The Punchestown Festival, the traditional end to the Irish national hunt season. The racing is always competitive and of the highest quality. I’ve been lucky enough to go a few times and I hope that I get to again. It’s great to see some English raiders making the journey, long may that continue.
Punchestown Festival 2026: Cathryn Fry’s Huge Day 1 Tips
As the end of season prizes are distributed, it’s amazing that Gordon Elliott sits more than €150,000 clear of Willie Mullins in the Irish trainers’ championship and still isn’t seriously considering a first title. This underlines the scale of the challenge he faces every season.
Such is Mullins’ dominance that it feels almost inevitable he will once again sweep up a host of Grade One prizes at the upcoming Punchestown Festival and overhaul Elliott to land a remarkable 20th championship. The opening day does not disappoint. There are a few here that catch my eye. Let’s hope some of the Cheltenham luck follows us across the sea.
Punchestown Festival: Almuhit (3.05)
I am torn between two here, so I thought I may as well give both a mention. Firstly: Almuhit, second in this contest 12 months ago, looks to have been targeted at the race once again. Making his first appearance for Faye Bramley in last year’s renewal, he finished strongly from off the pace to claim the runner-up spot and shaped like a horse with plenty left to offer.
His current mark still looks lenient when compared to his Flat ability, and as a seven-year-old he remains open to further progress over hurdles. The eye-catching booking of Harry Cobden only adds to the appeal. Secondly: Sticwiththeprocess has been in the notebook all season, for the usual reasons. Blinkers replace cheekpieces and the tongue-tie from his last run is retained. With this horse, watch the market.
Punchestown Festival: Skylight Hustle (4:15)
Skylight Hustle had a torrid time at Cheltenham. He was kicked at the start, ran too free and fell three out. You can put a line through that run. A hood is applied here. Sam Ewing takes the ride as Jack Kennedy sticks with El Carrios.
Punchestown Festival: Lovely Hurdling (4:50)
I think the flying grey Kitzbuel had a hard enough race at Cheltenham. I’d be worried about that leaving a mark. I was surprised to see Lovely Hurling (4.50) engaged here as I had him down as a handicap fancy. However, I think he could make the most of this race, as he’s fresh compared to most of them. If you look at who he has finished runner-up to this season, they read: Kopek De Border, Kargese and Final Demand. Trainer Colm Murphy is an absolute master of his trade and I feel Lovely Hurling could have been prepared for this.
Punchestown Festival: Pretty Fortunate (6:35)
Nicky Henderson loves a winner at Punchestown and his well bred Pretty Fortunate (6.35) makes plenty of appeal on paper. A half-sister to a pair of black-type performers, she comes from a family that suggests plenty of ability, and her yard has a strong record of introducing talented bumper horses at this meeting. With Declan Lavery an eye-catching booking in the saddle.
By Cathryn Fry
Please note that the information provided in this Punchestown Festival Day 1 article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
