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.
2025 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!
- 16:15 - Channor Group Novice Hurdle
- 16:50 - Champion INH Flat Race
- 17:30 - Punchestown Gold Cup
- 18:05 - Punchestown Handicap Chase
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2025 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.
For sponsorship purposes, the 2025 renewal of the Channor Group Novice Hurdle will hold the title of 'Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle'.
When looking over the last 20 renewals, a time of 5:31.50 was set by Sir Overbury in 2006, which is the quickest time over that period, the runner was trained by Daniel O'Connell and ridden by Robbie Power. The slowest winning time was set in 2012 when Marasonnien won in a time of 6:57.70, booked to ride was Paul Townend on this W P Mullins trained runner.
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)
- 2004 - G V A Ireland (5:41.10)
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 126% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £126 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 19 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -7.17.
Channor Group Novice Hurdle Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Channor Group Novice Hurdle:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2019 | Minella Indo (IRE) 6yo 11-10 5/1 | Rachael Blackmore Henry De Bromhead (IRE) |
Leading Trainers in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle
- W P Mullins - 9 wins and 14 places from 49 runners (-8.94)
- Noel Meade - 1 win and 2 places from 17 runners (-14.75)
- Gordon Elliott - 1 win and 1 place from 13 runners (+2.00)
The leading trainer in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle over the last 20 renewals is W P Mullins, who has won the race 9 times. Those 9 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).
Leading Jockeys in the Channor Group Novice Hurdle
- Paul Townend - 7 wins and 2 places from 12 rides (+22.31)
- 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 7 times. Those 7 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). 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 10 rides to the race without recording any wins.
Channor Group Novice Hurdle Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): ,(1,4),1,1,1,3,1,6,(3,7),3,3,1,3,1,2,1,2,1,1,1,1
- 20 / 20 (68%) - Achieved a TS of 88+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (69%) - Carried 155 - 163lbs (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (69%) - Had 3 - 10 placings (Career)
- 20 / 20 (71%) - Break of 19 - 175 days (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (73%) - Had 2 - 8 placings (Hurdle)
- 20 / 20 (73%) - Off a break of 13 - 51 days
- 20 / 20 (74%) - Achieved an RPR of 115+ (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (76%) - Had 1 - 3 wins (Hurdle)
- 20 / 20 (77%) - Had 1 - 4 wins (180 Days)
- 20 / 20 (77%) - Ran in 4 - 11 races (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (80%) - Had 2 - 8 placings (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (80%) - Ran in 3 - 8 races (180 Days)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Furthest Placed 2m4f - 3m1½f
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Not BB/BR/GR in colour
- 18 / 20 (71%) - Won by at least ¾l (Last Win)
Channor Group Novice Hurdle Trend Shortlist
- 15/15 Jasmin De Vaux (5/4)
- W P Mullins (49-9-23 -8.94 / -6.83)
- Paul Townend (12-7-9 +22.31 / +13.19)
Others: Honesty Policy (14/15), Argento Boy (14/15), Fleur In The Park (13/15), Cardcounter (12/15), Familiar Dreams (12/15), Jarrive De Mee (11/15) and Luckinthecity (10/15).
2025 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.
For sponsorship purposes, the 2025 renewal of the Champion INH Flat Race will hold the title of 'Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race'.
Over the last 20 renewals, it was the Noel Meade trained Leading Run ridden by Ms N Carberry who set the fastest winning time in the Champion INH Flat Race, the runner won the race in a time of 3:38.60 which was set when winning the race in 2006. At the other end of the scale, it was the combination of trainer Thomas Carberry and jockey Mr A T Duff with Kings Glen who set the slowest winning time, the race-winning time was 7:56.10 in the 2007 renewal.
These are the top three quickest-run Champion INH Flat Race over the last 20 renewals:
- 2006 - Leading Run (3:38.60)
- 2004 - Geill Sli (3:41.90)
- 2023 - A Dream To Share (3:53.80)
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 2015 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 129% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £129 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 20 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -13.85.
Champion INH Flat Race Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Champion INH Flat Race:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2019 | Colreevy (IRE) 6yo 11-7 4/1 | Mr J J Codd W P Mullins (IRE) |
Leading Trainers in the Champion INH Flat Race
- W P Mullins - 6 wins and 6 places from 35 runners (+7.41)
- Noel Meade - 2 wins and 4 places from 12 runners (+5.00)
- 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 6 times. Those 6 winners came from Blow By Blow (2016), Tornado Flyer (2018), Colreevy (2019), Kilcruit (2021), Facile Vega (2022) & Redemption Day (2024). The only other trainer to have recorded multiple wins in the Champion INH Flat Race is Noel Meade (2 wins). 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 15 runners to the race without recording any wins.
Leading Jockeys in the Champion INH Flat Race
- Mr Derek O'Connor - 2 wins and 5 places from 16 rides (+3.38)
- Mr P W Mullins - 1 win and 4 places from 7 rides (-5.47)
- Mr M J O'Hare - 1 win and 1 place from 5 rides (+12.00)
The leading jockey in the Champion INH Flat Race over the last 20 renewals is Mr Derek O'Connor who has won the race 2 times. Those 2 winners came from Canaly (2017) & Kilcruit (2021). 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): ,2,4,1,4,7,5,2,(5,8),5,1,UR,4,2,3,2,2,3,1,1,8
- 20 / 20 (69%) - Beaten no more -16½l (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Achieved an RPR of 104+ (Career)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Achieved an RPR of 92+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Carried 140 - 166lbs (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Highest Placed is not LST/Cl5-6
- 19 / 20 (63%) - No bigger than 16/1
- 19 / 20 (87%) - Won within last 9 starts
- 18 / 20 (64%) - No bigger than 14/1 (LTO)
- 18 / 20 (70%) - 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 (79%) - In a G1-3/Cl3-4 (LTO)
- 18 / 20 (81%) - Not on GS/FM (Last Win)
- 18 / 20 (82%) - Not in FRA/SCO/WAL (Last Win)
- 18 / 20 (83%) - Furthest Won 2m - 4m½f
Champion INH Flat Race Trend Shortlist
- 15/15 Colcannon (11/4)
- Noel Meade (12-2-6 +5.00 / +3.45)
- Mr Derek O'Connor (16-2-7 +3.38 / +2.01)
Others: Bambino Fever (14/15), Classical Creek (14/15), Switch From Diesel (13/15), Kalypsochance (13/15), Copacabana (12/15) and Sunny South West (12/15).
2025 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.
For sponsorship purposes, the 2025 renewal of the Punchestown Gold Cup will hold the title of 'Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup'.
When looking over the last 20 renewals, a time of 6:09.10 was set by Neptune Collonges in 2008, which is the quickest time over that period, the runner was trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by R Walsh. The slowest winning time was set in 2013 when Sir Des Champs won in a time of 6:52.80, booked to ride was Davy Russell on this W P Mullins trained runner.
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)
- 2004 - Beef Or Salmon (6:17.10)
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 2021 when the race had an over-round of 110%. 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 116% which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £116 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 20 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -2.77.
Punchestown Gold Cup Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Punchestown Gold Cup:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2019 | Kemboy (FR) 7yo 11-10 13/8F | R Walsh W P Mullins (IRE) |
Leading Trainers in the Punchestown Gold Cup
- W P Mullins - 5 wins and 14 places from 39 runners (-22.67)
- 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 5 times. Those 5 winners came from Sir Des Champs (2013), Boston Bob (2014), Bellshill (2018), Kemboy (2019) & Allaho (2022). 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
- J J Slevin - 2 wins and 0 places from 2 rides (+23.50)
- Paul Townend - 1 win and 5 places from 11 rides (-8.80)
- Sam Twiston-Davies - 1 win and 0 places from 1 ride (+3.33)
The leading jockey in the Punchestown Gold Cup over the last 20 renewals is J J Slevin who has won the race 2 times. Those 2 winners came from Fastorslow (2023) & Fastorslow (2024).
Punchestown Gold Cup Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): ,1,1,1,3,1,1,4,PU,3,1,1,2,4,1,3,1,2,1,2,2
- 20 / 20 (76%) - Ran in 11 - 28 races (Career)
- 20 / 20 (77%) - No bigger than 20/1
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Had 7 - 17 placings (Career)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - Ran in 6 - 25 races (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Ran over 1m4f - 2m2f (Debut)
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Ran in 2 - 7 races (1 Year)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Had 4 - 16 placings (Non-Hcps)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Furthest ran 2m5f - 3m6f
- 20 / 20 (87%) - In a field of 6 - 30 (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Fewer than 7 races (Season)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Ran in 4 - 22 races (Chase)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - No more than +3yrs (Vs Min Age)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Ran in 2 - 6 races (180 Days)
- 18 / 20 (69%) - Won within last 4 starts
- 18 / 20 (78%) - Not fallen (Season)
Punchestown Gold Cup Trend Shortlist
- 15/15 Spillanes Tower (5/2)
- James Joseph Mangan (0-0-0 0.00 / 0.00)
- Mark Walsh (4-0-0 -4.00 / -4.00)
Others: Banbridge (14/15), Montys Star (14/15) and Galopin Des Champs (13/15).
2025 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.
For sponsorship purposes, the 2025 renewal of the Punchestown Handicap Chase will hold the title of 'Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase'.
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)
- 2004 - Prince Of Pleasure (5:01.40)
- 2006 - Euro Leader (5:03.20)
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 20 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -16.50.
Punchestown Handicap Chase Past Winners
Here are the past five winners of the Punchestown Handicap Chase:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2019 | O O Seven (IRE) 9yo 11-1 16/1 | Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson (GB) |
Leading Trainers in the Punchestown Handicap Chase
- W P Mullins - 7 wins and 8 places from 37 runners (+24.83)
- A L T Moore - 1 win and 1 place from 15 runners (-7.00)
- Henry De Bromhead - 1 win and 1 place from 13 runners (-9.25)
The leading trainer in the Punchestown Handicap Chase over the last 20 renewals is W P Mullins, who has won the race 7 times. Those 7 winners came from Jasmin DOudairies (2005), Euro Leader (2006), Jy Vole (2009), Polmar (2010), Scotsirish (2011), Patricks Park (2018) & Royal Rendezvous (2022). There are multiple trainers who have not had the best of times over the last 20 renewals in the Punchestown Handicap Chase, Gordon Elliott (0-14), Noel Meade (0-12), Paul Nolan (0-11) & E J O'Grady (0-11) 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 11 rides (+8.50)
- Jonathan Moore - 2 wins and 0 places from 4 rides (+30.00)
- Rachael Blackmore - 1 win and 0 places from 6 rides (-2.25)
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): ,2,4,(1,2),1,5,9,8,10,4,5,2,PU,5,7,PU,PU,3,5,F,1
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Ran in 7 - 36 races (Career)
- 20 / 20 (83%) - Furthest ran 2m4f - 3m4f
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Fewer than 10 races (Trip)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Within the first 14 of the market
- 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%) - Ran in 1 - 4 races (90 Days)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - No bigger than 12/1 (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Ran over 1m4f - 2m4f (Debut)
- 19 / 20 (83%) - Beaten no more -34l (LTO)
- 19 / 20 (88%) - No older than a 10yo
- 19 / 20 (89%) - Achieved an RPR of 122+ (Hcps)
- 18 / 20 (75%) - No bigger than 20/1 (LTO)
- 17 / 20 (79%) - Won within last 9 starts
Punchestown Handicap Chase Trend Shortlist
- 15/15 Lightkeeper (8/1)
- Gordon Elliott (14-0-0 -14.00 / -14.00)
- Jordan Gainford (2-0-0 -2.00 / -2.00)
Others: Indiana Jones (14/15), James Du Berlais (14/15), Riaan (14/15), The King Of Prs (14/15), Blue Lord (14/15), Lets Go Champ (14/15), Must Be Obeyed (13/15), Adamantly Chosen (13/15), Grange Walk (13/15), Visionarian (12/15), Fighting Fit (12/15), So Scottish (11/15), Seddon (11/15) and Mars Harper (10/15).
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
