER) 5yo 11-10 4/5F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2022 | The Nice Guy (IRE) 7yo 11-10 15/8F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2021 | Galopin Des Champs (FR) 5yo 11-11 13/8F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
Leading Trainers in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle
- W P Mullins - 10 wins and 14 places from 52 runners (-9.31)
- Gordon Elliott - 1 win and 2 places from 16 runners (-1.00)
- Noel Meade - 1 win and 1 place from 15 runners (-12.75)
The leading trainer in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle over the last 20 renewals is W P Mullins, who has won the race 10 times. Those 10 winners came from The Midnight Club (2009), Marasonnien (2012), Killultagh Vic (2015), Bellshill (2016), Next Destination (2018), Galopin Des Champs (2021), The Nice Guy (2022), Gaelic Warrior (2023), Dancing City (2024) & Jasmin De Vaux (2025).
Leading Jockeys in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle
- Paul Townend - 8 wins and 2 places from 13 rides (+23.94)
- Rachael Blackmore - 1 win and 0 places from 4 rides (+2.00)
- Mr B O'Neill - 1 win and 0 places from 1 ride (+33.00)
The leading jockey in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle over the last 20 renewals is Paul Townend who has won the race 8 times. Those 8 winners came from Marasonnien (2012), Killultagh Vic (2015), Next Destination (2018), Galopin Des Champs (2021), The Nice Guy (2022), Gaelic Warrior (2023), Dancing City (2024) & Jasmin De Vaux (2025). There is one jockey who has not had the best of times in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle, Danny Mullins has sent a total of 11 rides to the race without recording any wins.
Channor Group Novice Hurdle Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): ,1,1,1,3,1,6,(3,7),3,3,1,3,1,2,1,2,1,1,1,1,1
- 20 / 20 (69%) - Had 3 - 8 placings (Career)
- 20 / 20 (70%) - Achieved a TS of 88+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (70%) - Carried 155 - 163lbs (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (72%) - Break of 19 - 175 days (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (75%) - Had 2 - 7 placings (Hurdle)
- 20 / 20 (75%) - Off a break of 13 - 51 days
- 20 / 20 (77%) - Ran in 4 - 11 races (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (78%) - Had 1 - 3 wins (Hurdle)
- 20 / 20 (78%) - Achieved an RPR of 115+ (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (78%) - Had 1 - 4 wins (180 Days)
- 20 / 20 (80%) - Ran in 3 - 8 races (180 Days)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Won by at least a head (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Had 2 - 8 placings (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Furthest Placed 2m4f - 3m½f
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Not BB/BR/GR in colour
Champion INH Flat Race Preview, Trends & Analysis
Ran on the second day of the Punchestown Festival, the race is a national hunt flat race to determine the Champion INH runner for which the Conyngham Cup is awarded. The race is a Grade 1 which is run over a trip of two miles and half a furlong and is open to runners aged between four and seven years old.
The runner which holds the record over the last 20 renewals, for the slowest time in the race was set in the 2007 renewal when Kings Glen from Thomas Carberry under the guidance of Mr A T Duff, won in a time of 7:56.10, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, Leading Run, trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Ms N Carberry set the quickest time of 3:38.60 in the 2006 renewal.
These are the top three quickest-run Champion INH Flat Race over the last 20 renewals:
- 2006 - Leading Run (3:38.60)
- 2023 - A Dream To Share (3:53.80)
- 2005 - Refinement (3:55.30)
How competitive is the Champion INH Flat Race market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2025 when the race had an over-round of 113%. The race in 2010 was a race which was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 153%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Champion INH Flat Race, the over-round has been 128% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £128 which is bet.
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the last 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Champion INH Flat Race next time out, then you would have backed a total of 4 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -12.85.
Champion INH Flat Race Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Champion INH Flat Race:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bambino Fever (IRE) 5yo 11-7 11/8F | Miss J Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2024 | Redemption Day (GB) 7yo 12-0 9/2 | Miss J Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2023 | A Dream To Share (IRE) 5yo 12-0 8/11F | Mr J L Gleeson John E Kiely (IRE) |
| 2022 | Facile Vega (IRE) 5yo 12-0 8/15F | Mr P W Mullins W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2021 | Kilcruit (IRE) 6yo 12-2 11/8 | Mr Derek O'Connor W P Mullins (IRE) |
Leading Trainers in the Champion INH Flat Race
- W P Mullins - 7 wins and 6 places from 35 runners (+9.79)
- Noel Meade - 1 win and 3 places from 11 runners (-6.00)
- Paul Nolan - 1 win and 0 places from 4 runners (-0.25)
The leading trainer in the Champion INH Flat Race over the last 20 renewals is W P Mullins, who has won the race 7 times. Those 7 winners came from Blow By Blow (2016), Tornado Flyer (2018), Colreevy (2019), Kilcruit (2021), Facile Vega (2022), Redemption Day (2024) & Bambino Fever (2025). There is one trainer who has not had the best of times in the Champion INH Flat Race, Gordon Elliott has sent a total of 16 runners to the race without recording any wins.
Leading Jockeys in the Champion INH Flat Race
- Mr Derek O'Connor - 2 wins and 4 places from 16 rides (+3.38)
- Miss J Townend - 2 wins and 1 place from 4 rides (+3.88)
- Mr P W Mullins - 1 win and 4 places from 8 rides (-6.47)
There are two leading jockeys in the Champion INH Flat Race over the last 20 renewals with both Mr Derek O'Connor & Miss J Townend who have both won the race 2 times. Mr Derek O'Connor winners have been with Canaly (2017) & Kilcruit (2021). Miss J Townend winners have been with Redemption Day (2024) & Bambino Fever (2025). There is one jockey who has not had the best of times in the Champion INH Flat Race, Mr B O'Neill has sent a total of 13 rides to the race without recording any wins.
Champion INH Flat Race Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): ,4,1,4,7,5,2,(5,8),5,1,UR,4,2,3,2,2,3,1,1,8,1
- 20 / 20 (69%) - Beaten no more -16½l (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Highest Placed is not LST/Cl5-6
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Achieved an RPR of 92+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Carried 140 - 166lbs (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Achieved an RPR of 104+ (Career)
- 19 / 20 (63%) - No bigger than 16/1
- 19 / 20 (86%) - Won within last 9 starts
- 18 / 20 (64%) - No bigger than 14/1 (LTO)
- 18 / 20 (69%) - Not in a LST/Cl3 (Last Win)
- 18 / 20 (72%) - Carried 142 - 167lbs (Last Win)
- 18 / 20 (74%) - No more than -16lbs (Vs Max Weight)
- 18 / 20 (82%) - Not in FRA/SCO/WAL (Last Win)
- 18 / 20 (84%) - Not on FM (Last Win)
- 18 / 20 (84%) - Furthest Won 2m - 4m½f
- 18 / 20 (84%) - Won by at least a head (Last Win)
Punchestown Gold Cup Preview, Trends & Analysis
The feature on day two of the Punchestown Festival is the Punchestown Gold Cup, this is Punchestown's equivalent to Cheltenham's Gold Cup and you usually get runners coming to this race having just run in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. The race is a Grade 1 which is open to chasers who are five or older, it is run over a trip of three miles and half a furlong (120yds) with a total of eighteen fences standing in the way of these potential gold cup winners.
The runner which holds the record over the last 20 renewals, for the slowest time in the race was set in the 2013 renewal when Sir Des Champs from W P Mullins under the guidance of Davy Russell, won in a time of 6:52.80, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, Neptune Collonges, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by R Walsh set the quickest time of 6:09.10 in the 2008 renewal.
These are the top three quickest-run Punchestown Gold Cup over the last 20 renewals:
- 2008 - Neptune Collonges (6:09.10)
- 2007 - Neptune Collonges (6:16.00)
- 2006 - War Of Attrition (6:17.70)
How competitive is the Punchestown Gold Cup market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2025 when the race had an over-round of 108%. The race in 2009 was a race which was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 122%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Punchestown Gold Cup, the over-round has been 115% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £115 which is bet.
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the last 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Punchestown Gold Cup next time out, then you would have backed a total of 5 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -1.77.
Punchestown Gold Cup Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Punchestown Gold Cup:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Galopin Des Champs (FR) 9yo 11-10 5/6F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2024 | Fastorslow (FR) 8yo 11-10 7/2 | J J Slevin Martin Brassil (IRE) |
| 2023 | Fastorslow (FR) 7yo 11-10 20/1 | J J Slevin Martin Brassil (IRE) |
| 2022 | Allaho (FR) 8yo 11-10 6/5F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2021 | Clan Des Obeaux (FR) 9yo 11-12 100/30 | Sam Twiston-Davies Paul Nicholls (GB) |
Leading Trainers in the Punchestown Gold Cup
- W P Mullins - 6 wins and 14 places from 39 runners (-20.84)
- Paul Nicholls - 3 wins and 1 place from 9 runners (+6.23)
- M F Morris - 2 wins and 3 places from 7 runners (+15.80)
The leading trainer in the Punchestown Gold Cup over the last 20 renewals is W P Mullins, who has won the race 6 times. Those 6 winners came from Sir Des Champs (2013), Boston Bob (2014), Bellshill (2018), Kemboy (2019), Allaho (2022) & Galopin Des Champs (2025). Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the Punchestown Gold Cup are Paul Nicholls (3 wins), M F Morris (2 wins) & Martin Brassil (2 wins).
Leading Jockeys in the Punchestown Gold Cup
- Paul Townend - 2 wins and 5 places from 12 rides (-7.97)
- J J Slevin - 2 wins and 0 places from 3 rides (+22.50)
- Sam Twiston-Davies - 1 win and 0 places from 1 ride (+3.33)
There are two leading jockeys in the Punchestown Gold Cup over the last 20 renewals with both Paul Townend & J J Slevin who have both won the race 2 times. Paul Townend winners have been with Allaho (2022) & Galopin Des Champs (2025). J J Slevin winners have been with Fastorslow (2023) & Fastorslow (2024).
Punchestown Gold Cup Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): ,1,1,3,1,1,4,PU,3,1,1,2,4,1,3,1,2,1,2,2,1
- 20 / 20 (78%) - No bigger than 20/1
- 20 / 20 (78%) - Ran in 11 - 28 races (Career)
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Ran in 6 - 25 races (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (83%) - Not in a G2/LST/Cl2-3 (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Ran over 1m4f - 2m2f (Debut)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Ran in 2 - 7 races (1 Year)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Had 7 - 19 placings (Career)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Furthest ran 2m5f - 3m6f
- 20 / 20 (87%) - In a field of 6 - 30 (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Had 4 - 18 placings (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Fewer than 7 races (Season)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Ran in 4 - 22 races (Chase)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - No more than +3yrs (Vs Min Age)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Carried 159 - 166lbs (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Achieved a TS of 121+ (Last 5)
Punchestown Handicap Chase Preview, Trends & Analysis
Taking place on day two of the Punchestown Festival is a valuable Handicap Chase which is a Grade A chase that is run over a trip of two miles and four furlongs in which runners will have to face a total of fourteen fences, British raiders are worth a second look in the race as they have a good record.
The runner which holds the record over the last 20 renewals, for the slowest time in the race was set in the 2022 renewal when Royal Rendezvous from W P Mullins under the guidance of Paul Townend, won in a time of 5:40.40, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, Notable DEstruval, trained by A L T Moore and ridden by P A Carberry set the quickest time of 4:59.20 in the 2008 renewal.
These are the top three quickest-run Punchestown Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals:
- 2008 - Notable DEstruval (4:59.20)
- 2006 - Euro Leader (5:03.20)
- 2007 - Royal County Star (5:05.40)
How competitive is the Punchestown Handicap Chase market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2012 when the race had an over-round of 117%. The race in 2005 was a race which was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 148%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Punchestown Handicap Chase, the over-round has been 130% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £130 which is bet.
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the last 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Punchestown Handicap Chase next time out, then you would have backed a total of 1 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -15.50.
Punchestown Handicap Chase Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Punchestown Handicap Chase:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | James Du Berlais (FR) 9yo 11-11 7/1 | J J Slevin W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2024 | Lets Go Champ (IRE) 9yo 10-5 11/4F | Rachael Blackmore Henry De Bromhead (IRE) |
| 2023 | Hereditary Rule (IRE) 8yo 9-7 14/1 | Shane O'Callaghan (7lbs) John C McConnell (IRE) |
| 2022 | Royal Rendezvous (IRE) 10yo 11-12 12/1 | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2021 | Foxy Jacks (IRE) 7yo 9-13 25/1 | Jonathan Moore M F Morris (IRE) |
Leading Trainers in the Punchestown Handicap Chase
- W P Mullins - 8 wins and 8 places from 39 runners (+30.83)
- A L T Moore - 1 win and 1 place from 14 runners (-6.00)
- Henry De Bromhead - 1 win and 1 place from 14 runners (-10.25)
The leading trainer in the Punchestown Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals is W P Mullins, who has won the race 8 times. Those 8 winners came from Jasmin DOudairies (2005), Euro Leader (2006), Jy Vole (2009), Polmar (2010), Scotsirish (2011), Patricks Park (2018), Royal Rendezvous (2022) & James Du Berlais (2025). There are multiple trainers who have not had the best of times over the last 20 renewals in the Punchestown Handicap Chase, Gordon Elliott (0-17), E J O'Grady (0-11) & Noel Meade (0-10) have all failed to produce a single winner despite sending multiple runners to the race.
Leading Jockeys in the Punchestown Handicap Chase
- Paul Townend - 2 wins and 1 place from 12 rides (+7.50)
- Jonathan Moore - 2 wins and 0 places from 4 rides (+30.00)
- Rachael Blackmore - 1 win and 0 places from 7 rides (-3.25)
There are two leading jockeys in the Punchestown Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals with both Paul Townend & Jonathan Moore who have both won the race 2 times. Paul Townend winners have been with Patricks Park (2018) & Royal Rendezvous (2022). Jonathan Moore winners have been with Irish Cavalier (2016) & Foxy Jacks (2021).
Punchestown Handicap Chase Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): ,4,(1,2),1,5,9,8,10,4,5,2,PU,5,7,PU,PU,3,5,F,1,(PU,PU)
- 20 / 20 (72%) - Ran in 1 - 14 races (Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Fewer than 3 wins (Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Ran in 7 - 36 races (Career)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - Furthest ran 2m4f - 3m4f
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Fewer than 9 races (Trip)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Achieved an RPR of 121+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Within the first 14 of the market
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Ran in 1 - 4 races (90 Days)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Highest Placed is not LST/Cl2/Cl4
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Had 3 - 16 placings (Career)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Is not BEL/BRZ/GB/GER/NZ/USA bred
- 20 / 20 (89%) - No bigger than 12/1 (Last Win)
- 19 / 20 (83%) - Beaten no more -34l (LTO)
- 19 / 20 (88%) - No older than a 10yo
- 18 / 20 (73%) - No bigger than 20/1 (LTO)
Article Contributor Information
We are blessed with an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to creating and maintaining this Punchestown Festival Wednesday Highlights are at hand, Andy and James. They both work on the Horse racing tips team team looking after the tipsters and managing the tips settlement, whilst also creating and managing all of the horse racing event previews for International racing.
James Banting
Tipster Competition Assistant
Andy Powell
Content Editor
