Cathryn Fry tipped 13/2 winner Jeriko du Reponet yesterday on Day 3 of The Punchestown Festival 2025, and is back building to continue her excellent recent tipping record ahead of Friday’s card.
The Punchestown Festival 2025: Friday Tips
A better day yesterday with the Nicky Henderson gelding going in for us, whilst Mozzie’s Sister ran on well to finish second and our little dark horse, and horse to follow Janes Harbour continues to catch the eye. Keep her in your trackers, she ran on from a mile back to finish fourth. Onto day four where racing fans are in for a blockbuster showdown at Punchestown on Friday evening as Constitution Hill, State Man, and Golden Ace line up for what trainer Nicky Henderson is calling the “decider” in the Boodles Champion Hurdle.
The Punchestown Festival 2025: Boodles Champion Hurdle
The trio meet again following a dramatic and chaotic renewal of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, where both Constitution Hill and State Man failed to complete—leaving the door wide open for 25-1 outsider Golden Ace to claim a stunning victory under Lorcan Williams. There was barely time to recover from Constitution Hill’s fall four out before State Man, seemingly cruising to victory, crashed out at the final hurdle. It was Jeremy Scott’s mare who seized the moment, galloping clear for a career-defining win, with 66-1 shot Burdett Road chasing her home.
The Punchestown Festival 2025: Rivalries Renewed
Now, all three return for what promises to be a thrilling rematch in front of a buzzing Punchestown crowd. After another uncharacteristic fall at Aintree, Constitution Hill comes into the race under scrutiny, but Henderson remains optimistic. With regular jockey Nico de Boinville still sidelined, James Bowen takes the reins for the first time. After steering Jeriko Du Reponet to victory earlier in the week, Bowen was feeling upbeat.
On the other side of the fence, Jeremy Scott believes Golden Ace is ready to back up her Cheltenham heroics. Scott confirmed the mare left for Ireland on Wednesday and will be aimed at defending her title at next year’s Cheltenham Festival following a well-earned summer break. State Man, meanwhile, returns to familiar territory in search of a third straight Champion Hurdle win at Punchestown. Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins has said the team is confident he can bounce back from his Cheltenham fall. The other Mullins runner, the County winner Kargese is not out of it, either.
Absurde (also trained by Mullins) who finished third to her at Cheltenham destroyed the field in the Sussex Champion Hurdle recently. I have no bet in the race, I just want them all home safe and sound! It’s a race to saviour.
The Punchestown Festival 2025: It’s On The Line
Our selections for today are IT’S ONE THE LINE (4.15), winner of this race the last twice. Second again in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham for the successive year. Whilst you’d be slightly cautious on backing favourites this week. This now loves the track and is still a young horse in this sphere.
The Punchestown Festival 2025: Naturally Nimble
I’ve been banging on about NATURALLY NIMBLE (7.15) all season. He’s down in grade here and wears pieces for the first time after falling at Aintree. Trainer and Jockey in great form so far and the vibes are positive. The continued drying ground will suit, too.
By Cathryn Fry
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