UPDATED 5:24PM, APR 27 2021
An unraced four-year-old trained by Willie Mullins that was heavily backed for the closing bumper (7.35) at Punchestown on Tuesday has been withdrawn on veterinary advice.
The Ballylinch Stud-owned Glowing Account had been shortened to a general 2-1 shot (from 7) when making the cut for the day one finale, but now misses the race.
Glowing Account s stablemate Hara Kiri, who was favourite until this morning s market move, heads the betting again at a general 11-4 and is the mount of Patrick Mullins.
There is little to choose between Envoi Allen and Monkfish in the market for the blockbuster Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (6.30) at Punchestown.
UPDATED 8:53AM, APR 29 2021
Galopin Des Champs did not enter spring as Willie Mullins most exciting staying novice chase prospect for next season, but he is now coming out of it as that.
Now 8-1 clear favourite with both Ladbrokes and Paddy Power to follow in the footsteps of stablemate Monkfish by winning the 2022 Brown Advisory Novices Chase, Galopin Des Champs produced a performance right out of the top drawer to topple two other festival winners from last month.
It is only 80 days since Galopin Des Champs was sent off at 100-1 at the Dublin Racing Festival. He was only sixth to Appreciate It in the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle, but he has turned inside out in the last two and a half months and backed up his Martin Pipe victory at Cheltenham with an even more emphatic one here.
Johnny Ward takes you through Thursday’s feature race. By William Hill Wednesday 28 Apr 2021, 10:28 AM Apr 28th 2021, 10:28 AM 2,760 Views 2 Comments
AFTER ITS POSTPONEMENT 12 months ago, the Punchestown Festival has made a welcome return to the racing calendar this week.
Each day, racing journalist Johnny Ward brings you a preview of the feature race and his best tip along with William Hill’s latest prices.
Next up, he looks ahead to Thursday’s big one… Ronald Pump, ridden by Keith Donoghue. Source: PA
Champion Stayers Hurdle, 5.25pm Thursday (live on RTÉ2)
The Champion Stayers Hurdle (5.25), the feature on day three at Punchestown, sees Flooring Porter attempt to reaffirm that he is top dog in this division, even if some may still have their doubts.
UPDATED 2:40PM, APR 27 2021
An unraced four-year-old trained by Willie Mullins has slipped into the closing bumper (7.35) at Punchestown on Tuesday as a first reserve and been heavily backed.
It is yet to be confirmed who will take the ride on the Ballylinch Stud-owned
Glowing Account, who has tumbled into a general 2-1 shot (from 7) since his place in the race was finalised.
Glowing Account s stablemate Hara Kiri, who was favourite until this morning s market move, has Patrick Mullins aboard but will need to settle better than when finishing third at Gowran Park in January.
Elsewhere, the money is coming for Allaho before his clash with stablemate Chacun Pour Soi in today s William Hill Champion Chase (5.25) at Punchestown.
Monday
The calm before the storm and with the British jumps season having come to a thrilling climax on Saturday, six Flat meetings across Britain and Ireland start a fascinating week.
The pick of the day s racing comes from Navan where the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes (2.25) is the feature of an eight-race card.
Ayr hosts the first of its two-day meeting to herald the beginning of its Flat season, Lingfield and Southwell host all-weather afternoon fixtures and Windsor and Thirsk keep the action going well into the evening.
Tuesday
The jumps season might be over in Britain, but there is plenty still to play for in Ireland as the five-day Punchestown festival gets under way with three Grade 1s.