It’s already been a fast-paced week of racing action at Punchestown.
And Thursday’s card is set to deliver once again and is packed with action, with the main event taking place in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at 6pm.
Before that, Willie Mullins will see three of his runners, Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps and Hercule Du Seuil, go head to head in the Grade One Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, which will also be a thriller.
Punchestown always puts on a delightful racing spectacle, and Rachael Blackmore, Betfair ambassador offers inside information on his five trips on Thursday.
Punchestown Thursday
3.40 – Shoe Chain
Catena Zapata was a bit of a disappointment on the last day at Fairyhouse. That was her first handicap race of hers and we hope that now she can do better. We hope that in a nicer field she can improve.
He has some good races under his belt, his race at Punchestown in January was a good race and he is a double winner on the flat. I hope he can be in the reorganization.
4.15 – Gua Du Grande
Gua Du Large won very well at Tramore a week and a half ago and has come out of the race in good form. It was only his fifth race over fences, so we hope he can improve again.
He has a lower hurdle score than hurdles and comes into the race in good shape, so we expect a great race from him.
6.00 – Mrs. Lantry
Lantry Lady ran very well last time and finished fourth behind Lossiemouth in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. That was only her third obstacle overcoming, so here’s hoping there’s more to come from her.
The step forward in the journey should suit her, and any rain that falls will be a great help to her. Obviously this is going to be difficult, Teahupoo sets a high standard, but she is a lovely mare and we hope she can run well.
6.35 – Getting there easy
Coming Up Easy won his first hurdle race very well in Limerick on the final day. It jumped well and traveled well.
Obviously, this is a step up in the category, it is a competitive disadvantage, but he comes into the race in good shape and has a light weight on his back. We hope you can take another step.
7.05 – Native Theater
Theater Native is quite difficult to understand. She was excited about Fairyhouse when she won her first obstacle course race. She did well to win, given how enthusiastic she was.
We put a hood on him for the Grade 1 Honeysuckle Mares Novice Race at Fairyhouse at Easter, and he never actually took the bridle. So the hood is off now. We’re back on the road and on nicer terrain, so I hope all that helps. We think she is a filly that has a lot of ability and could do well here if she can put it all together.