Archive›Punchestown · 28 April 2026

Punchestown

28 April 2026 · 8 races

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2:30 — Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Chase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup

3m½f · Good To Soft · DEFAULT · 9 runners

3 vying for the leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Knockiel Synge and Keep On Dreaming led, as the map showed.

Fountain House won at 3.25 — raced midfield, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 9 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 3

Knockiel SyngeKeep On DreamingGrange Soldier

Prominent · 1

Turnupdevolume

Midfield · 2

SamdegodaFound A Star

Hold Up · 3

WillitgoaheadEmpire SoldierFountain House

Knockiel Synge, Keep On Dreaming and Grange Soldier will ensure a strong gallop from the start over this stamina-sapping 3m4f trip. The veteran Knockiel Synge loves to bowl along in front here, while Keep On Dreaming showed early pace at Tipperary and Grange Soldier typically races prominently before fading. This sustained tempo over testing ground will stretch the field and expose stamina limitations. The relentless pace strongly favours hold-up horses with proven staying power who can pick up the pieces when the pace-setters weaken.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Dominate

65% probability

If the three confirmed front-runners maintain their typical aggressive approach from flag-fall

The sustained gallop will stretch this modest field and expose stamina weaknesses, allowing patient horses to sweep past tired leaders in the final half-mile.

WillitgoaheadFountain HouseEmpire SoldierSamdegoda

Front-Runner Survives Pressure

20% probability

If Knockiel Synge uses his course experience to dictate a more measured pace early

The 12-year-old can conserve energy for a telling kick, using his proven course form and tactical awareness to repel late challenges.

Knockiel SyngeKeep On DreamingWillitgoaheadFountain House

Prominent Racers Control

10% probability

If the pace collapses with front-runners going too slow or making errors

Turnupdevolume can use his course-and-distance second from 2023 to track the leaders and pounce when they falter over the unique obstacles.

TurnupdevolumeKeep On DreamingKnockiel SyngeWillitgoahead

Stamina Test Eliminates Field

5% probability

If the combination of distance, ground conditions and obstacles proves too demanding

Multiple horses will fail to complete, leaving a depleted finish where any horse staying on strongly can claim victory regardless of ability.

Empire SoldierSamdegodaFound A StarGrange Soldier

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Knockiel Synge making his first appearance for 364 days at age 12 may struggle with race fitness despite his course-winning experience

WATCH

Empire Soldier has failed to complete this course in both previous attempts and may not handle the unique cross-country obstacles

NOTE

Turnupdevolume returning after nearly a year off following his excellent second place in this exact race 12 months ago

WATCH

Grange Soldier typically fades in the closing stages and carries the 'fades in finish' warning with an inexperienced rider

NOTE

The combination of good-to-soft going and 3m4f distance will severely test stamina reserves in this modest field

3:05 — Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle

2m3½f · Good To Soft · HCAP · 27 runners

Laughing John to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Accustomed led; the map had Laughing John in front.

Powerful won at 10.00 — raced prominently, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

10 of 24 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Laughing John

Prominent · 11

OnlymammycanlovemePowerfulJudicial DeferenceDaylatedollarshortGrandero BelloFreshers WeekSan HilarioSticwiththeprocessRakkiBright LegendAssertive Walk

Midfield · 8

Must Go NowAlmuhitOnefortheditchWhatsavailableMoylussaKrabatAnother High FiveAccustomed

Hold Up · 7

Matt ConnorPat's LegacyMoon MissionMoabUnion ParkKobalt St GeorgesFairlander

Laughing John is the sole committed front-runner and will set a manageable gallop without pressure early. Behind him, 11 runners including Judicial Deference, Daylatedollarshort, San Hilario, and Onlymammycanloveme will create a bottleneck in the prominent positions, leading to inevitable traffic problems turning for home. The hold-up horses like Matt Connor, Union Park, and Moab will benefit from the early steady pace but face the challenge of weaving through tiring horses. This race shape strongly favours the patient hold-up brigade who can stay out of trouble and finish fastest when others tire.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-up horses dominate

45% probability

If Laughing John sets a steady pace and the prominent group gets in each other's way

The patient finishers get the perfect setup with a solid gallop to aim at and tiring horses ahead to pick off. Matt Connor and Union Park can unleash their finishing kicks when it matters most.

Matt ConnorUnion ParkMoabPat's Legacy

Front division stays strong

30% probability

If the early pace is genuinely solid and the prominent horses maintain their positions

Laughing John's sustainable speed combines with the class of Judicial Deference and Daylatedollarshort to hold off late challengers. The leaders have enough left in the tank to resist the closers.

Laughing JohnJudicial DeferenceDaylatedollarshortSan Hilario

Mid-race pace collapse

15% probability

If Laughing John goes too slow and the field bunches up approaching the final turn

The race becomes a sprint finish where the handiest horses in good positions prosper over stamina. Onlymammycanloveme and Powerful can quicken best from their prominent berths when the race explodes.

OnlymammycanlovemePowerfulSticwiththeprocessRakki

Tactical mess unfolds

10% probability

If multiple prominent runners try to improve position simultaneously causing major interference

The race becomes a lottery where positioning luck trumps ability, favouring horses drawn away from trouble. Outsiders like Fairlander and Another High Five can capitalize on the chaos ahead.

FairlanderAnother High FiveAccustomedMoylussa

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Daylatedollarshort and Judicial Deference will clash for prominent positions causing severe traffic problems

WATCH

Laughing John's 62-day absence could see him tire late despite having the race run to suit

WATCH

San Hilario's ten-race losing streak over hurdles continues despite consistent placed efforts

NOTE

Matt Connor's 93-day gap includes Flat runs but his hold-up style suits this race perfectly

NOTE

Union Park at massive odds could outrun expectations if getting the patient ride his style demands

3:40 — Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

2m½f · Good To Soft · LST · 21 runners

3 vying for the leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Full Of Life led, as the map showed.

Kalix Delabarriere won at 11.00 — was held up, where the map had it raced prominently.

10 of 21 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 3

Touch Me NotFull Of LifeJet To Monte Carlo

Prominent · 8

MurciaKalix DelabarriereMode AvionBalko d'AngeKhrismaWashingtonWe're Red And BlueAutumn Twist

Midfield · 4

Arch EmpireRockymountainbleuLarzacFrankendael

Hold Up · 6

KarbauLord ErskineI'm SlippyMesserschmittDavy CrockettPutapoundinthejar

Touch Me Not, Full Of Life, and Jet To Monte Carlo will ensure a strong gallop from the flag with all three confirmed front-runners likely to commit early. This sustained pace over 2m½f on yielding ground will create a stamina test, particularly as Full Of Life has shown she can make all in Grade company and Touch Me Not has natural pace. The relentless tempo will set up the race for hold-up horses with tactical speed to pick off tired leaders, while prominent racers with stamina will also benefit. This race shape strongly favours hold-up performers and stamina-laden types who can finish strongly off a searching gallop.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Brigade Strikes

45% probability

If the three leaders maintain a genuine gallop throughout and weaken inside the final half-mile

The strong pace will soften up the front-runners, allowing patient hold-up horses with tactical speed to sweep past tired leaders in the closing stages. Karbau and I'm Slippy can benefit from their proven ability to finish strongly off strong paces.

KarbauI'm SlippyRockymountainbleuLord Erskine

Prominent Tracker Prevails

30% probability

If one of the prominent racers can track the pace without over-racing and maintain stamina reserves

Khrisma or We're Red And Blue can position perfectly behind the leaders and have enough left to strike when the pace-setters weaken. Their tactical positioning allows them to benefit from the strong gallop while avoiding the early pace battle.

KhrismaWe're Red And BlueMurciaKalix Delabarriere

Front-Runner Survives Test

15% probability

If Touch Me Not or Full Of Life can dictate at a more measured tempo than expected

One of the leaders manages the pace better than rivals anticipate and has enough stamina reserves to repel late challengers. Full Of Life's Grade 3 winning form suggests she can sustain a gallop over this trip.

Full Of LifeTouch Me NotJet To Monte CarloMode Avion

Pace Collapses Early

10% probability

If the three leaders go too fast early and all three crack before the final furlong

The early pace battle becomes unsustainable, leaving the race at the mercy of horses that settled further back but lack the tactical speed to capitalize. This scenario opens the door for unconsidered hold-up horses who rarely win but benefit from chaos.

MesserschmittWashingtonFrankendaelLarzac

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Touch Me Not and Full Of Life both returning from breaks of 47-48 days which could compromise their fitness for this stamina test

WATCH

Karbau stopped quickly when beaten at Fairyhouse last time according to jockey report despite being favourite

NOTE

Khrisma represents in-form Henderson yard making rare Irish raid but pulled up after bad mistake last time

WATCH

Mode Avion faces a 14lb higher mark than his easy handicap debut win just three weeks ago

NOTE

Several Mullins runners including Karbau, Murcia, and Kalix Delabarriere give the champion trainer multiple chances

4:15 — PRL Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

2m½f · Good To Soft · G1 · 9 runners

Eachtotheirown to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Eachtotheirown led, as the map showed.

Eachtotheirown won at 17.00 — led, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Eachtotheirown

Prominent · 3

Skylight HustleToo Bossy For UsFree Spirit

Midfield · 2

Le LaboBlake

Hold Up · 3

El CairosSoberKoktail Brut

Eachtotheirown will lead from the gates with no other natural front-runners in this field, allowing Barry Connell's charge to dictate terms at a comfortable gallop. The prominent runners Skylight Hustle, Free Spirit and Too Bossy For Us will track the leader in the early stages, while the hold-up brigade of El Cairos, Sober, Blake, Koktail Brut and Le Labo will be held up towards the rear. With only one pace-setter and soft ground conditions, this sets up as a tactical affair that will develop into a sprint from the final flight. This race shape strongly favours the hold-up horses who can produce their best turn of foot late in the piece.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-up horses dominate

60% probability

If Eachtotheirown sets modest fractions and the race becomes a sprint from the last

The patient tactics allow the class horses to unleash their finishing kicks when it matters most. El Cairos, Sober, Blake and Koktail Brut all have the speed and class to capitalise on this scenario.

El CairosSoberBlakeKoktail Brut

Prominent trackers strike

25% probability

If the pace quickens approaching the home turn and the hold-up horses get caught flat-footed

Skylight Hustle and Too Bossy For Us are perfectly placed to capitalise when the tempo lifts. Their forward positions allow them to kick clear before the back-markers can respond.

Skylight HustleToo Bossy For UsFree SpiritEl Cairos

Front-runner stays brave

10% probability

If Eachtotheirown maintains his gallop to the line and the pursuers fail to catch him

The yielding ground and lack of early pressure allows the leader to conserve energy for a strong finish. His previous front-running victories at Galway and Thurles prove he can make all when conditions suit.

EachtotheirownSkylight HustleToo Bossy For UsBlake

Chaos and mistakes

5% probability

If multiple horses make jumping errors or fall at crucial stages of the race

The novice nature of this field means blunders are likely, opening up opportunities for horses who maintain fluent jumping. Blake and Le Labo have both shown vulnerability at obstacles previously.

BlakeFree SpiritSoberToo Bossy For Us

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Eachtotheirown could steal this if allowed an uncontested lead with his front-running style perfectly suited to these conditions

WATCH

Blake returns quickly from a fall just 23 days ago which could affect his jumping confidence at crucial stages

WATCH

Le Labo has fallen or unseated in three of his five hurdles starts, making him a risky proposition despite his ability

NOTE

El Cairos and Koktail Brut renew rivalry after their previous encounters with the former seeking revenge for that Royal Bond defeat

NOTE

The Mullins quartet of Sober, Free Spirit and Too Bossy For Us could work in tandem to set this up for one of their number

4:50 — Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

3m1f · Good To Soft · G1 · 10 runners

Lead contested: Kitzbuhel v Predators GoldHISTORIC

How it ran

Oscars Brother and Kitzbuhel led, as the map showed.

Western Fold won at 19.00 — was held up, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 9 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 2

KitzbuhelPredators Gold

Prominent · 3

Fleur In The ParkKappa Jy PykeNowwhatdoyouthink

Midfield · 2

Lovely HurlingJuly Flower

Hold Up · 3

Western FoldSpanish HarlemOscars Brother

Kitzbuhel and Predators Gold will contest the early lead, with both confirmed front-runners likely to set a solid gallop over this 3m1f trip. Their presence ensures an honest pace throughout, preventing any stop-start tactics that could disadvantage the staying types. The extended distance and yielding ground will test stamina reserves in the final half-mile, with the pace likely to fragment the field. This race shape strongly favours hold-up horses and prominent racers with proven stamina, as they can capitalise on the pace collapse from the early leaders.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Capitalise

55% probability

If Kitzbuhel and Predators Gold duel early and fade late

The strong early gallop will set up perfectly for closers like July Flower, Western Fold and Spanish Harlem who can pick up the pieces. Their patient tactics and stamina reserves become decisive advantages when the pace collapses.

July FlowerWestern FoldSpanish HarlemOscars Brother

Front Runner Sustains

25% probability

If Kitzbuhel gets an uncontested lead and controls the tempo

The class horse can dictate terms without serious pressure, saving energy for a sustained drive to the line. His Grade 1 credentials and Townend's tactical nous prove decisive in a truly-run staying test.

KitzbuhelKappa Jy PykeFleur In The ParkJuly Flower

Prominent Racer Strikes

12% probability

If the early pace is moderate allowing prominent horses to stay connected

Horses like Kappa Jy Pyke and Fleur In The Park can track the leaders without over-racing and strike late. Their positioning advantage and fresh conditions favour them over both leaders and hold-up horses.

Kappa Jy PykeFleur In The ParkKitzbuhelJuly Flower

Pace Collapses Completely

8% probability

If both front-runners are pulled up or fall early in the race

The field bunches up creating a sprint finish that could favour any horse with tactical speed. Form and class become less relevant as positioning and luck dominate the outcome.

NowwhatdoyouthinkOscars BrotherWestern FoldSpanish Harlem

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Spanish Harlem has fallen in three of his last five starts and represents a clear jumping risk for others

WATCH

Predators Gold showed rusty jumping on comeback at Navan and could make errors under amateur rider

NOTE

Kitzbuhel needs watching if Predators Gold goes with him early as neither may want to give way

WATCH

Western Fold's recent Thurles pull-up suggests possible issues despite Elliott's confidence in running

NOTE

July Flower requires strong pace to be effective so watch for her position turning for home

5:25 — Goffs Defender Bumper

2m½f · Good To Soft · DEFAULT · 20 runners

Pace map not available — insufficient prior race data for this field.

6:05 — William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)

2m½f · Good To Soft · G1 · 5 runners

Blood Destiny to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Il Etait Temps and Marine Nationale led; the map had Blood Destiny in front.

Il Etait Temps won at 1.73 — led, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

1 of 5 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Blood Destiny

Prominent · 2

MajboroughMarine Nationale

Midfield · 1

Energumene

Hold Up · 1

Il Etait Temps

Blood Destiny will lead from the flag with his front-running style, setting what should be a steady tempo over this 2m½f trip without serious early pressure from the prominent racers. Majborough, Energumene, Marine Nationale and Il Etait Temps will all track within striking distance, creating a compact group behind the leader through the early stages. The pace will intensify from three out as the prominently-raced horses begin to close on Blood Destiny, setting up a sustained drive from the final fence. This tactical setup strongly favours the prominent racers who can track the pace and unleash their finishing kicks, rather than the pure front-runner or hold-up horse.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Power Prevails

55% probability

If the prominent racers track Blood Destiny comfortably and kick from three out

Majborough, Energumene and Marine Nationale can all utilise their class advantage over Blood Destiny when the tempo lifts approaching the business end. Their prominent style perfectly suits tracking the lone leader before asserting superiority in the closing stages.

MajboroughMarine NationaleEnergumeneIl Etait Temps

Front Runner Holds On

25% probability

If Blood Destiny maintains a strong gallop and the chasers leave their moves too late

The 7-year-old's stamina reserves could prove decisive if he can string out his pursuers over this demanding trip on yielding ground. His recent Naas Grade 3 win suggests he retains enough ability to exploit any tactical hesitation behind.

Blood DestinyMajboroughMarine NationaleEnergumene

Hold Up Hero Strikes

12% probability

If the early pace becomes genuinely strong and the prominent horses get drawn into battle

Il Etait Temps could benefit from Paul Townend's patient tactics if the others go too hard too soon in their pursuit of Blood Destiny. His hold-up style would allow him to pick up the pieces if the pace collapses the leaders.

Il Etait TempsMarine NationaleMajboroughBlood Destiny

Pace Collapse Chaos

8% probability

If Blood Destiny sets an unsustainably fast tempo under pressure from the field

A muddling, stop-start gallop could compromise all the prominent racers who rely on a true test of stamina and class. This tactical lottery scenario would favour whichever horse gets the clearest run rather than pure ability.

Marine NationaleIl Etait TempsEnergumeneMajborough

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Blood Destiny's early fractions will determine if this becomes a staying test or speed contest for the prominent racers

WATCH

Energumene's jumping under pressure at 12 years old could be the decisive factor if he gets into a battle

NOTE

Marine Nationale's fitness after 86-day break may only surface in the final furlong under maximum pressure

WATCH

Il Etait Temps needs the pace to collapse to get competitive from his hold-up position in this tactical setup

NOTE

Majborough's response to first-time headgear removal could indicate Willie Mullins' confidence levels

6:35 — Willie Coonan Memorial INH Flat Race

2m½f · Good To Soft · DEFAULT · 20 runners

Pace map not available — insufficient prior race data for this field.

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 28 April 2026.

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